I’ve been swamped with work lately — not that I’m complaining — but between SF Beer Week, personal issues and deadlines I’ve gotten behind on almost everything, including some Bulletin posts I’d been hoping to do. So over the next few days you may see some news that’s not really as newsy anymore, as I try to catch up. Case in point is an item about lowering the drinking age that aired on 60 Minutes in late February. I have to give CBS some credit, if for no other reason than they at least were willing to do a story that wasn’t completely one-sided, as is so often the case. Lesley Stahl’s piece did seem to approach the Choose Responsibility ideas with an air of skepticism, while appearing, at least to me, more accepting of MADD and other critics’ arguments. And naturally, the New Drys used the opportunity to continue spreading false information. Choose Responsibility — the organization advocating for lowering the drinking age to 18 created by former college dead John McCardell — was the focus of the 60 Minutes piece, and so also took the brunt of the New Drys’ attacks. They put up a rebuttal on their website to the misleading propaganda that aired during the piece. You can watch the original segment below, at Choose Responsibility or at CBS, where they also have a transcript available. Then check out Choose Responsibility’s rebuttal to get the full story, and also get a glimpse of how the New Drys use propaganda to further their ends.
This is a hard topic for me. I really liked the end idea of passing rigorous tests and receiving a license for 18 year olds to drink. I do not support MADD at all. They are like PETA too me and too militant and rigid with no room for consideration to the oppositions opinions, but they make the point that has always been on my mind about 18 year olds. They are still in high school in a lot of instances. 18 years old hung over for class and readily able to buy booze anytime? They are right that it only push it further down the line. The reason it is so tough for me however, is soldiers. They deserve the right to drink. But should it only be limited to those who serve?
There will no doubt be a backlash in the beginning of lowering the drinking age, but I am sure it will blow over like the smoking ban.
I just don’t know about this one. I have issue with 16 year olds driving let alone 18 year olds drinking. I hadn’t considered the license before and really love that idea. I just don’t know if they will ever go back. I see the pros and cons on both sides.