How Old is Old Enough?

A recent Gallup Poll asked 1,001 adults if they would oppose a federal law that would lower the drinking age to 18.  With an error margin of 3% up or down, 77% said they would oppose.  How is it then I have not heard any protest among our population that our 18, 19, and 20 year olds are somehow considered mature enough to volunteer to lay their lives on the line for their country.

To me it indicates that a similar majority feel that those of this age group are adult enough, mature enough, to make instantaneous life or death decisions over who is the combatant and who is not in Iraq or Afghanistan.  Yet those of this age category are treated like children and forbidden by law to stop and order a beer at a local tavern.  Worse yet, dad or mom cannot even feel free to offer their 18, 19 or 20 year old a glass of wine in their own home much less, horror of horrors, a neighborhood party.

BIG BROTHER POLICE DEPARMENT is watching and ready to pounce.  And it makes no difference if those at the party are military veterans that have been through more unspeakable hell and misery in six months than the party spoilers have been in a lifetime.  Fight and die for your country if you like, but you’re too childlike to be allowed beer or wine.  And we will arrest you, and dad, for serving you.

I see no other way to interpret such hypocrisy but as mindless insensitivity to any sense of justice or common sense.  Come on young men and women.  You are being treated like children.  Call your congressperson.  Take to the streets if necessary.

Buz Cormany