America stands pretty much alone in treating people old enough to marry, vote and fight in wars like children. Time to let 18-year-olds drink and manage themselves, writes Froma Harrop. (Longmont Times-Call file)
Re: Let 18-year-olds drink alcohol, Jan. 24 Froma Harrop column.
As a father of five teenagers and young adults, I have often had to overcome the I can fight for our country but I can t have a beer objection as a reason for them to drink before turning 21. I never thought I would have to overcome that thinking from an adult columnist like Froma Harrop, but I will.
After first hearing this logic years ago, I sought advice from a medical professional and he told me to simply tell my kids this: The reason the drinking age is 21 is because the part of the brain most accountable for decision making is not fully developed in human beings until they are 21. Alcohol impairs the judgment and decision making of young drinkers, which increases the risk of negative behavior.
Harrop does not cite any medical reasons to lower the drinking age to 18 and only sees upside. If that is the case, why lower to 18 — why not 16 or 14?
Kevin Payne, Denver
This letter was published in the Jan. 31 edition.
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