Concepts of Minimum Drinking Age

Table of Contents Position statement Appeals and Evidence Refutation Conclusion Work Cited Fixing a minimum drinking age for Americans has always brought out popular debates among American citizens. Since 1984, when an â€Å"act,† established came into law, here in the United States limiting the consumption of alcohol to persons aged 21 and older, there arose defender and attackers of the act. The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984 required all states to raise their minimum purchase and public possession of alcohol age to 21. States that did not comply faced a reduction in highway funds under the Federal Highway Aid Act.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concepts of Minimum Drinking Age specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Some of the supporters of the act acknowledge it as the best legislation ever made in American history. For one, it prohibits alcohol consumption under the age of 21, including the purchase of it. With the â€Å"legal† drinking age set at age 21, both the government and parents perceive this individual as mature and capable of making rational decisions as compared to an 18 year old person. Ironically, as people turn 18, the government allows them to have an identification card. With an identity card, an individual can join military, marry, fly airplanes, participate in pornography, and even work in private or public institutions. However, with all these legal rights allowing them to participate in all of the above activities, the law still bars them from consuming alcohol until they are at least age 21. This is where the debate entangles. The attackers of the Act wonder how, somebody who performs all these functions furthermore under law, cannot drink. Consider the supporter’s point of view: excessive alcohol consumption affects the health of consumers while subjecting them to diseases and accidents. Everyday accidents occur on roads due to drive rs being under the influence of alcohol. In hospitals, many are suffering from irreversible diseases that result from excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages, such as liver disease, and sadly, in dramatically increasing numbers, the misunderstandings between partners who happen to be consumers of this commodity are only increasing. On the other hand, doctors advise against alcohol consumption as it kills brain cells. Perhaps this is the major reason why there is a minimum drinking age. If young people become drunken masters, their educational intellect will be questionable courtesy of alcohol. (Lund Para. 2-11).Advertising Looking for essay on administrative law? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More During Vietnamese war, minimum drinking age limit was 18 years of age. Young sent to war consumed alcohol at will. As a result, those who remained back utilized this opportunity drinking even when driving. However, traffic accident s increased tremendously. This forced Congress to sanction American states in raising the minimum drinking age from 18 to 21 to control death cases. Since then, road accidents became minimal making road transport comfortable. The paper examines why Americans should never reduce the minimum drinking age from 21 to 18. Position statement The reason why Americans changed the minimum drinking age from 21 to 18 is that, young people caused harm and risks to not only to their lives, but also to other persons. At 18 years of age, most young persons are still undergoing physiological and psychological body changes associated with adolescence. Therefore, parents and governments should control the psychological behavior of young persons especially in colleges, rest they affect themselves physiologically. The issue of minimum drinking age came into limelight when highway accidents increased all over the states of America. This called on the government to exercise its powers so that these cases diminish. From the statistical report compiled by The National Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), road accidents committed by drivers under the age of 21 were more, as compared to those under 21 years between 1987 and 1996. This is because; the ‘act’ did not allow purchasing or possession of alcohol to persons less than 21 years of age. On the other hand, between 1882 and 1986, when the minimum drinking age was as from 18, stood at high percent only to drop by around 13 percent when the act became a law. (McCardell Para. 3-8). Appeals and Evidence All over the world, different countries have different minimum drinking age limits. Like in America, these countries have their own debates on this ‘act’. All Americans whether opposing it or supporting the act generally accept that, drinking among young people is sometimes harmful. For example, drinking at the age of between 18 and 20, reduce the sensitivity of these people making then vulnerable to excessiv e alcohol consumption. (McCardell Para. 10-17). Excessive alcohol consumption affects the physiological fitness of these people as they are still developing. Alcohol develops neural pathways in the brain and in a situation where the consumer is young, it leads to memory retardation and other physiological impairment associated with the brain. Therefore, increasing the minimum age from 18 to 21, means preserving young people from memory loss, excessive drinking and social and physical destructions.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Concepts of Minimum Drinking Age specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Young people at the age of 18 and 21 can engage in uncontrollable drinking behaviors than those above 21. Consequently, these people can participate in unruly and aggressive behaviors, which lead to highway accidents and other social and physical calamities. Most young people in United States colleges engage in binge drink ing; and guess the result is risky and abnormal activities like sexual behaviors, which make them vulnerable to sexually transmitted disease. The fixation of a minimum drinking age in United States is about cultural attitude where injuries, defiant behaviors and accidents become minimal. (Faler Para. 2-4). Refutation Some researchers argue that, the occurrence of road accidents is blame on the police and therefore, the minimum drinking age is subjective. On the contrary, these researchers must understand that, controlling road accidents start with psychological behaviors. Young people possessing vehicles and therefore, driving at a tender age, adding alcohol influence on their part, sum up to road accidents. Police cannot be under blame for mistakes committed under legal grounds. The law should be abiding and discourage those under 21 never to drink. The problem with uncontrolled young people is that, they utilize cultural and religious norms, government laws, media adverts, peer pr essure and family background to do malicious things. The debate should rather focus on the harmfulness of introducing alcohol to young persons and its impact in adulthood. Young people even less than 25 years of age are prone to a myriad of risks if they excessively consume alcohol. The best way however can be, to provide sound education to young persons. This cans help them realize the dangers or alcohol at a tender age and its impact on the brain, education, workplaces and in adulthood. Alcohol among the youth is responsible for unruly behavior in colleges and unnecessary demonstrations in public universities. In other occasions, transnational crimes and terrorism attacks receive propulsion from drug and alcohol abuse. With all these cultural and social effects, the minimum drinking age should be at 21. (Schlesinger and Jefferson Para 6-7).Advertising Looking for essay on administrative law? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion The law on minimum drinking age came into limelight when road and highway accidents increased. Most accidents occurred because drivers were under influence of alcohol. Although the government changed the minimum age from 21 to 18 during Vietnamese war, it later changed it back to 21 years. Since then, there has been minimal number of road accidents as compared to the former. This was success on the part of government and Americans at large. However, parents and tutors should be at the fore front counseling youths on the dangers of alcohol. If their attitude changes, they will start viewing themselves as not prisoners to law. On the other hand, driving schools should instruct their trainees not to drive while drunk. They can withdraw driving licenses of drivers who commit accidents if found to be under the influence of alcohol. Highway accidents do happen due to reckless driving. Reckless driving associates itself with poor concentrations, one of it being alcohol consumpti on. Lastly, law-enforcing agencies should ensure no young adult under the age of 18 and 20 involve in binge drinking. Alcohol consumption not only causes depression and stomach problems, but loss of life and property as well. Work Cited Faler, Mary. The Legal Drinking Age Debate: Should It Be Lowered? 2009. Web. Lund, Adrian. Protecting Teens from the Dangers of Alcohol Use and Abuse: Wishful Thinking versus Science. 2007. Web. McCardell, John. Commentary: Drinking Age of 21 Doesn’t Work.  2009. Web. Schlesinger, Robert, Jefferson, Thomas. The Drinking Age Debate: Time to Go From 21 to 18, But It’s Not an Easy Call. 2009. Web. This essay on Concepts of Minimum Drinking Age was written and submitted by user Abb1ga1l to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Law of All Land essays

The Law of All Land essays A Study of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges I. Introduction A Brief History of Diplomacy B. Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act of 1976 and Diplomatic Relations Act of 1978 IV. U.S. Policy on Diplomatic Immunity V. Abuses of Diplomatic Immunities and Privileges I. INTRODUCTION A Brief History of Diplomacy Sadaam Hussein emerged as public enemy number one because of his blatant disregard to international law and relations, in his continued hostage hold of U.S. diplomats. As a result, foreign and national security policies had to be enacted to handle the hostile foreign affair. Diplomacy became one of the chief instruments of foreign and national security employed in the Iranian hostage crisis and other international conflicts preceding and succeeding. The history of diplomacy can be traced to the intense diplomatic intercourse between ancient Egypt and its neighbors long before 1000 BC. Not until the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, however, did diplomacy begin to assume its modern form. Rules were developed by the Italian city-states to govern the appointment and conduct of ambassadors, and in 1455, Milan established the first permanent embassy in Genoa. In the sixteenth century, other European states followed the Italian example and appointed permanent ambassadors. Under the inf luence of sixteenth and seventeenth century writers, such as Hugo Grotius and Alberico Gentili, the privileges of diplomats were more precisely defined and incorporated in international law. The Congress of Vienna in 1815 and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic and Consular Relations in 1961 and 1963 defined and redefined, respectively, classes of diplomatic representatives. In the twentieth century, consular and diplomatic services, formerly separate, have been merged in many countries, including the United States (1924). Diplomacy is the activity of preventing and solving conflicts by representatives, namely diplo...

Demonstrates your understanding of communication theories by applying Essay

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Historical english paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Historical english - Research Paper Example Thou, as used in the play, has a meaning of the second person pronoun in the singular form. It is in its archaic form as it has been currently replaced by ‘you’. It is in the normative form. Its oblique or objective form is ‘thee,’ whereas the possessive form is ‘thine.’ The word following it in the sentence is ‘done,’ which begins with a consonant letter. ‘Thou’ was originally a singular counterpart of ‘ye’, a pronoun, which traces its origin in the Ancient Indo-Europe. Due to the language progress in the Indo-Europe, the word was later adapted and used in the expression of intimacy, disrespect, as well as familiarity. The word has been used in the inquisitive sentence by Horner to Quack. As stated, the word has been used in asking a question. It is preceded by the word, ‘hast’, which is also an archaic word. This is one of the common features of archaic words. In this case, Horner is using a commanding tone in asking the question to his colleague. This is a proof that the word is mainly used or applied in making interrogations, or in interrogating sentences. Using it in a sentence, especially in a play, implies direct approach of a particular character on the other. In general, the author of the play has used the word to succeed in the achievement of commanding tone in this section of the play. The tone is necessary for the smooth continuation or enhancement of the play’s plot. It is also a depiction of the relationship existing between the speaker, Horner and the addressee, Quack. Considering the general flow of the play and the character roles in the play, Horner is portrayed as a leader, a charismatic individual and a more aggressive person compared to many other characters in the play. Another instance where the word has been used is by Horner talking to Har. â€Å"But why shouldst thou be afraid†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Wycherley 26). The second word in the

How Christians put there believe of helping others into practise Essay Example for Free

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Prisons Dont Work Essay examples -- Critical Thinking Essays

Right now in the United States of America murderers, rapists, and child molesters are being set free. Prisoners are watching T.V., eating a meal, and using exercise equipment while law abiding citizens are starving and living in the gutters. Prisoners even have their own periodical. Dangerous criminals are walking the streets and crime is a way of life to many Americans. In America, crime does pay because our nations prison system is not working. The nations prison system must be changed because of major problems with the system such as overcrowding and the fact that early release programs do not work. Building more jails is expensive and does not solve anything. These problems can be solved by giving prisoners no chance for parole and imprisoning only violent offenders. The non-violent offenders should enter a work program for the duration of their sentence. Since 1980, jail and prison populations have grown by 172 percent(United States 11 Sept. 1994). Overcrowding is both inhumane to the prisoner and dangerous to the prison staff. When you put a lot of people, especially criminals, in close quarters tensions rise and the chance of a riot increases. If a riot occurs both prisoners and guards are put in danger. In Texas the jails are full. There is an estimated backlog of 29,000 state prisoners who are incarcerated in county jails awaiting new cells.(Brida 24 Nov. 1994) Texas is not the only state with overcrowding problems. For example, Ohios prison system is operating at 180 percent of capacity.(Varnam 16) Also, the federal prison system is 37 percent over-capacity(Clark 4 Feb. 1994). Statistics like this are found across the country. Prisons should have two objectives; 1) keep dangerous criminals off the streets ... ...ng more prisons cut the crime rate? The CQ Researcher 4 Feb. 1994URL:gopher://gopher.cqalert.com/0F1:25674:05CQR_FEBRUARY1994%20gopher. Cunniff, Mark A. and Patrick A. Langan. Recidivism of Felons on Probation, 1986-89. 24 Nov. 1994(found) URL:gopher://justice2. usdoj.gov/00/ojp/bjs/13. Prison Inmates To Work In Wildlife Management Areas.Associated Press 24 Nov. 1994(found) URL:gopher://gopher.cic.net/00/nircomm/ gopher/e-serials/general/education/univ-newspapers/daily- texan/today/94041507.s03_Prison.gz. Sanchez , Edward J. Look Beyond Capital Punishment. 26 Nov. 1994 (found) URL:?. United States. Department of Justice. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Probation And Parole Populations Reach New Highs. 11 Sept. 1994. URL:gopher://justice2.usdoj.gov/00/ojp/bjs/probpar.txt. Voters Get Tough On Criminals. The Associated Press 9 Nov. 1994. URL:?. Prisons Don't Work Essay examples -- Critical Thinking Essays Right now in the United States of America murderers, rapists, and child molesters are being set free. Prisoners are watching T.V., eating a meal, and using exercise equipment while law abiding citizens are starving and living in the gutters. Prisoners even have their own periodical. Dangerous criminals are walking the streets and crime is a way of life to many Americans. In America, crime does pay because our nations prison system is not working. The nations prison system must be changed because of major problems with the system such as overcrowding and the fact that early release programs do not work. Building more jails is expensive and does not solve anything. These problems can be solved by giving prisoners no chance for parole and imprisoning only violent offenders. The non-violent offenders should enter a work program for the duration of their sentence. Since 1980, jail and prison populations have grown by 172 percent(United States 11 Sept. 1994). Overcrowding is both inhumane to the prisoner and dangerous to the prison staff. When you put a lot of people, especially criminals, in close quarters tensions rise and the chance of a riot increases. If a riot occurs both prisoners and guards are put in danger. In Texas the jails are full. There is an estimated backlog of 29,000 state prisoners who are incarcerated in county jails awaiting new cells.(Brida 24 Nov. 1994) Texas is not the only state with overcrowding problems. For example, Ohios prison system is operating at 180 percent of capacity.(Varnam 16) Also, the federal prison system is 37 percent over-capacity(Clark 4 Feb. 1994). Statistics like this are found across the country. Prisons should have two objectives; 1) keep dangerous criminals off the streets ... ...ng more prisons cut the crime rate? The CQ Researcher 4 Feb. 1994URL:gopher://gopher.cqalert.com/0F1:25674:05CQR_FEBRUARY1994%20gopher. Cunniff, Mark A. and Patrick A. Langan. Recidivism of Felons on Probation, 1986-89. 24 Nov. 1994(found) URL:gopher://justice2. usdoj.gov/00/ojp/bjs/13. Prison Inmates To Work In Wildlife Management Areas.Associated Press 24 Nov. 1994(found) URL:gopher://gopher.cic.net/00/nircomm/ gopher/e-serials/general/education/univ-newspapers/daily- texan/today/94041507.s03_Prison.gz. Sanchez , Edward J. Look Beyond Capital Punishment. 26 Nov. 1994 (found) URL:?. United States. Department of Justice. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Probation And Parole Populations Reach New Highs. 11 Sept. 1994. URL:gopher://justice2.usdoj.gov/00/ojp/bjs/probpar.txt. Voters Get Tough On Criminals. The Associated Press 9 Nov. 1994. URL:?.

Though the book “A Man without a Country”

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