<p>The reason why the drinking age is 21 in the USA is to keep alcohol out of high-schools where it would undoubtedly be passed along to younger students.</p>
<p>In my state, you can be given a permit to drink alcohol underage (at any age, I believe) so long as you are accompanied by a parent, spouse or legal guardian.</p>
<p>I wish I could say that people follow the rules around here, but in a state known for its alcohol consumption–the kids tend to follow after the adults.</p>
<p>^ It can still be illegal to have alcohol in schools without it being illegal to drink</p>
<p>“In European countries where even children can drink wine and high schoolers are even allowed to bring alcohol in school”
I have been to many European countries, and NOWHERE is that true. Although my brothers 17 and drinks whenever we have visitors over or for new year or whatever, and my parents are fine with that.</p>
<p>“most European teens don’t drive”
Although you have to be 17 to start learning, everyone drives after that</p>
<p>Do I agree with it? </p>
<p>No. </p>
<p>Do I follow it? </p>
<p>No.</p>
<p>No and yes.</p>
<p>I do not agree with it, the thinking is that 21 year old make better decisions than 18 year olds so they are more probable to drink responsibly. We all know that this isn’t the case though. And my parents will let me have a couple beers at holidays and when I’m with my friends I’ll sometimes have a bit of Vodka or what not.</p>
<p>The claim that a taboo on alcohol increases consumption for people under 21 is fallacious. And in response to the op, it all has to do with inheritance laws.</p>
<p>Do I agree? yes, it saves thousands of lives every year; Do I follow it? I use to drink wine/liquor in small amounts for no real reason at home, but I stopped.</p>
<p>People need to learn to drink before they drive. I think a lot of people, once they get their license, are like SWEET I have my license, I’m good to go to drive no matter what state I’m in–buzzed, sober, drunk, drowsy–and then they get killed or kill others. If people learn to drink first, they will realize that they have limits and aren’t in a good position to drive. </p>
<p>I’m 18, don’t drink, no license but I’m working on it.</p>
<p>So when I’m 18 and I’m allowed to go risk my life in the army, and I’m allowed to smoke a cigarette (way more detrimental to your health!), I can pierce whatever the hell I want, I’m mature enough to put a tattoo on my body for the rest of my life, BUT I’m not allowed to have a beer?
lol REALLY?</p>