Constraining Laws

           A law I believe constrains me is the age of alcohol consumption set by the United States government at 21 years of age.  States such as South Carolina have parameters set in where individuals under this age are allowed to drink with their parents in a private setting; however, I believe clauses such as this do not compensate for the extent to which this law constrains my freedom.  As a 19 year old, I have the privilege of being able to fight for my country as well as vote for those who lead my country.  I can gamble, smoke, drive, and enjoy every other freedom given to me by our nation, except the consumption of an alcoholic beverage in a public setting.  Nations across the world have drinking ages lower than ours and have a reduced rate of teenage deaths as a result of alcohol poisoning.  I strongly believe telling college students they cannot drink until they are 21, makes them seize the opportunity when it presents itself, and drink much more than they would if it was always an option.  Lowering the drinking age would provide less of an incentive to gather and consume large amounts.  For many years, including the generation my parents, the drinking age was 18.  Understanding that some scientific research presents that your brain is not finished developing until 21 and drinking in excessive amounts before then could lead to damage, my parents seemed to have turned out alright.  Knowing what the research says, we should be able to make the choice for ourselves at 18 years old not to consume excessive amounts if we feel the research shows a threat to our health.  This should be an individual decision.  Damage can occur to our lungs from smoking, and at 18 we can make the choice to believe this or not and act accordingly.  We also are charged with the decision of our nation’s leaders at 18 years old, and if we are expected to be able to look at the information from the candidates and draw a conclusion resulting in a vote, we should be able to make a decision on if we want to consume a beverage.     

              I also believe the local option laws of dry countries constrain the individuals who live and pass though those counties.  When the US government repealed the 21^st Amendment, it became legal to drink in the country for the age limit they set at the time, and now the one that has been re-set.  However, in some areas you are not allowed to consume, purchase, sell, etc. alcohol.  Depending on the county, sometimes you can consume in your home, but not in public.  Since the US government repealed the ban, it should apply to all areas of the United States.  Having dry counties can result in individuals driving elsewhere and then driving back home intoxicated.  This also causes a problem for restaurants, especially franchised restaurants wanting to open businesses in these counties.