August 22, 2008

StreetTalk by Carol Rosen

One hundred college presidents have suggested that the drinking age be lowered to 18 from 21. How do you feel about that idea?
Asked at the Lucky Store on Tully at Capitol Expressway

“I’m absolutely against it. I don’t think kids should be drinking. We’ve got enough problems with alcohol already. These things have to stop somewhere.”

JoAnn Freeman
Evergreen
Homemaker


“I feel strongly both ways. It’s a good idea because if you can lose your life for your country you can drink. But it’s also a bad idea because kids don’t know how to act today, they aren’t very mature at 18.”

Dave Rimel, 44
Alden, Penn.
Plumber (on vacation)


“Even though the legal age to vote is 18, people that age are still very green and need more experience to make certain judgments including whether to drive after they’ve been drinking. There are already too many people drinking—we should give their young livers a break.”

Marie Gray, 61
Evergreen
Retired


“Having just sent a child off to college, I think it’s a stupid idea. We don’t need to promote drinking any more [than it already is]. Young people at 18 are not mature enough. Since it is not readily available to people under 21, I think it does deter some kids from drinking. It’s a lot of maturity to ask for an 18-year old.”

Sheryl Driskoll, 52
Evergreen
Insurance broker


“I’m really basically torn about it. Since they are allowed to vote at 18, why shouldn’t they be allowed to drink? They are probably drinking anyway.”

Paige Harris, 47
Evergreen
Personal trainer


“I don’t like the idea at all. There are already enough young kids that abuse the law. It will make life on the streets really bad.”

Vivian, 40ish
Evergreen
Customer service