Weigh In on the Issues

Should 21 remain the national drinking age?

Since President Ronald Reagan signed The National Minimum Drinking Age Act of 1984, all states have made 21 the legal drinking age rather than accept a reduction of their federal highway funds. Supporters of this national drinking age believe it prevents adolescents from gaining access to alcohol and saves lives by preventing alcohol-related traffic fatalities among 18- to 20-year-olds. Opponents believe the current drinking age is an abridgment of the age of majority, breeds disrespect for law and leads to ethical compromises.

On Thursday, March 6, Dickinson will host "Legal Age 21 after 23 Years: Has it Worked? Is it Working?" a debate between Chuck Hurley '67, national CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), and former Middlebury College President John McCardell Jr., founder and director of Choose Responsibility.

Points of view:

• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
  The mission of MADD is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime and prevent underage drinking.
• Choose Responsibility
  Choose Responsibility is a nonprofit organization which supports a series of changes that will allow 18- to 20-year-old adults to purchase, possess and consume alcoholic beverages.

Does the legal drinking age of 21 work, or should it be changed? What do you think? See what others have written and then add your comments here.

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