Western Courier

Issue date: 10/2/06 Section: Opinion

At the original Woodstock music festival, which likely had more drug use occurring in a small area than at any other time in history, not one violent crime was reported. The only crime committed other than drug use and public exposure was an incident where a concertgoer broke into a basement and stole a can of beans, for which he left money on the table.

This kind of behavior would not occur in Macomb today, but this story serves as a glaring reminder that alcohol and drugs do not necessarily cause anyone to behave violently.

Perhaps the authoritative culture that tells us alcohol will make us behave erratically is turning their claim into a self-fulfilling prophecy. If those in power were more honest about the effects of alcohol on the senses, the kind of behavior that occurs in Macomb under the influence of alcohol may be avoided entirely.

The most obvious problem with the system in place is that the legal drinking age in this country should be changed to 18. Realistically, now that most people in the United States between 18 and 20 go to college with students over 21, there is no decisive difference in life stages between these age groups. People in college are likely to have a maturity level similar to other people in college, whether they are freshmen or seniors.

The access to alcohol at the age of 18 has also greatly increased. When one makes friends over 21, acquiring alcohol is no longer difficult. Because this tends to happen at the beginning of college, changing the drinking age to 18 would more realistically reflect societal norms.

Another sensible reason to change the drinking age to 18 is that at 18 one is no longer considered a minor. All non-minors should have access to the full range of rights, because they are considered mature enough to make their own decisions. A country that tells someone that he is responsible enough to kill for his country but not responsible enough to have a beer doesn't seem to have its priorities in order.

Realistically, the legal drinking age in Macomb or in this country is unlikely to be changed any time soon. Maybe in the future the government will come to its senses on this issue, but until then, those in power in Macomb may want to take these suggestions under consideration. Tolerance, honesty and wise choices by both parties are key to reconciling differences between law enforcement and students.

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