We talked about this at work.

[Phil]

For a long time now its been at age 16 you can drive, age 18 you can serve in the military, vote, and are on most fronts declared a legal adult. At age 18 you are no linger a juvenile in the court system meaning in criminal cases you are subject to adult trial, and you can get married without parental consent. And that barometer is 18.

I remember my growing up years 18 was also the age to allow you to drink alcohol but they changed that in the 80s to 21.

The argument being if you an serve your country and die for it why can't you go into a bar and get a beer? I can see the argument from both sides there. I also know most people start drinking at 16 or 17 regardless of the law. In the days of 18 being legal most high school students became legal in their senior year. It would be interesting study to see if there was any more trouble or any worse trouble. There's still DWI and alcohol related accidents but has that number changed? They're also more strict about what the standard for being legally drunk is and raised the penalties and that's for everybody it has no bearing on age there.


I don't drink much, but I do keep a few cans of Molson Canadian in my fridge. But I may go several weeks without drinking at all and Its probably been about 15 years since I've had enough to get drunk. And it was unusual then even. I did drink more often between the ages of 19 and 22 than any other time.

But how do you feel about the ages of
16 to drive
18 to be eligible for most adult benefits and responsibilities
21 for alcohol
What do you think?

[Beangirl]

In California they are considering changing the legal age for drinking to 25. I agree to this one. We have a lot of deaths here from reckless youth who party too much the get behind the wheel . As for driving 16 seems fair.

[Classicblast]

That's an old debate but it never cools down.

I played ball with so many South American guys who would always say they were accustomed to lax rules. Some say that where they come from if you can see over the counter they will sell you beer.

I also played with a lot of minor league players who only thought road trips were for partying. In rookie and single A its worse. Its like living in a college dorm and they're away from their parents and not under anyone's thumb.

They usually don't go any higher. In AA there's still a lot of that mind set but at least when you get to that stage your agent has you understanding that this is it and you sink or swim.

Obviously the question is drinking age and I think it doesn't matter that much because most rookie league players are not 21 nor are most Single A player and they find alcohol without much trouble.

[Phil]

I have no problem with 16 for driving. Jason is 17 and I have full confidence in his driving and myself as a teenager, I trained my brother, Alan and my sister to drive too. The people who were not good drivers at 16 that I knew were irresponsible and would not have been any better at an older age. I know a number of people who were punk kids and 20 years later they're deadbeat men. It wasn't a matter of age it was a matter of lack of character.

[Classicblast]

Irresponsibility is a product of all ages.

[Phil]

That is true. I also realize that coming of age is the door to your own decisions. Yes you may all remember I was a little displeased when Jason got a tattoo a few months ago, but I decided not to rip his arm off. I still would rather he hadn't done that but what's done is done and he is a good son. He doesn't ever embarrass our family in any way. It took me aback at 1st but I am over it now.

In April he will be 18, he will be able to vote in November of 2015, he will be graduated from high school in a year. How do I feel about him being able to drink? I just don't know. I see both sides of that debate.

[Classicblast]

I don't mind tattoos but people have always had them. My father has some. Both my brothers have at least one.

I wouldn't get one on the face neck head or hands though. Arms and legs even shoulders but not where they're constantly exposed.

[Beangirl]

I have three tattoos. They are on places that don't show at work. My two shoulders and my left thigh.

[Classicblast]

It's getting so most people are getting tattoos. I don't know about most but getting tattooed is a big part of people's life. An associate took the day off the other day because he was getting a tattoo I lump that with Phil's contempt for people who take off on their birthday but at least that guy arranged a day off. Didn't just call off or not show.

[Phil]

There was always a following for them but I'd say its now more than ever.

[Beangirl]

They are popular. I won't have anymore. Lots of workers at wal mart have them. It is ok as long as they are not offensive

[Phil]

I know some people always got them, but it seems that right now I barely know anybody between 17 and 35 that doesn't have at least 1 tattoo.