do u think the age for drinking and smoking should be lowered?
149422
there shouldnt be a certain age. instead, people should be taught to think in a rational & realistic manner. this way, such things wont be glamorized & wind up playing into pop cultre as a forbidden fruit. stigma removed, minor indulgences may not be taken seriously leading to decriminalization. legal issues, as everyone (should by now) knows, lead to social paranoias and drain the judicials recources while padding pockets of preditor officials & politicians with the money & property siezed from those accused of aleged crimes. crimes committed while intoxicated are never fault of illicit substances, merely a scapegoat for the irresponsible thus fukn up my rights to pursue alternative recreaton.
647490
That's a very good question. I guess the correct answer would depend on which side of the argument you are on. If you think it SHOULD bu illegal than they are just slow to getting there. But you also have to remember that they are just totally different cultures, they are aloud to go out drinking at the age of sixteen but can't drive until they are eighteen. Things are just different over there, maybe they haven't realized how bad it is yet, or maybe they think that people should be able to decide on their own.
1080928
Yes, but it should be controlled like alcohol and cigarettes.
619913
If it were treated like alcohol in terms of age restrictions and enforcement, and banned in public so the rest of us don't get your second hand smoke (including in 'just outside the building' corridors of smoke), I don't really care.  I don't think it is worse than alcohol, and it may be better for you. I'd let science decide on that point.
915730
People have been desensitized for decades with the little warning on the cigarette packs. With the TV commercials getting bolder and bolder, people are getting more and more education. What it comes down to is personal choice. To sit and discuss intelligently with you child(ren) when they are old enough to understand the ramifications of their decisions. Discussing it when they are 5 makes no sense, cuz they ll agree that they wont do it. Parents need to take an intellectual role in this. Only that way will people learn about the hazards of smoking
181214
You know I really don't see why not? After all people in Europe are allowed to drink at the age of 16-Germany---and in Mexico the drinking age was 18 until now that it's 21. I think the reason why it's 21 is because people in the US are too freaking retarded and dont' know how to act right. Why in foreign countries the drinking age is lower and they actually have less accidents or anyother problems? Think about that!
44981
The law doesn't say it, the people who pass laws say it.  You being one of those people, you can always work to change it.\n\nWould you agree that there needs to be some legal age for those things?  I mean, do you feel like it should be legal for a 12 year old to buy and drink whiskey?  A nine year old to buy and smoke tobacco?  I assume you're okay with the idea that there needs to be some regulation on the ages for those things.\n\nIf your question has to do with the disparity between them, I'd agree with the other poster.  I can smoke a pack of cigarettes in ten minutes and get in my car and drive as safely as ever.  I can't drink a six-pack in ten minutes and go off and drive safely, so it makes sense to me that we'd sell alcohol to people who are older than 18.\n\nMaybe we should raise the smoking age? :)
657065
the lowest legal age for tobacco is 16 in alaska. the cop can take it away. he probobly gave a choice of fine or forfeiture. the damned 'forbidden fruit' scenario. we're always going to seek what we cant have. in other parts of the world ive been to im shocked at how young people get into things. but then, its not (drugs, drink, tobacco, ect) popular because its not restricted. my truck for instance, the envy of all who are without one. i couldnt wait to get old enough to drive legally. now, i can drive anywhere but choose not to because its no big deal & am sick of driving every damn day.
425623
I agree, no wants to smell smoke when they eat.... however.... I strongly disagree on banning it from bars, cigs and beer go hand and hand for most people, infact people who dont smoke, will often ONLY light up while drinking.
501006
I say 18 if you ask me, yeah its still young i guess, but by that time, you should be finishing up H.S and have lived under parents law long enough. Just like you said, you can go fight wars and vote, thats a big responsibility right there. If you old enough to (die) and old enough to vote. then I think the legal age should be 18.. As far as drinking, let be real, if someone under age wants to drink they can get liq, its not that hard..
789980
I don't know about education to 22, but defintely 18.  At 17 start as a reservist for a 5 year minimum.  I think that would be a good idea. Abolish the young offenders act, name and shame, stiff punishments and parents held accountable for childrens actions.  Also I think trades should start early, so by the time someone is 21-22 years old they are full journeymen.  I also think that all building contractors should be govt tested and certified journeymen, with apprenticship programs.  Fly by nighters would be a thing of the past, shoddy workmanship...gone. Respectful, educated youths, with a future. No more hoodie culture. Oh, life would be grand.
1131642
When I was 18 - it was a legal drinking age at that time.  I truly don't understand it either.  I believe if we can send someone off to war at 18, we can surely allow them to have a drink.  That's just my opinion.
376403
yes, this is a good idea because peoples health will be better and those who dont smoke will not suffer from second hand smoking. my mother smokes and it bothers me a lot because of the diseases and other problems she can get just from smoking. Also because since all the other drugs such as pot is illegal smoking is also a drug therefore it too should be illegal.
11218
if they outlaw smoking they should outlaw alcohol also...alcohol causes death,too. auto accidents,liver diseases, etc....
506479
In a way yes cuz 21 year olds arnt very mature, and they get drunk and wanna act stupid and cause accidents.Dont get me wrong cuz im 21 myself and all my friends shouldnt drink either, cuz then they like to drive!
181342
Second hand smoke = bad for kids.\n\nSimple
304055
18\nIf you're old enough to marry or to go to war and kill (or get killed) for your country, you definitely should be able to decide for yourself whether you want to get one glass or drunk. It may be bad for you, but so are many things that are legal.