Do you agree that you should be 18 before you are of legal age in the United States?
604320
Actually, I think it should be 21.  I have a daughter that will turn 18 in December and she doesn't graduate from high school until June 2007. If she decided to quit school next year there would be nothing I could do legally to stop her. As for voting I really don't believe that at 18 any teenager is ready to make a decision who should or should not be in office. I am 50 and I don't know these answers either!!  No teenager at 18 is ready to be on there own and they still need the guidance of a parent to get them prepared for adulthood. At 18 a teenager is just starting to get a glimpse at what being an adult is and I truly feel as though they need a few more years of adult supervision to hopefully guide them in the right direction and ease the transition into adulthood a little easier and less painful.\nNow adays it seems like everyone is so concerned about sending our kids to college when years ago our great grandparents and our grandparents could make an honest living not even finishing high school. My parents learned more in elementary school than I did in High School. Times have changed and it is not for the best. We are raising a bunch of irresponsible, lazy group of teenagers. They have no idea what it's going to be like on their own. I am not saying that all teenagers are this way, but I would have to say the majority of them are. When I was 16 and got my license I paid for my own car, the insurance, the gas and any repairs that had to be done. I worked and went to high school and kept my grades up. Most kids now are given a car and money to pay for anything they may need. What is that teaching them about responsibilty?  As for the school system I feel as though instead of trying to prepare our kids for college they should be getting them ready to be out on their own. Go back to basics, READING, WRITING AND ARITHMETIC. College should not be a necessity to get a job to make a decent living.  As for going into the military at 18, I think it is wonderful. They can learn so much and the military will teach them to become responsible young men and women and to be proud of themselves. What other job out there really will do that for them?
145570
at the age your parent feel is appropriate, or 18 cause until then it's not up to you anyway
186815
18.  Probably 21 in some states if you want to drink. But at age 18, you can sign a legal contract, join the military and do many other things since you are now an adult and fully responsible for your actions.
262638
Yes, at 18 you're considered to be an adult.
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.
1143277
It's a good point, but....\nI guess the Dept. of Labor sees working before 18 as a privelege,\nnot a right or a necessity. In exchange for permitting you to earn what they THINK is your own money, they require you to pay tax on it. I think you're right though, they should'nt tax you if you can't vote, but look at it like this: the tax you pay benefits you somewhat. Don't you get to drive on the roads? Aren't you entitled to police service/protection? Know anyone who goes to a public school? All these things are paid for with tax dollars.
593260
yes if your are under the age of 18. what are you thinking.
206138
I really believe that one should try their best to be independent at the age of 18. At some point in your life you will need to cut off the umbiblical cord and make decisions..."grown up decisions"... Your parents wont be around forever. That doesnt mean that you have to go crazy because you just turned 18... just be more responsible. At 18 youre learning the ropes of being on your own... some decisions one might make may not be wise at all...its a learning experience... that sets the foundation of your adulthood.
580418
no you not have it ok are you over 18?
481131
Not altogether crazy.  I'm sure you have a motive.  However, please change the age 17 to 18 MINIMUM!
470310
Legally it is 18 yrs of age.\n\nsocially/mentally it is when you prove yourself mature enough to behave in a socially acceptable way, you learn to be respectful, and you can financially take care of yourself.
70584
Depends on the person.I would think 15 or 16 is old enough. Hopefully by that age, one would make responsible choices.
649679
This is a confusing issue. Until the age of 21 you cannot drink but at the age of 18 you are "legally" old enough to make your own decisions, enter into legal contracts, join the military, buy a home, a car etc. So I would have to say based on the above reasons at 18 you are "legally" an adult.
128767
actaully deoending on the crime you can be charged as an adult at a very young age. but i feel that most 16 year olds aren't mature enough to make adult decisions. i actually think the age should be raised.
675107
You have to be 21+, but in some cases they might consider 18. Alot of them though, they prefer you to be over 25 for obvious reasons.
231575
If your 12 then no. if you are 18 whatever
10074
21 is a little high. I'd go with 18. I think 16 is too young. I say permits at 16, learn for two years, mandatory drivers ed, license at 18. Make everything a consistent age in the U.S. - drinking, voting, driving, legal adult, fighting in wars, gambling, etc.