Montana Democrats Call for Re-Examination of Drinking Age

Montana Democrats Call for Re-Examination of Drinking Age
July 31, 2008

News Summary

A resolution adopted at the party platform convention of Montana Democrats states that legislators should address the "double standard" of not allowing 18-year-olds who can fight in wars to drink alcohol legally, the Associated Press reported July 26.

The resolution, which Democratic state committee members adopted on a close 25-20 vote, does not specifically ask legislators to lower the drinking age from 21 to 18. Its sponsor, 26-year-old Denver Henderson, said the resolution's purpose is simply to have policy-makers acknowledge the contradiction in minimum ages for military service and legal drinking and to examine it.

Party leaders previously voted down a resolution that would have formally asked for a lowering of the drinking age. Such a move is always anticipated to create controversy, as well as concern over losses of federal highway money that is tied to age-21 laws.

"The party adopted a resolution that I'm sure will be of concern to many Montanans," said Democratic Party Chairman Dennis McDonald. "But it's a big tent and we respect a wide variety of points of view."

Supporters of the resolution generally criticized law enforcement efforts to crack down on underage drinking, saying the resources devoted to these efforts could be better spent on initiatives that would prove more effective.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by Robert Count on 01 Aug 08 09:27 AM EDT

As long as they go to war, let them drink. If they don't go to war, they don't get to drink. We can even have mandatory military service, like other countries. That way we know they're eligible to drink alcohol.

Posted by Jim Brittain on 01 Aug 08 09:55 AM EDT

In fact, we could tie the drinking age to military service. In the military? Drink at 18. Not in the military? Wait till 21.

Posted by Fred on 01 Aug 08 10:09 AM EDT

Going back many years, as a teenager I fought hard to lower the legal voting age to 18 in Mass.during the Vietnam war using the very same reason: If they are old enough to fight, they are old enough to vote. The Mass. legislature finally agreed but their method of effecting the change was to lower the age of consent to 18. This, among other effects, also lowered the drinking age to 18. It didn't take Mass. too long to figure out that they had made a mistake! The drinking age in Mass. reverted back to 21. Perhaps the Montana Democrats sjhould research the Mass. experience with a lower drinking age!

Posted by John from Oceanside on 01 Aug 08 10:41 AM EDT

I think the new name for the democrates should be the "Get drunk and smoke weed party."

Posted by Marveen Mahon on 01 Aug 08 10:46 AM EDT

Regardless of whether or not 18 year olds can fight and drink, the latest research shows that the brain does not fully develop until ages 21-24 and alcohol is detrimental to that development; and the statistics of alcohol-related accidents and deaths due to drinking and driving significantly decreased when the drinking age was increased to age 21. It's a no-brainer.

Posted by mfmcgins on 01 Aug 08 10:48 AM EDT

I was part of that era in Wisconsin and I couldn't agree more! I am more disturbed that this reasoning continues to persist all these years later. The drinking age isn't a rights issue. It's a biology issue. It's a an issue of social norming issue. It isn't an issue of personal rights when the results of misuse impact our communities in so many unpredictable ways. I appreciate teh sacrifice of our soldiers. I'd rather pay them better and give them better benefits, not introduce another risk issue when the are already in harm's way. Firing a weapon and drinking shouldn't be connected. We call that hunting season around here and that hasn't worked too well. Introduce meaningful legislation for social norming and establish healthier attitudes on drinking. Man, before we let someone fight we require them to complete basic training so they are prepared for risk. Given the number of people who have died from DWI alone, much less overdose and the many other risks, compared tot eh number of people who died in wars reframes this argument on the more compelling issue.

Posted by Wendy on 01 Aug 08 11:02 AM EDT

It looks like politicians are once again looking for a loop hole. We have minimum age requirements for various things for a reason such as obtaining a driving license, hunting license, getting in to R rated movies, becoming president, voting and drinking. Statistics have proven that by increasing the age limits for drinking we have cut down traffic accidents among teens (deaths from drinking/driving) by nearly 60% in the first year alone. Why would anyone want to reverse the results. Has congress done any studies on how many alcohol poisonings we have involving youth? This is a tired excuse and by the way, I entered the service at 18 and remained in until the age of 30. Please do not give serviceman the license to drink, we have enough problems on base with alcoholism and domestic abuse.

Posted by SGIRL on 01 Aug 08 11:08 AM EDT

Has anyone explored why 18 is the age for military service? Could it have to do with incomplete brain development and the inclination toward risk taking? Those in favor of lowering the drinking age keep conveniently forgetting that alcohol has permanant effects on that developing brain. The connection to military service is irrelevant.

Posted by Inga on 01 Aug 08 11:23 AM EDT

Why, in this JOIN TOGETHER space, must a divisive remark be made about one political party? It's unproductive. As a Democrat, I am against lowering the drinking age. Democrats in my community are against it, as well. Instead, I'd like to read comments about how local advocates are working to make sure this doesn't happen in their states.

Posted by S from Midwest on 01 Aug 08 09:42 PM EDT

I believe we should lower the drinking age to 18 and introduce harm reduction alcohol education into middle and high schools so young people learn about alcohol, its risks, and ways to drink more responsibly. I do not want to see an increase in drunk driving accidents, but I believe the lack of honest, open education also has something to do with that. Moreover, lowering the drinking age has the potential to decrease binge drinking deaths and injuries, if it's done with comprehensive, reality-based alcohol education. I do not think biology and brain development should be the be-all-end-all determinant here. There are other behaviors we allow in young people that have the potential to impact brain development or injure the child, but we balance pros and cons, hopes and reason. I don't see why we can't do the same with alcohol.

Posted by Barbara Jones on 04 Aug 08 01:16 PM EDT

Why not RAISE the age eligibilty to join the military to 21? Problem solved. Better yet...raise all of the age of consent/legality to 25. At that age, peoples' brains are close to being fully developed. We would have more capable thinkers making voting choices, driving choices, etc.

Posted by Prevention Specialist on 04 Aug 08 03:35 PM EDT

It is true that the brain does not fully develop until about 25 but that does not mean that it will. The brain works the same way as anything else, use it or loose it. Teens and young adults who are not challenged and don't use their frontal lobe (critical thinking, decision making, problem solving) won't develop it. Especially if they are engaging in high risk behaviors, like drinking young and drinking alot. That is why you have adults who still make decisions like they are 15. I am a little offended by that comment about raising the legality to 25. I am a 23 year old substance abuse prevention specialist, I know I am capable enough to drive and to vote... Even though my brain may not be fully developed.

Posted by Colin Scott Drug Demand Reduction on 06 Aug 08 09:32 AM EDT

Who is really behind the age change? Big alcohol special interest, Wow imagine the battle to get tobacco raised to 21, entrenched power groups, last time I checked nicotine and alcohol were addictive substances. Come on we know what power and money these big companies have. One good reason Marujuana is still illegal (can you say Federal Law) might be bacause RJR and the others are just waiting for more lax standards. Hmmm at what age can we sell MJ Cigs to kids??

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