The United States sends people to kill and die in war that it doesn’t trust with a beer.
It trains police in war skills to assault young people it suspects of going near beer.
Here’s an idea: Drink At 18, Don’t Kill Till 21.
Alcohol prohibition is not working, and creates unsafe drinking by people old enough to vote, drive, and work. A case can be made, and is being made, for returning the drinking age to 18.
But allowing 18-year-olds to join the military has created illegal and immoral recruitment of minors, not to mention deep moral regret, post-traumatic stress, and suicide in young veterans.
Raising the age for war participation (for joining either the military or one of its contractors) to 21 would do more for education and informed career choices — not to mention reducing drug and alcohol addiction, and suicide — than banning alcohol does. (continue reading)