Not only did "18 in '18" (i.e. lowering the drinking age to 18 in 2018) NOT become a reality, but worse, the federal smoking age is now 21 in 2021 (and in fact in 2020 too). And not only did Trump turn out to be unfriendly to our movement, but our new President Biden has also had a history of opposing lowering the drinking age to 18 and also supporting the War on (people who use a few particular) Drugs as well. So we really have our work cut out for us, with our battle being more uphill than anytime since the 1980s.
And while cannabis legalization fortunately looks like it is here to stay for the foreseeable future, and will most likely increase further going forward, unfortunately here too the age limit is unlikely to drop below 21 anytime soon either in the USA.
While these may seem like low-priority issues in the time of COVID-19, they are nonetheless the essence of our movement. No one is truly free when others are oppressed, and indeed the stage was set long ago for today's oppressive lockdowns and restrictions by earlier illiberal policies including, but not limited to, the ageist abomination that is the 21 drinking age.
So what are we waiting for? Let's roll!
I think that if Social Democracy is effectively implemented in every state and territory of the United States, then our movement would have a chance to lower the drinking age to 18. Neoliberalism goes hand in hand with the erosion of civil rights and civil liberties. I personally believe there are two types of liberalism: oppressive liberalism and real liberalism. One can support Social Democracy and still be real liberal. Being a liberal and supporting youth rights are not exclusionary.
ReplyDeleteAmen to that!
DeleteUnfortunately, I also sense a growing Neo-Prohibitionist attitude when it comes to alcoholic beverages. It seems that in this country, people don't take personal responsibility when it comes to alcoholic beverages because people blame alcoholic beverages, instead for their behavior, instead of themselves.
DeleteUnfortunately, I think you are correct about that, Edwin.
DeleteYou should go visit the responsibility.org website. The tolitharianism which that organization supports against young adults is tantamount to tyranny. That organization should be shut down and if that can't happen, then that organization should be shunned.
ReplyDelete