(October 4, 2004) — Legally, one becomes an adult at 18. The majority of a citizen’s rights open up to them when they become an adult, but not surprisingly, one freedom is denied to them; that of course, is the right to the purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages. If an 18 year old can vote, buy cigarettes, die in war, get married and purchase or view movies of any content they wish, why can’t they buy alcohol? An “adult” mature enough to decide the leadership of our country, commit to married life for the rest of their days or risk their life in combat is certainly mature enough to decide whether to have a drink. As a country, we hold freedom and choice at the center of our identity. It goes against our belief in free choice to deprive adults of the choice to drink alcohol. There are several freedoms we sacrifice for good things in life, like the freedom to kill or the freedom to own a battle tank, but there are very good reasons to deny these freedoms. On the other hand, there is no real reason to deny 18, 19, and 20-year-olds the right to purchase alcohol. One of the main arguments to keep the drinking age at 21 is that younger people would be more likely to drink irresponsibly. But those irresponsible enough to abuse alcohol at 18 wouldn’t feel the need to obey the drinking age anyway. It is not that difficult to obtain alcohol illegally, so the drinking age does not really prevent any problem coming from people who are irresponsible with alcohol. According to research by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the average age for boys to try alcohol is 11 while for girls it is 13, so clearly the current age of 21 has little effect. Perhaps if the age were lowered it would not seem so long a wait for adolescents, and they might postpone their drinking until it is legal. Also, it would be better if those who don’t care about the law could buy alcohol legally and therefore not add money and encouragement to the sale of illegal alcohol. A survey focusing on alcohol-related problems of high school seniors and dropouts found that in 1996, about 80% reported either getting drunk, engaging in binge drinking, or drinking and driving. This shows how a small group, in this case High School dropouts, have spawned the general opinion that all adults are dangerous with alcohol. It is likely that most 18-year-olds could responsibly handle drinking, but because of the irresponsibility of their loose-moraled fellows, they are denied that privilege. The difference of three years might seem trivial, but it is its triviality that makes it wrong. Once someone becomes an adult they should have the privilege to all rights a citizen enjoys, not given some rights but have their hands slapped away from others. We only have this strange rule because it has been this way and we are reluctant to change it. Rules with no purpose must be done away with if we want our society to function smoothly.