Personally, I don't like the correlation between military eligibility and drinking. Drinking is a voluntary act. After you join the military, you lose a lot of those abilities.
First of all, not ALL 18 year olds can or do join the military. So would there be exemptions?
Second, the military is (supposed to be) a structured organization. They are taking young men's (and women's) minds and teaching them the tactics and skills they need to survive in combat, or support those who do, and defend our country. Basically, they are being told what to do and how to do it 24 hours a day. I don't see where the use of alcohol benefits these soldiers or our defense at all. Soldiers need to abide by different rules than non-military citizens, they virtually have fewer rights than the rest of the citizens.
Additionally, if an individual decides not to join the military, he or she may go on to college. Again, shaping the minds to benefit them and the future of America. I don't see where alcohol benefits their education, either.
If they don't join the military, don't go to college, then they are likely getting into the workforce. They are creating a base for their future and hopefully benefit the free market system in America. Alcohol would not be a benefit there either.
If they choose to do none of the above, they are likely to be a drag on our society, I suppose with some exceptions, so alcohol is the last thing I'd like to see involved with those individuals.
I am not a tee-totaler, but I imagine that there is too much emphasis on alcohol in our society. A social drink here and there is OK, but rampant misuse is ridiculous. If everyone in America were to hold their drinking to 1 or 2 in a 24 hour period, I'd be willing to drop the age limit to 14, which is when I started (insert 'hypocritical' icon here)
Another thing, Why not, if a person is old enough to be in the military, is he/she not old enough to run for president? (If the laws haven't changed, you must be 35)
First of all, not ALL 18 year olds can or do join the military. So would there be exemptions?
Second, the military is (supposed to be) a structured organization. They are taking young men's (and women's) minds and teaching them the tactics and skills they need to survive in combat, or support those who do, and defend our country. Basically, they are being told what to do and how to do it 24 hours a day. I don't see where the use of alcohol benefits these soldiers or our defense at all. Soldiers need to abide by different rules than non-military citizens, they virtually have fewer rights than the rest of the citizens.
Additionally, if an individual decides not to join the military, he or she may go on to college. Again, shaping the minds to benefit them and the future of America. I don't see where alcohol benefits their education, either.
If they don't join the military, don't go to college, then they are likely getting into the workforce. They are creating a base for their future and hopefully benefit the free market system in America. Alcohol would not be a benefit there either.
If they choose to do none of the above, they are likely to be a drag on our society, I suppose with some exceptions, so alcohol is the last thing I'd like to see involved with those individuals.
I am not a tee-totaler, but I imagine that there is too much emphasis on alcohol in our society. A social drink here and there is OK, but rampant misuse is ridiculous. If everyone in America were to hold their drinking to 1 or 2 in a 24 hour period, I'd be willing to drop the age limit to 14, which is when I started (insert 'hypocritical' icon here)
Another thing, Why not, if a person is old enough to be in the military, is he/she not old enough to run for president? (If the laws haven't changed, you must be 35)
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