Should Active Military Be Allowed To Drink Under 21?
A lawmaker would like to make it legal for military service members between the ages of 18 and 21 to drink alcohol
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A bill expected to be heard at the State House this past week would make it legal for military service members between the ages of 18 and 21 to drink alcohol in Rhode Island. The legislation (H 5603), introduced by Rep. Thomas Winfield (D-Glocester, Smithfield) would apply to active military members with a valid military identification.
Last June, Middetown police issued several underage drinking summons after they responded to a farewell party for a soldier who was deployed to Afghanistan. A 21-year-old and a 22-year-old, were cited under the social host ordinance.
Writing from Afghanistan on Tuesday, the solider provided the following statement on Patch, “If I'm getting shipped off to Afghanistan to fulfill my duty as a soldier, willing to lay my life for my friends and other soldiers around me (someone else's daughter, son, dad, cousin) then I think I deserve a drink.”
What do you think? Should active members of the military be able to legally drink in Rhode Island?
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Jamie Stark
4:32 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
I do ! All laws and regulations apply to everyone 18 years and older. I realize some younger "ADULTS" may not have the experience that comes with age to behave maturely. I also know plenty of much older people who behave badly also. In my opinion, If we put and 18-20 year old on a battle line with a weapon system in his or her hands and expect them to fight and possibly die for our way of life, I think we owe them a bit more respect as to wether they can handle a drink. When is one considered an adult anyway? We need only blame ourselves as parents if our kids disrespect themselves and society. I believe we ,as a nation, has gotten way off track with our social state of being.
Henry rose III
9:18 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
No 21 is old/young enought
Tom
9:18 pm on Monday, March 11, 2013
If we allow them to step on land mines hell give them a beer.
Betty Levangie
1:23 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
On an isolated military base the main social gathering place is the club; a boy of 17 in this environment has not much choice but to drink to keep up with his buddies. Rum and coke in Panama during WWII began a struggle with alcoholism for my friend. The military is not a fit place for children.
Rev. Shaw Moore
2:28 pm on Friday, March 15, 2013
The legislation doesnt mention 17 year olds. It would affect 18, 19 and 20 year olds. There is no reason that a Soldier, Sailor, Airman or Marine who has signed on the line, raised his/her right hand offering up his/her life in defense of the Constitution should not be allowed the priviledge of a beer or two. Cut the "kids" some slack.