hey, here's an idea!
If your child has enough nerve to ask you for a beer, or any other beverage, they probably know what it taste like. SO... I'd say that they must have had drank before. I guess that if someone wants to drink that freaking bad, that they will find a way to do it.
People please, I think this discussion is over. . . . I'd say that I think that people over the age of 65 should have to retake the drivers test!!

(kinda wanna see what response that will get =] )

At issue here (since I was chastised after my last comment... expectedly so...)is my point that letting the UNDER 21 year old drink in your presence, is somehow going to be the ONLY place they drink... How blind can people be?

So they can drink at home, it must be OK to drink, right? So the weekend rolls around... They'll find somewhere that is free of your parental control.

You can split hairs all you want but it is a FACT that this particular age group is in more vehicular accidents than any other age group...SOBER!!! Give em a few beers, or ride with a friend who as, and we're burying them in a cemetery. Then the parents just stand there flabbergasted that it happened to THEIR child.

I stand my ground on thinking that they won't drink elsewhere.

I read earlier - the old adage... "Give 'em an inch, they'll take a mile"!

I say no way on the underage drinking. I can only relate to someone I worked with who allowed a party at her home and a teen died. She will never live that one down and will never forget either. 21 is the law, keep it that way.

Very well written, pudssweetie. I agree 100%. Do you remember why the legislation to raise the drinking age was passed in the first place?
Oh, and just wondering...how much are you asking for that bridge? LOL

As I read this article I was reminded of a similar article I read about 8-10 years after the legal drinking age was changed to 21 and how that article talked about binge drinking and the increase of underage drinking that was occurring. Now when I graduated in 79 the drinking age was 18 and I admit that I was one who would sneak into the bars at 17 to drink. It not so much about going out drinking as much as it was the thrill of not getting caught. Of course that wore off quickly once I turned 18. At 18 you are considered an adult in the governments eye's and no longer need your parents permission. If an 18 year old can get married, have children, enter the military, have their own apartment, have credit cards and debts then an 18year old is adult enough to be able to drink and take on the responsibility of such.
The problem here, the government made a mistake when they changed the legal drinking age back to 21 and has realized the problem it has caused and are now looking for a scapegoat. As a parent would I allow my 18-21 year old drink at home, yes I would because I would much rather have my child drink at home where they are safe and where it can be controlled rather than drinking behind my back and getting themselves into trouble. Would I allow them to go to a drinking party, no. Do I teach them responsibility,yes and are taught what the consequence will be if caught. Some of you will think that I am a horrible person for allowing an 18-21 year old drink, but that is your opinion. The hard fact truth your 18 year old is going to do what they want and there is nothing you or anyone else can do about it and if you think your 18-21 year old child has not drank underage at one time or another then I also have a bridge to sell you.

First off I am not "pro use of marijuana", I'm just against marijuana use being illegal. Our jails and prisons are full of non-violent people who were arrested for use or sales of pot. For more on the subject visit L.E.A.P.(Law Enforcement Against Prohibition) at www.leap.cc/cms/index.php. If someone wishes to smoke a "joint" in the privacy of their home then what business is it of mine or yours. Is marijuana good for your health? Probably not but it's definately no worse than alcohol and that is legal. My kids do know my feelings on that. Would I encourage my kids to use marijuana, no and I also would not encourage the use of alcohol or tobacco. Secondly I have never used marijuana and probably never will even if it was to become legal to do so. I don't use tobacco anymore and that is still legal to do so far. I stand for personal freedom. Less government = more freedom.

We need less laws not more laws. cardtrader you are correct. Not everyone is going to agree. Let the individual parents choose what is best for their underage kids not the government.

Well this article achieved exactly what the writer wanted created a frenzy of controversy, On one side the people who believe in whats right and on the other side the people that believe what is a god given right. This is like fighting a religious war there are no winners. You will always have those people that believe if my son or daughter is old enough to go to war for this country then there old enough to have a beer. The thing that I have a problem with is that because a person is old enough to go to war doesnt mean they are smart enough to handle a gun or anything else that can kill them or others.It is just they are being trained for months and we assume they are o.k. I think the same thing is to be said for parents who think they can teach there kids to drink . My question is why would you want to teach your son or daughter to drink,? Instead of teaching them how bad drinking is for them. Would you teach your child how to smoke cigarettes? or how about how to use recreational drugs? Any chemical that is mind altering legal or illegal can not be good for you. Unless you plan on baby sitting you kid until he turns 21 then you should be held liable for anything the underage drinker does. Just my opinion

yes John, I do. I knew I had a few pictures like that when I was in high school... nothing bad just smiling with some friends with a beer in hand.. but that is not the schools business

"I have an issue with schools prying into students myspace."
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Then teach them them the basics...if they don't want the world to know about it.....don't post it.
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And the school employees need something to do in June, July, and August. (That's just a joke folks.)

Not all OD's end in death. Some they save. Not sure why there has been no coverage, the Gazette did mention use in the Oxycotin story, but until then I didn't know it was even in town.

tjn- where did you hear they were overdoses.. i know the most recent kid that unfortunately passed away in fact was due to that nature because I know a relative. I didn't see any articles in the paper.

I have an issue with schools prying into students myspace. That is their free time(students), and their business. If the parents feel the need for authority to check on their kids online usage, contact them.. its not the schools right to do that themselves

We ar arguing whether or not 20 year olds should have a beer with Dad while 18 year olds and younger are doing heroin in our city? The recent overdoses, yes plural, are mainly due to purer grades making it to these inexperienced users. I had a discussion tonight with someone who is familiar with the problem and I was totally shocked at what I was told about the use. Fortunately it is still way behind the crack cocaine usage........

JohnDoe-exactly!! I would like to think that most parents understand that.

Letting them drink...and letting them get drunk...are two different things.

Let’s go back to the beginning of what this article is about.
This is about giving a drink to your adult child who happens to be under the legal drinking age.
If you give them booze until they get sloppy drunk at home then I don't think CPS will get involved because they are adults.
If you let your adult child drink and then drive, then you will be held accountable not only by the laws but most likely in a civil suit if someone gets hurt. Heck, I bet if your adult kid gets in a drunk driving accident and you provided the booze, they could easily sue you.
Now if a "Child" (under 18) gets drunk then you will be at the mercy of CPS.
Letting your kids try a drink will not get you in trouble, but providing the means of getting plastered will most likely get you into trouble. If not immediately, then down the road you will pay for it. Perhaps in a kid that wont move out of the house, or in bail money in the future.
Why would anyone think letting a kid get drunk is good parenting.

And for those of you who know of a parent who lets there teenager, or worse, a preteen get drunk, you should be reporting them. It is no different than if you know the kid is being abused or neglected and you don't alert the authorities

It is NOT breaking the law for an underage person to consume alcohol with the consent and in the presence of his/her parents!!! Please read the statutes!! This obviously means that parents who allow their underage child to consume alcohol with their consent and in their presence are NOT teaching them to break the law!!!!

http://www.alcoholpolicy.niaaa.nih.gov/s...

Let me just define the job of government: To secure the rights and freedoms of individual citizens. It IS NOT to lead by example, and teach life lessons to another person, so they may become a happy, successful member of society.

gmaof3 wrote: "How is it showing our children to be strong responsible adults if we tell them its OK to break the law, have a drink, its OK if you're at home." It is not illegal for a parent to give alcohol to their underage child. Some people should just read!:)

prinny... DITTO!!!

gmaof3 - some people should just not procreate! :)

Momof5, I think you and I are on the same track... I take issue with the inconsistencies around me. While my husband and I consume alcohol... I never "allowed" my daughters (now 25 and 27 years old) to drink before the legal age. The law is 21, the law is set to protect children from harm. What is the big issue? How is it showing our children to be strong responsible adults if we tell them its OK to break the law, have a drink, its OK if you're at home.

What the heck? Now I could just get silly with comparisons... Rob a bank if you need money... blah, blah, blah...

But MY point is, I am a PARENT, I expect my children to respect the law, to act responsibly, to be accountable for their actions... perhaps others here feel their child can "handle" it, but not all parents "give a da%# if their children can handle it or not!

The hillbilly two doors down has run his property into the ground, his 10 year old kid sits on the front porch and slugs beer with his "DAD"... these are the reasons the law is there... I expect this child will be on a downward spiral to jail soon... But his "Dad" seems to think, "Its ok..."

So if some want to teach their children that the law doesn't apply to them, good luck with that... hope the consequences will justify your decisions.

This is my opinion... but go ahead all, have at it!

Let me just define the job of a parent:

To PROTECT, lead by example, and teach life lessons to another person, so they may become a happy, successful member of society.

Lets us just remember that teens will be teens. Even the really well-behaved ones! They will have that curiosity and will try drinking... that is just a fact of life. Now if we shun it, are we not asking for our kids to rebell more and want to try it more. I know from my experiences as a teen, I wanted anything my parents told me I couldn't have, even though I knew they loved me enough to only tell me I couldn't have it, because they loved me and wanted to protect me. And I did try a lot, although I was responsible about it. Yes my parents allowed me to drink WITH THEM, and no driving, and even though(as cardholder describes) I DO have an addictive personality, the responsibility my parents taught me at a young age, has kept me from making bad decisions as a child AND an adult. I recognized my addictive personality at an early adult age, and make choices that I know are not going to have negative impacts on my life because of it. Now as a parent, I would rather have my children experiment like I know they WILL do, under my roof, so I can be responsible in case they lack their sense of good judgement, than be out someplace where they do not have anyone around to do so.

The "responsible" drinking kids learn is when their parents go away and they throw underage parties,then the police come and they get ticketed

officer: you are more than likely correct that my grey areas are different than yours and yours are probably different than your neighbors who has yet a complete different set of ideals and grey areas for my neighbors.
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Answer this question: At what level is it ok to let my 8 year old son drink alcohol? It is my right as a parent to let him sip on a little "gin and juice" is it not? I mean, why can't I freshen up his lemonade with a little Vodka or UV? A little dab, will do ya, right?
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Some would say NO level is ok to allow an 8 year old to have. Others would say "one beer won't hurt." While, yet, others would say "let him drink until he pees himself."
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I would guess that most would say that allowing an 8 year old to drink himself silly is NOT ok and would require some sort of intervention via CPS or the like. However, there will be those out there who see nothing wrong with this scenario at all.
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And, that, my friend is WHO needs the government to step in and lead them in the right direction. And, while you and I may have common sense, a select few have ruined it for the rest of us.

I sum up my comments on the subject by deferring to Momof5's recent post. Well done, I agree with you 100%.
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Officerfriendly1 & Kleej. I respect your libertarian views. In a democracy, people need to take personal responsibility. That said, some do not. If you look at my first post on the topic, I agree it is a parental decision regarding the drinking at home issue. What I do not want to see is a reduction in the legal drinking age. In my view, the cost to society exceed the personal benefits. If that makes me a liberal, sobeit.
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From my first hand observation, personal politics do not correlate to how children are raised. I have "liberal" friends that are discplinarians who spank, and "conservative" friends who are hands off and set no bounds and for their children.

westside~
unfortunately, many people don't like reading about reality either. If people don't start getting themselves right so we can start putting people in these leadership positions that have a sense of honor and duty and character, this country is going to be owned by someone else! And that "someone" else isn't going to be the American people. People can turn the other cheek and ignore this, but, it won't make the matter go away. Articles like this one regarding underage drinking are a by-product of the leadership we have at our disposal in this country. If good people don't step up and set the right examples for our up and coming generations, who will? Here's a tip, THE BAD PEOPLE WILL! People need to read up on their history and stop taking for granted the heroes that have sacrificed and died for us over the years. There's a man named Winston Churchill that chose to make a stand and thank God he did! I for one am happy we're not living in a communist country speaking the German language!
God bless everyone.

momof5, True enough but your grey area and my grey area are probably different. By passing laws, the government is making it black and white/right or wrong. I don't need the government telling me when my kids are mature enough to consume alcohol. Yes we need laws in this country to maintain order but not when they infringe on personal freedom.

ummm, pretty simple, don't read it.

officer: I agree. But, where my point lies is that not everyone was gifted with discretion or the ability to know when to say when. Life isn't black and white, and unfortunately, there are a great many out there who cannot navigate their way through the grey areas without sinking and bringing others with them. I'll give you one word to back that claim up: "Dubya."

ugh major spelling typo *enjoys*

not everyone here enjoyes reading about politics.....

momof5, Not that long ago it was "ok to spank Joe Jr. with a wooden spoon" or belt or whatever else was handy. Why did that change? Because some "feel good liberals" decided it was wrong. Are we a better society today because of the change? I think not! What do you do when your 15-17 year old kid needs discipline? Give them a "swat on the butt" or a time out? Our societal evolution is becoming more and more liberal and needs to be reversed soon before it's too late.

YOU CAN'T LEGISLATE MORALITY
officer~ I love that statement! It pretty much nutshells the issue here. How can we have morality within the laws being created when the people making these laws aren't moral and ethical people?? It's a parallel with the parenting we have today. How can parents be effective parents and teach their children pure, core valued principled teaching when they don't know what core valued principles are themselves??!! Believe it or not, there are people who base their family structure around TV shows like "Married with Children" because TV has become their culture. The media puts garbage like this out there because quite simply, sex and smut sells. People find shows based on core values and clean living rather "boring". This is why "shock TV" is now so influencial to the viewing audiences. People find it easier to escape their own reality and watch other people's misery. It lulls them into a false sense of reality. It gives us the impression that we're not so bad off afterall... this culture today is the preverbial "frog in a pot of water". The degrees have been turned up slowly over the years, and now, this country is close to boiling to death. I pray people take notice of what's happening and choose to take the courage to step out and do something different with their lives before it's too late. One of us isn't as good as all of us.

officer, the problem though is that while you are able to decide what is a responsible amount, where it is appropriate and at what age it is ok for you to give your underage child alcohol, your neighbor down the street may not be able to use such discretion responsibly. While it is within our rights as a parent to allow our children to consume alcoholic beverages, it is not within our rights as responsible and morally upstanding CITIZENS to allow those underage to become drunk while exercising that right. That is where the government intervention should come in to play.
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I think I'm in a cliche kind of mood today because I've used them a lot....but if you give them an inch, they'll take a mile...comes to mind.
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It's why the government decided to pass a law inregards to punishing OUR children. Yes, as a parent, you have the right to discipline as you see fit. If that includes a swat on the butt, that fits within the legal parameters for discipline. HOWEVER, Joe Schmo from Kokomo thinks it is ok to spank Joe Jr. with a wooden spoon and leave welts and bruises. Jack and Jill think it is ok to touch a naughty child's hand to a hot stove to "learn them a lesson." To them, it is discipline. To the rest of us, and the government, it is abuse.
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The evolution of our generations and society has indicated that "we" are incapable of using discretion without guidelines, parameters and repercussions for going outside of those boundaries.

Mooshoo, I agree with you that if people violate the law they should be held accountable. This article however was about parental rights. It's not against the law, yet, for parents to give alcohol to their children. Should it be? I say it should not! Let parents decide what is best for THEIR children. Not the government. Will I give MY underage kids alcohol at 18-20 years old? Maybe, maybe not. If I feel they are mature enough at that age then possibly yes. I don't need some lawmaker in Madison telling me when I'm allowed to give MY kids alcohol or anything else for that matter. The U.S. is the only country in the world with a drinking age of 21. I believe the U.S. also has the highest number of alcohol related deaths. Seems to be working out pretty well huh? You can't legislate morality. Maybe instead of always making new laws the law makers could take the time to go over the books and get rid of some laws. Less government = more personal freedom.

MooShoo,
The people of this country have become too reliant on the government. The government is there to protect the people of this country. Not to change and compomise the principles that this country was founded on. Laws were put in place by our forefathers based on principles and not what works best for the government. They put the constitution in place to protect the American people from the government in case the government decided to be self serving one day. Which it is now. Infact, the media is teaching people in this country to be selfish and self serving as well. The government is loving this because it gives them more leverage to decide what's best for the people. It's not their job. It's the American people's job to be aware what's really happening around them and not be wrapped up in the false realities that exist today because of the garbage media we're all fed day after day. We have no foundation of core valued principles anymore because the new age intellects who have their own agendas are working hand in hand with government officials who have their own best interests in mind, not the American people. WE THE PEOPLE NEED TO WAKE UP! How can parents teach their children what's "right" when they don't even know what "right" is?? One step towards fixing this problem is, A. Turn the idiot box off B. Put the Video Games in the dumpster C. Pick up a book about American history and read what our forefathers fought for and went through to give us the freedoms we have today. The new age intellects think freedom came free. It didn't. We're going to lose it if people don't wake up to reality.

No Officer, I am not saying if personal responsibility is lacking it's the government's responsibility to step in and tell people how to be responsible. I say "the Government" should hold people accountable for their actions if they break the law.
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You made a broad comment about we are better off with less government and more freedom. Based on that I asked you to put the comment in prospective with the story at hand. You have not answered my question: In your call for less government and more freedom, are you asking for a less restrictive drinking age?
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The ball is in your court.

It isn't a feel good liberal's fault, as they don't "run" the government. And, it isn't a feed good conservative's fault, as they don't "run" the government either. "Republicrats and Democrians" have been replaced by lobbyists and special interest groups. That is who holds the power in modern America's democratic government.
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It's not for the people by the people. It's for the money by the money because of the lobbyists who are driven by the money for the money, for the people.

Momof5-excellent point! Knowingly breaking the law incurs consequences. Whether it is heroin, alcohol, or marijuana--there is associated responsibility with their use. Legal or not, a person must be held accountable for their choices.

Did I say anything about Democrat or Republican? There are plenty of "feel good liberals" in both parties. There is very little difference in the two parties anymore. I like to call them the Republicrats and Demicans. "Wisconsin law allows parents to supply alcohol to their underage children, no matter how old they are." So in order for this law to change it would be the "feel good liberals" in Madison making that change. I don't need some idiot in Madison telling me when I can or can't give my kids ANYTHING! It's time for a true conservative third party and a revolution!

I'm confused. If I go to the liquor store, and buy a case of beer and because I drink all 24 cans in an hour and give MYSELF alcohol poisoning does that mean the liquor store clerk should be charged with involuntary manslaughter when I die? Or let's say I buy a Corvette. I'm cruising down the highway, have the "needle buried", lose control of the car and it becomes wrapped around a telephone pole. I tragically lose my life from my own stupidity and disregard for the law (speeding is illegal and I knew better). Where does GM or the car dealer have any culpability? I mean they did knowingly produce a car that was capable of 160+ mph, when the average maximum speed limit in the US is 65 mph.
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I'm not saying that the OD wasn't a tragedy because it certainly is. But, maybe, just maybe, something proactive such as more public awareness programs, talks at the high schools, etc.., would serve far more justice than something reactive such as throwing someone in the slammer and ignoring the real problems.
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Life is a choice. Bad choices are a part of life, no matter how tragic their outcome. Personal responsibility is not negated just because the choice results in tragedy or heartache.

officerfriendly1-

"Less government and less taxes equals more FREEDOM! I surely don't need some "feel good liberal" in Madison telling me what is best for MY children."

The drinking age was lowered in '71 or '72, to age 18, because the majority of people felt that if you were forced (via the draft) to fight and die for your country, you should be old enough to drink.

It was in 1984, during Reagan's reign (a Republican who felt the need to impose this government interference) that the Federal drinking age was raised back to 21. Those states that initially refused were threatened with having their Federal highway dollars withheld until they complied.

So, it was some "feel-good conservative" who took that freedom away. Don't blame everything on the Democrats.

So let me get this straight MooShoo. If personal responsibility is lacking you believe it's the governments responsibility to step in and tell people how to be responsible?

oh good, got ya. see how unfocused i am without my meds:)

the kid: I did state in my post that I do believe that there is evidence of medicinal benefits of marijuana--and you're preachin' to the choir here--

Ihavealife-I agree with your point on the heroin dealer and the death that just occured. No sentence is too long.

momof5: perfect point.

cmalpsv: i understand that cocaine has medical value. are you going to say, really that marijuana doesnt?? even the most anti-potters HAVE to acknowledge that. if you dont use google, or ask someon dieing of cancer/aids if their quality of life improved with pot. i also understand the diff between alcohol an pot is the legal/illegal. thats why i talk as much as i do. the current laws are hypocritical and if i open up one persons eyes in 1000, we're that much closer. i dont preach to make alcohol illegal even tho we ALL know the potential negatives of that. i PREACH to legalize/de-criminalize pot cuz if you have the option to relax with alcohol, i as a 'free' american should without a doubt have the option to relax with pot.

Mooshoo: you dont have to worry about the kids down the block from officerfriendly, i think theyre my kids and i gots em waaaaay under control:)

It that personal responsibility thing that seems to be lacking in your neighborhood officer.

MooShoo, Why are you concerned about he kids "living down the block"? You take care of your kids and let the people "down the block" take care of theirs.

Umh...Officer, the Legislature, composed of conservatives and liberals that set the 21 year old drinking age. In your call for "less government", would that be no restrictions on the drinking age? It is clear from your posts that you have a tight grip on your kids. Its the ones living down the block from you that I worry about.

Kleej, Excellent post! Less government and less taxes equals more FREEDOM! I surely don't need some "feel good liberal" in Madison telling me what is best for MY children.

Hockey, I agree with you. Wisconsin law allows me to provide a drink or two to my kids. The youngest (age 20) knows that it is illegal for him to drink in any other circumstance. Does he drink when away from home? Perhaps, but he also knows that it is illegal and that he is on his own if he breaks the law.

One job of a parent is to teach their children to respect and uphold the law. For a parent to allow their child to imbibe when they are not of the legal drinking age encourages them to ignore the law or think that laws do not apply to them. In general, this an attitude that is pervasive in this country; I certainly see it at the high school level every day of the school year. Why do parents want to encourage this behavior? I say close up this loophole and teach your children that all laws apply equally to all people, and expect/accept consequences if you don't follow the laws and ultimately get caught.

Could we PLEASE separate out some points for discussion?
As I stated, I believe this to be an issue best decided by parents, not the government. I don't believe that the reason the government changed the drinking age was solely related to a ton of studies they read; and it can't all be tied to tavern operators. Parts of these laws can be tied to Dept of Transportation highway funding laws in other states, and I believe that may perhaps be part of the issue in the state of WI.
Also, no parent in their right mind would condone ANY CHILD drinking themselves sick, no matter what the age (legal or not). I believe the point of the news article was to focus on kids between the ages of 18 and 21. I do not beleive that allowing my children to have an occasional drink during the holidays or a beer or two on the weekends leads them to irresponsible drinking when they are of legal age. Years ago, the drinking age was 18 and my parents were determined that I would learn to handle my alcohol at home before I EVER went out in public. And believe me I learned that lesson. I have raised my children the same way.

Cocaine DOES have a documented medicinal purpose, but it is not to get high. As with all drugs, use of these is NOT illegal as long as it is used within the confines of the law.

While I can agree that there is increasing evidence that marijuana may have some medicinal purpose, it remains illegal. That is precisely what makes it different from both alcohol and cocaine.

While I was out last night, I came across a VERY pregnant woman. While she was holding a beer, I do not know if she was the consumer or the temporary koozie. However, there was no mistaking the cigarette that was going in and out of her mouth and the puffs of toxic smoke that were being exhaled from her pregnant body as her own.
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Call me what you'd like, but that, to me, is far more irresponsible and unacceptable than the occasional ADULT who "gets loose" while not in the company of a minor child.

the US is the only counrty in the developed world that has a drinking age of 21, in most countries it is 18 or 19, yet driking deaths for those ages is the highest in the US - hmmm.

cmalpsv~
GREAT POST! I agree wholeheartedly with you.

Optimism, I don't know where you get the idea that 'Are you people saying that they should be allowed to drink because they are allowed to carry a weapon saying that you would be ok with our servicemen/women under the influence fighting for our country?' is what the point of these posts is about, that would be just stupid! The point is that we, as parents, are the strongest influence in our children's lives as they grow up. We set the example and teach them that they are responsible for their actions. When these same children enter military service, their direction comes from their military training. They are taught when and where to act, what is appropriate, and what is not. If my son has shown that he is repsonsible enough to be called a US Marine, surviving his first tour of duty in Iraq, then both the military AND his parents have taught him responsiblity when it comes to his decision to have a beer or two when he gets home!!!

For those of you ready to pounce on the actions of the US military, let me remind you that this discussion is about drinking alcohol before the legal age of 21.

21 is a benchmark. There are 40 year old people that can't drink "responsible". Where do you draw the line?

We the People need to take the govt. out of the equation period. The government wasn't put in place to be this country's conscience! That's why the declaration of independence and the Bill of Rights was put in place. It's called a foundation. A foundation that is slowly being chiseled down into a pile of sand!
We are on a fast track to communism if people don't wake up! Only the cowards mock the truth. People of courage own up to their duties and sense of honor and step up and take action. It's time for few to stand against the majority and turn this thing around.

The key here is what does "responsible drinking" mean? It can mean different things to different people. I may think drinking a 6 pack is responsible, and someone else might think drinking a 12 pack is responsible.
we have no standard definition when the alcohol commericals say: "drink responsible" what does that mean?

mojo: like my kids will never see me drink a beer, they will never see me smoke a 'fattie', until they are legal adults. i understand why all you anti-potters think i would be a bad father, thats what weve been told will happen to pot smokers. its not true. im not sayin it never happens, but its on the individual. when my ex, who is one of my best friends, fell in love and wanted to move to another state, i didnt stop her, i said go, when the time is rite i will follow. if i was a bad father i would not have relocated my life/career to be here. if smoking pot made me a bad father all my ex has to do is call child services. she doesnt cuz she KNOWS im a GOOD father and i dont intertwine my pot life with my kids life. you all can judge me based on my posts, but my knowledge of what marijuana REALLY is does not define who i am as a parent or a person. i lose no sleep whether you judge me online cuz of my posts or in person cuz i look like a 21st century hippie, i KNOW what im about.

EXCELLLENT non smoker post avidreader.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY TO ALL!! and of course a side note: the original declaration of independance WAS printed on hemp paper:)

This is an article about alcohol, not weed, but as long as we are making comparisons, I will give my take on it. Of the 2 evils, I would say alcohol is the worse, and here is why I think so. Even tho I am not an expert on either, I have tried both, so I can compare my experiences. I don't drink much, but if I have had a few, I tend to loosin up a bit. Stone cold sober, you will never see me on a dance floor shaking my booty or anything else, because I know I can't dance. Put 2 beers in me, and I forget I can't dance. After the beer wears off, I think "OH MY GOD, did I do something embarrassing?" Silly example, but there it is. Of the 2 times I smoked weed, the first was around age 17, plenty of opportunities before hand, was just too afraid. This time I thought I would try it and see what it was like. Physically it felt the same way as if I had drank 2 beers. Mentally, instead of thinking "I don't care, lets party", I felt more like, "you party without me, I am going to take a nap". I didn't feel the need to try it again, it was just like taking a sleeping pill, very relaxing. The 2nd time was years later, some of us were cruisin around the Rockies, and after the change in altitudes so many times in 1 day, I had 1 hell of a headache. Asprin and tylenol weren't working. My friend said "here, take a few hits of this, it will cure what ails ya" And that's exactly what it did. I relaxed, fell asleep, and woke with no headache, and while were comparing to alcohol, no hangover either. He who says weed has no medicinal purposes, knows not what he is talking about, cuz it sure cured my headache. Do I think everyone should smoke weed? NO! Do I think people who have never done it, should judge people who have? NO! It's like everything else, different people are gonna react differently. Some people get drunk, they get happy and giddy, then they pass out, some people become nasty violent A-holes before they pass out. If thekid or anyone else wants to relax in their home and smoke a joint, who are they hurting? If people consumed alcohol the same way, it wouldn't be a problem. I think the only reason weed is illigal is because the government can't control it, and make the profits. But that's just my opinion folks. The key to this article, and the weed, again is responsibility. I have never tried any other drug, with the exception of my pepsi and caffeine habit I have, so I can't compare the rest. And obviously looking at the time, I am not being very responsible with the caffeine. Shame on me, I should be in bed. I think instead of a joint to relax me, I will just let the caffiene wear off, no offense thekid.

"Underage drinking figures in 5,000 deaths a year in the United States." How many deaths are marijuana related every year in the United States?

"MajorMojo
Jul 3, 2008 at 11:45 p.m. thekid, since you are soooooo in for smoking a fattie every day, it will be a hoot when your kids are sitting around at a family reunion smoking crack and meth with their old man. How nice."....That was out of line. What a hoot it would be if you supplied your kid with liquor and they drove around milton avenue on a saturday night

that is a very good question JohnDoe. Unfortunatly, I don't have the answer. I know a couple 10 year olds who show more responsibility than some adults I have met. After reading this article, I went over to the crime sections, and no surprise, several repeat drunk drivers there. And I found myself questioning wether these peoples parents allowed them to drink before the "legal" age, whatever it was at the time. This article, and all the repeat offenders we read about has really made me question myself as to what I will do if my youngest 2 children ever ask me if they can have a drink. God willing, I still have a few years to think of my response or actions. As of now, they are very aware of what can happen when teens drink, because their cousin was in a near fatal accident a few years ago. I just hope in a few years when they are in that age range, they will remember their cousin, and how drastically her life has been changed since that fateful decision.

With so many adults proving they are not responsible enough to drink, I guess i would have to wonder why parents of teens are willing to take the risk if seeing if their kids are responsible enough. Alcoholism has to start somewhere, heck, it's even starting in the womb these days.

thekid, since you are soooooo in for smoking a fattie every day, it will be a hoot when your kids are sitting around at a family reunion smoking crack and meth with their old man. How nice.

What's the age of responsibility?

Optimism. I am not sure where you are going with your line of thinking on military drinking. But your last two sentences lead me to believe that you think that age and discpline teach one to be a responsible drunk.

So much talk is about age, but unfortunatly, age is really not the issue, is it?
Responsibility is the true issue here.

I understand everyones logic about being able to defend our country but not able to drink. I however don't think these kids should be sent to war.

One of the things I have to question about the article though is that once a child turns 18, they no longer have a legal guardian, so how can parents legally buy them a drink in a bar?

When I was a senior, 18 was the legal age. Half my graduating class could buy alcohol, which made it way to accessable to the other half. My daughter will turn 18 at the beginning of her Senior year, and I am very thankful that she won't have to deal with the peer pressure of friends wanting her to get them alcohol.

I was one of those small children that were taken to the bars often. Both my parents were in pool leagues and back then, it was no big deal to bring the kids along. My sibs and I sat in the back at a table with our chips and pop, and got a lot of laughs at the funny people stumbling around and talking funny. Maybe watching those people look like idiots is one of the reasons I rarely drink today. I'm 42, and I can't even remember the last time I had a beer. A few weeks ago, I was at several bars, and never had a drop of liquor.

Every person is different. We don't all learn to walk, talk, or go to the bathroom on the big potty at the exact same age, so it is ridiculous to think everyone is ready to be responsible enough to drink at the same age.
It's hard enough being a parent now days, it's nothing like when we were kids. Back then parents were parents, and weren't trying so hard to be our friends.

I'd like to think I have taught my kids right from wrong, but when it comes right down to it, I am scared to death that one of their friends might convince them to do something they know they shouldn't.

We read it all the time, some teenager makes some terrible mistake, half the blogs are about how the kid was raised, musta been bad parenting, and half the blogs are from people who knew the kid, and say what a great person they were, excellent parents, the kid just made a bad decision.

Like I said before, age isn't the real issue here, responsibility is.

The enlistment age and drinking aren't even on the same plane. An elistee is trained without the influence of alcohol (I Pray) and learn the trade of being a member of the military in the right state of mind. Are you people saying that they should be allowed to drink because they are allowed to carry a weapon saying that you would be ok with our servicemen/women under the influence fighting for our country? There are no training camps, last I checked, to teach you how to be a responsible drunk. That comes with age and dicipline.

A child's mind is not anywhere near developed enough to handle life on a sober mind let alone a mind under the influence of alcohol. That is why there is an age limit, due to many studies of behavoir and development of a human's mind. Parent's that allow their kids to drink, are only looking for friends in their children in my opinion, and parents are NOT meant to be friends. If we are all honest with ourselves, and remember back when we drank as teens, the situations we got ourselves into could have been and sometimes were terrible. Our whole life is how our coping skills are developed as children, and if these skills are interrupted by intoxicants, I don't see anything but a world of struggle. Kids don't drink because the enjoy the flavor, they absolutely drink to get loaded. And that in and of itself is a problem.

Indeed, that would take away one stupid argument for allowing teenagers to drink.

Raise the enlistment age.

Cardtrader. I think we will have to respectfully agree to disagree on this one. Ultimately it is the state legislature that decides what is the legal age to drink in this state. And its members are intoxicated by influence of campaign contributions (e.g. Tavern League)and not best interests of their constituency.

Well Mooshoo I agree with alot of what you are saying except the part about parents being the best teacher for there kids. (Wrong)Leave that to the professionals there are enough studies out there to back up what age is approiate to drink , and in some cases those are wrong to, meaning not all parents are fit to teach a dog to sit let alone the seriousness of drinking. But I want to thank everyone for hearing me out and I cherish your answers. I believe it is individual choice not good for everyone.

The rules are in Wisconsin, parents or guardian can get bar service for their under 21 Y.O. if the bar allows it. It is your choice parents whether you allow your children to drink at home under your supervision. If your kids become a problem because you abuse your parential control, the state will step in and take action (i.e. child abuse or neglect leading to Termination of Parental Rights).
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When I reached 18 in Wisconsin in the early 70's, recent changes in state law allowed me to drink. The argument for the change was if you were old enough to die for your country, you were old enough to drink. I attended funerals of 4 high school classmates, including burying my best friend, from the time I was 18 to 20. I have no doubt they were all too young to handle their legal responsibilities.
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Many of you are using the argument that if you are old enough to be in the military, you are old enough to drink. Drinking alcohol is one of the priviledges you earn by signing on the dotted line. You are also held to higher standard for your actions in the military. Commanding Officers and NCOs have a low tolerance for drinking related infractions. I speak from experience as one who enforced the UCMJ during my military years. I fail to see the comparison between the right to serve one's country at age 18 to the right of a civilian to buy alcohol at age 18. It is like equating the ultimate sacrifice for ones country to dying on a lonely country road in the ultimate waste of one's life.
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Ask yourself as an adult, parent, taxpayer and voter what benefit is there to an 18 year old drinking age? You will never, ever get my vote to change the drinking age to 18 in Wisconsin. I have watched too many die before their time.
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Parents, it is your choice. You are best suited to make the decision whether or not your minor can handle a beer or glass of wine. It is a teaching experience and you are best suited to make. Teach them well. It is life or death lesson they learn.

I don't understand why they wrote an article about parents letting their 18-20 year olds drink. How about all the parents with high schoolers who buy them kegs and have parties with 14-15 year olds present? Just had two in the public notice section, they happen all the time.

good post trader. i feel for ya, sounds ALOT like what got me here. but teachers rite, there are waaaaay more responsible drinkers/parents than not.

Ok, cardtrader, so you had a bad experience. I'm going to go out on a limb and say a lot of inner city children have had bad parenting experiences also. I may be stretching by saying that, but it seems as if you have been there so you could verify that for me. That doesn't mean myself or my parents can't be positive role models for our children.

Well teacher do as you where taught by your parents, I'm talking from experience that it is bad, you see my father allowed me to drink with him when I was a kid, But he forgot to tell me that I had a addictive personallity thus leading to years of alcoholism, I have not regreted the fact that I was an alcoholic in my youth and part of my adult life, But am proud of the knowledge I gained from my experience and have taught my two children , now young adults the facts about drinking first hand and what it can do to you not to mention your life. I talk to kids all the time now about not only drinking but substance abuse and the final fact always is it starts at home! When you decide to come out of your middle class suburban life and take your kids to an inner city Drug and Alcohol Facility then you will be teaching them something. Wake up America

cardtrader: First you make a general assumption about people you don't know saying something they believe in, and then you say everybody that doesn't agree with you is an idiot? That seems pretty narrow-minded to me. I, personally, will let my kids have a drink with me when I feel they are responsible enough to handle it. But I don't have any ill feelings towards those that won't.

ihavealife: i never said i have a clear mind after i smoke. where did you see that?? judgers puttin words in my posts again;) its a mind altering drug and if i told you that id be lieing. im aware the uphill battle i have, laugh all you want but trust me, in time i will be there....that 5:37 post i was, and still am at work. i havent touched pot since my morning meds at 5:30 this morning. keep judgin. thank you:)

It should be up to the parent. Their are very immature 21 year old out there. There are very mature 18 year old as well. As a parent you need to see where your child stands. If they can handle themselves with alcohol and the consequences that come along with it. Then let them drink. If they are immature and can't handle themselves then it would be best to not have them drinking.

that was a little thing called sarcasm hannah, apparently it hasnt gotten this far north...

hannah: the simple answer to why is cuz im ignorant.

thekid -
well then...preach on brother. ;)

how come you peeps keep gettin off topic??;) my kids can drink with me when theyre outa high school. and yes, they will wait that long to hear anything about my intoxicant as well. good story frank:)

sweetman, id rather be looser, than a loser;) why ya gotta judge me?? you dont know me. thats where the hypocrisy comes in, those 'no medical value' words come from uncle sam, yet they classify Marinol(synthetic THC) as a schedule III narcotic(currently accepted medical value) so you see the hypocrisy?? synthetic THC has medical value(pfizer) but THC in its natural state does not?? ive been a legal adult for more than a decade, you can prolly figure out my age if ya think about it;) and as for my career, believe me or not, but i truly am the top performer at my job and every one here knows i smoke. if you want to know the details feel free to email me, ill buy ya lunch so you can see who i am and then you can make a proper judgement.

Ben -
You can have whatever opinion you like. And so can I. God bless America.

spunkmeyer i understand what yo sayin, but i dont view this as a waste of time. its a)practice for me:) and 2) you dont KNOW im not opening up someones mind with my logical posts. and yes i do have other wheels spinning, as i said to someone yesterday you WILL see my name in the paper for talking to the city counsel or county board about making adult pot possession the lowest criminal priority long before you will see my name for being arrested for pot. just moved here so im in the EARLY stages. benthinkin i think you could say that in any discussion, if someone doesnt see your side, they dont 'get it'. i love marijuana. you dont get that. thats ok, but thats why i talk, so you can see normal people smoke pot. MOST people will agree that pot isnt as harmful as alcohol and yet pot is the one of the two illegal. i dont get that. why does anyone even care what another adult does in their own home if its not 'hurting' anyone but themselves?? i dont get that. fo what its worth, i truly want to hear anyones opinion as often and as negative as you want about pot, but as you can tell, i will rebut and unfortunately i dont let it go easily;)

o sorry country

"who don't/won't understand" So just because someone has an opposing view to an opinion they don't get it, or maybe it is you who don't get it...

thekid -
I completely agree with you about marijuana. I think it is far less dangerous than alcohol. However, I think you're preaching to the wrong crowd. It's obvious you're passionate about it. So how about you take that passion and put it to good use?? Lobby for the legalization of marijuana instead of wasting your time trying to convince people who don't/won't understand. Unless you're already doing that...in which case, thanks. :)

thekid, ohh man if they ever introduce a bill to legalize pot I hope they call it "thekid bill" cause I have never seen such diligence to a cause...

if yer gonna lump marijuana with those other drugs you are either purposely tryin to be a chimp, or you REALLY have no clue.

the actual wording on the narcotics schedule...

schedule I
A) The drug or other substance has high potential for abuse.
(B) The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
(C) There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.

schedule II
(A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
(B) The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States or a currently accepted medical use with severe restrictions.
(C) Abuse of the drug or other substances may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence

schedule III
A) The drug or other substance has a potential for abuse less than the drugs or other substances in schedules I and II.
(B) The drug or other substance has a currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
(C) Abuse of the drug or other substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence

rims may be correct. it may even be a schedule I or II, is there a known medical use for alcohol yet?? i really dont know.

for what its worth, marijuana is a schedule I narcotic 'no currently accepted medical value' and cocaine is a schedule II narcotic 'has a currently accepted medical use in the united states'

I'm 24 now, but my mom bought me drinks in a bar once when I was underage - the last day of my college career. I graduated at 19, the girls from my program went out for pizza and drinks, but I was the only one under 21. My mom towed along so I could be there with all the friends I had made, bought me 2 drinks, then made sure she drove me home.
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I was old enough to handle full time work and classes, and was sure old enought to handle a few drinks, and I don't see a think wrong with that.
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I do also agree that if someone IS old enough to fight and die for this country, they should be old enough to have a drink.

not to change subjects, but you know i will:) for those of you that think kids should be able to drink at 18 cuz they can die for our country, i wont disagree with you, but how is that any different than an 18 year old or myself who can die for our country but cant smoke a joint......

What is really funny is these parents who let their kids drink at home. Then get ticked off when they get busted drinking else where. Its like two sets of rules. One for home, one for away. How do these parents get mad when they are the one who set the example to start with.

I have also also been told alcohol would be considered a illegal drug if it was brought to the market today. My sister is a d&a counselor and she is the one who told me.

What would people in Wisconsin do if they did not drink?

You can ask any Dr, counselor, psych. They will tell you introduced today, alcohol would be a class 3 nar. From your snotty reponse it's clear you have no clue.

I have to agree with skalb also! There have been alot of good points from both sides on this, but really lets think about this, go back to when you were 16..17...ok you get the point, if your parents told you no, not ever. Didn't you wonder why, whats the big deal, must be neat. There has to be a reason why they told us no. Well I remember that age and well my parents were pretty open about that kind of stuff. No they never let us just have drinking parties at their house, heck I don't think they ever let anyone other than me and my sister and brother drink, but regardless, that took all the curiosity out of it. There was no need to go experimenting with my friends. I already understood, what it was. My parents didn't hide the fact that they may have went out and had a few to many the night before. And hey guess what, I turned out just fine,and none of us have drinking problems all of us in my family can go with out and do offten. I am able to have a couple every now and then and its no big deal. But just like when I was 16, 17, 18 I don't see the point and that I thank my parents for, they showed me the truth of what happens when you drink, not always by what they did, but by what they explained. I thank them for that. So I agree this should be left up to the parents, and I also beleive that if you are old enough to fight in the armed forces, I think you should be old enough to drink!

If you can die for our country at 18, you should be able to have a beer in it. Make beer legal at 18 and hard liquor at 21.

TRAINMAN - You must have eaten to much cheese, you sound a little constipated. Time for the beer.

To Flashdances31 - I was raised in WI when the drinking age was 18. I was allowed to have a drink at home or out with my folks. Your right WI is a great state and the culture is good too. I suggest if you don't like the WI culture that you move to MN - the state where nothing is allowed. It's full of liberals and bleeding hearts. I get to WI once a month for? you guessed it - BEER and Cheese!!

the law should be changed back to 18 why you ask, if the kid's are 18 and they can serve there county and die for it By GOD they should be able to have a drink,and if any one of you who have served in the armed force's would agree they should be able to drink,the law should be changed in every state. remember at 18 they are considered an adault. Say what you want but most teenagers have had a drink before they turn 18.

Evansville Mom keep talking. So much under age drinking in that town, and all over. We don't drink in the home. I don't keep it in the home but will go out to drink, but never with my kids in tow. Thats my time. I do not drive, even if it's only been one drink. I agree with some on here once that reach 18, it brings up a lot of questions. But younger than 18, what child under 18 needs to be given alcohol. What reason can there be for that?

It is interesting fact to know that if alcohol was introduced today, it would be a illegal substance you would not be able to get it unless you obtained it illegally , or had a prescription for it. It would be considered a class 3 narcotic, NOW would you give that to your child?

no driving OR drinking until 21 unless serving in the military. voting for EVERYONE only after passing a test that would confirm that you are literate regarding current events and issues. if one cannot answer basic questions, then they are obviously not smart enough to vote

I believe Skalb pretty much sums up my thoughts as well as many others. I think 18 years of age is a good cutoff, any younger I think sends the wrong message. Thinking that someone should should wait until 21 even with parental supervision is basically saying that the Federal Tranportation Department knows how to raise my children better than I do. (i.e. that's the main reason it was changed to 21)

I am not originally from WI. The amount of alcoholism in this state is astounding. I was a bartender. I've seen it all.
Parents sitting there while thier young children run around playing, and occuping themselves watching the parent get drunk. I've had them order a drink for thier under 18 child and got attitude because I refused to serve. It's legal to serve them.
The problem is that WI is a binge drinking state. Packers, Brats, Beer, and Cheese.Isn't that what everyone thinks of when you say WI. My God, there are more bars than Churchs. Bars on top of bars on top of bars.

Watching the Packer game at the bar. Snowmobiling to the bar.
Watching Nascar at the bar.
Watching the Brewers at the bar.
Pool League, the bar.
Darts league the bar.
Meat Raffles (totally strange) at the bar.
There are bars that were garages, bars that were chicken coups, of all things YUCK!
Only when WI starts taxing alcohol the way they do cigerettes, and starts really going after DUI violators will it come out of the stone age. The laws on underage drinking are awful. They have adults that buy kegs for High school parties. What the @. In Fl. if you over serve the establishment, and bartender can lose thier licenses, and pay a fine. Plus if they get in an accident you could be held libel.
Just so you know the rest of the country isn't like this. It's not normal. I've been here for 20 yrs, and I still can't even fathom spending my life in the bar. I just don't get it. With all the wonderful things to do here, why do half of the people's lives, revolve around a beer bottle.

good post skalb. i think the nice thing about WI as far as kids drinking, is they do leave the parenting up to the parents, as long as they stay with the parents. the way it should be.

Okay
So my kid who has graduated HIgh school is not allowed to have a drink unless I say it is okay to be done at home, but he or she is old enough at 18 to make the decision to join the forces and fight for our country and even die for our country?
Something is really wrong with our society. Parents need to be parents and teach out kids how to be responsible adults. And the goverment needs to stay out of our parenting lives. There are far more greater things to worry about.
Children were far better off when I was a kid than now days. The first time a child is spanked (Not abused) but spanked they go to school and tell someone guess who gets called family services, yet let a child have a drink at home and family services are not notified.
Tell them they can vote at 18 but cant have a drink.
Leave the parenting up to the parents. I rarely have a drink of anything and I was allowed to drink at home. My children are not big drinkers and they were allowed to drink at home. We taught them right and wrong.
If you tell your kids no, and they want to experiment they will do it else where. So I would rather have the control and teach them my beliefs so then I wont have to worry what they are doing somewhere else, or who they are going to hurt!

And If my daughter has the right to fight for our country in the Marines then she has the right to drink!

It's wierd that it's up to the individual bar if the parent can buy the kid a drink. My hubby and I went into a bar in Madison, with my 8 yr. old and his folks, because his game got rained out. We barely got in the door and the guy kicked us out because we had my daughter with us. We were'nt even going to drink, I was pregnant(and showing)! We were going to eat there, the place was dead even! Anyways, I would'nt let my kids drink, they have plenty of time when they are of age to do that. It's a very "grey" subject. It's all in how you want to parent I guess.

So let's see if I got this straight...the state is going to tell me how to raise my child and tell me that I can not allow him/her to have _A_ beer...at home...with me...no friends?

OK...it maybe illegal, but once upon a time it was illegal for a black man or a woman to vote...wasn't right then either.

I agree with 'tickle'; allowing a drink at home, with parents is a different ball of wax than supporting unbridled drinking off somewhere with their friends. If your child comes to you and says, "Mom/Dad, can I have some?" (referring to the alcohol de jure of the get together), I think you should jump at the chance to 'parent'. I'm afraid that simply saying, "NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT, AND FORGET IT!" is akin to telling the kid to experiment on their own, outside of parental influence. One of our kids had a sip at the last holiday get-together, and hates the taste. The other one--the older of the two--liked the taste (red wine). But, having had less than an ounce, promptly announced, "So, this is it?? This is what all the fuss is over?" (clearly disappointed that there was 'nothing more' to it). That opened the door to a 15 minute or so discussion about alcohol/ peer pressure /being your own person. And, shortly after that, she announced she had a headache, and wanted to lay down. Whether or not the headache was related to the few sips of wine, I don't know. But I sure took the opportunity to associate the two with her. Point is, if she was ready to ask us, she was ready to try it; that was either going to happen with her parents there, or without. I opt for the latter, so I get to at least have SOME influence on where the conversation started and ended.

my kids will never see me drink, but they will have the option to drink with me when out of high school. if i cant teach em to drink smart, how is college?? and i think the most important factor is how responsible my child appears to be. would i let myself drink at 19, my mom did, but i wouldnt:), would i let my bro drink at 19, sure, he could and still does handle it. like pretty much everything to me, its ALL on the individual. good story tho frank, you shoulda asked me for a quote;) lol

As with EVERYTHING in life, moderation is always the key. Excess in anything will always lead to problems. Minors in Europe and elsewhere in the world are taught by social custom that wine with dinner is not only acceptable but also has health benefits. But, at the same time, over-indulgence is frowned upon no matter where you are. Wouldn't it be better if the US legalized drinking BEFORE the age of getting drivers' licenses? Perhaps then young people would learn the potential affects of alcohol before they get behind the wheel instead of after they're already on the roads!

To the people that think allowing underage kids to drink is sending the wrong message, I think that is kind of a broad generalization. Occassionally letting your underage child have a drink at home is not sending them the message that it is ok for them to drink regularly. Parents need to make it clear to the kids that an occasional drink at home is different than going to a friends party and getting drunk. The kids that do it regularly are the ones who probably don't receive guidance from their parents. But on the flip side, kids know it is against the law to drink before age 21......they just don't care.

This is an interesting topic. Growing up if I asked for a beer at a family function, after I graduated high school, the answer would have been "sure". Alcohol was a normal part of family life for me. Now as a parent my answer would be no. Actually the question would probably never get asked. I prefer to teach my children about alcohol by setting a good example. Alcohol is not consumed daily or even weekly/monthly in our house. Do my husband or I ever drink, yes but only in social situation ranging from weddings to the party down the street. My children see us drink but never drunk nor will we drive even after just one drink. To me this is teaching them responsibility and control. I have discussed alcohol/drugs with my children, not just "don't do" it but why not. I only hope they have listened and have learned form their parents example. Time will tell my oldest is only 13!

"Here's something else to consider as you gamble that your child will be able to drink and stay healthy: Underage drinking figures in 5,000 deaths a year in the United States. And numerous studies have found that when drinking ages were lowered, the numbers of deaths and injuries increased, Kulinski said."

Are these deaths due to alcohol poisoning or are they deaths due to other causes, like car accidents while drinking and driving? I would "gamble" its the later. As for the "health" benefits, studies consistently show that red wine is good for you. How many of those 5000 dead were moderate drinkers?

So deaths and injuries increased when drinking ages were lowered? When have they been lowered? I can only remember the age being raise-from 18, then 19, then 21.

It used to be the straw man of federally funding highway construction was the reason why drinking ages were increased. Young adults who volunteer to serve their country (and some die serving their country), who vote, are not allowed to legally buy a beer until theyare 21? Silly.

The wisconsin legislature can change that silly law (guy your child a drink), if they want to-but is this really the role we want our legislature to take? More gov't nannyism? But at the end of the day, responsible drinking is about being responsible-not nannyism. We need less nannies who will protect a 20 year old "child" from drinking to excess and more parents willing to instill the differencies between right and wrong in their children.

Next on the legislative docket: The need for children (those 21 and younger) to wear helmets while driving (or as a passenger) a car until they are 2 due to the increase of head trauma during car accidents. If it could save one life isn't it worth it?

In this State the last thing we need to do is give our kid's the wrong message, and letting them drink before legal age is the wrong message, The state of Wisconsin needs to adopt harsher laws reguarding Drinking accross the board, Parents that let and or condone there kid's drinking before 21 ought to be held accountable for there actions. With all the kid's that loose there lives every year to underage drinking how can anyone with half a brain think it is o.k. Wake up America better yet Wake up Wisconsin

Good article, some solid points. Personally speaking, I have 3 kids-ages 25,23,20. They were allowed an occasional alcoholic beverage on holidays, at home with the family. While the 20 year old is too young to drink, I allow it and have even bought him a beer or two at a local beer. He is currently a member of our country's Armed Forces. If he is old enough to carry weaponry to protect our country, he certainly is responsible enough to drink. I can honestly say that none of my children are big drinkers--I like to think that this is the result of excellent parenting!! =)

It sends the wrong message to kids to let them drink at home or any where else before they are 21. It sends the message we are o.k. with you drinking. What reason for someone teenager have for drinking any way. It should be for adult fun only. Let kids be kids. NO alcohol before you can do it legally.

Growing up, we were allowed to drink if we wanted as long as we weren't going anywhere and didn't have friends over. This acceptance of alcohol at an early age made me less of a drinker because it wasn't so much of a taboo thing to do. Beer? Big Deal. I think the parents that shelter their children so much from everything create kids that will get drunk at their friend's houses or parties and run into legal problems with it later in life. My parents always said they didn't want me drinking anywhere, except for at home, where I was safe with them and not driving. These days, it's a rare occasion that I have a beer or sip a drink. Great article though. :)

Excellent article, Frank.