Underage Drinking: What do you think?

Alright, I'm 18, and I do not drink (even though my dad wouldnt really care because I'm responsible and know my limits) but I believe the drinking age should be lowered to 18, or make the minimum age to enlist for the military 21 or at least move them both to the middle, I dont think its fair that an 18 year old can leave the country and possibly be infantry over in iraq, but can't take a shot of jack daniels when the day is over to celebrate the fact that he's lucky to be alive? I think thats bullcrap personally. "have you ever stop to think? I'm old enough to go to war, but I aint old enough to drink." (tupac shakur)

This is such a hard question to answer. As a teenager I drank underage...sometimes in my house with my parents aware...and sometimes not. I did not drink often with my parents like a couple drinks when my bro was leaving for college, or holidays. I think that when a parent makes it forbidden, the teen is more likely to be sneaky, and that can make them put themselves into unsafe conditions. But at the same time you need to set rules, and teach them to make responsible choices. I now have a son, he is only 6, and I am already worrying about what I will actually do when the time comes. I want him to know he can come to me, but not that it is ok. Also then there is the other topic about having there freinds drink at your house. This is also tricky becuase you dont want them to go out and drink somewhere, that could be dangerous and get them into trouble. But if you let them drink in your house, you are putting yourself in trouble, with other parents, and maybe even the law...if for some reason they need to get involved. I also think that most teenager are too irresponsible to drink. They get too crazy and do stupid things. Some adults are the same way also...but it is more common in teenagers. However i have also met some teens who were able to drink responsibly and are responsible when they drink. This is just a tough question

I drank when I was underaged. Not too much underage, but enough. I was actually living on my own, and the way my parents looked at it was I was on my own, they couldn't stop me anymore. I would drink with them, but I would not drive anywhere if I had anything to drink. I think that if parents choose to let their kids drink, they should limit the amount and take the car keys away from them. A strict rule when I would drink with my parents was that I had to agree to not go anywhere until I went at least two hours without having a drink, and I didn't take anything in the car with me. If I got a bit too tipsy, I would just stay there. I do not agree at all with allowing a 16 or 17 year old to drink. I think they should have to at least be a legal adult, 18 or 19, depending on where you live, and only drink in an environment where your parents are there too to make sure you are safe.