4 March 2018 Do We Need A National Age?

Do We Need A National Age?

There is a lot of debate about raising the age for someone to buy an assault rifle. The need for that type of weapon is extremely doubtful. However, how can you say a person is mature enough to get married without anyone’s permission, to vote for elected officials, and more importantly to join the military and cannot be responsible enough to own a certain type of firearm?

We already deny someone under 21 the ability to purchase alcohol. Again, how can they go to die for their country but not get a beer at a local bar? That is so far wrong I can’t understand the logic.

Rental car companies have long denied business to people under 25. What are they to say to all the veterans who were wounded, some seriously, in combat but will not rent them a car?

It is time to come up with a national age. That age would have no restrictions on the person.  There will be a lot of pros and cons for whatever age is chosen.  That age will allow you to get married, purchase alcohol, join the military, vote, and be tried as an adult for any crime. The drinking age is set by each state; however, the federal government denies certain funding to states that would have a lower age limit. This is how Congress can say they are not setting the age. It is BS but that is how they do it. They basically hold the state hostage until the states pass laws that Congress likes.

Normally I would support 18 years old to be the national age. But we would have to accept that the majority of seniors in high school would be able to purchase alcohol. The statistics are overwhelming that accidents involving alcohol will skyrocket if teenagers can purchase it.  I can’t in good conscience say you can go in the military and die or be greatly injured for your country, but you can’t purchase alcohol. For that reason, I would make the alcohol age remained at 21 except for active duty military. I know many will say this is discrimination and I understand that. However, the military person earned that privilege. I know this also defeats the argument for a national age.  Alcohol is a challenging issue when dealing with teenagers.  

Perhaps this can also apply firearms. If you are not in the active duty military, you would need to wait until 21 to purchase firearms. I am not hard over on this one and could except a national age number.

Setting a national age would be best for the country.  It is a debate that needs to be had.