Reply #21: the raise in the drinking age was tied to federal money

[goddess40]

States raised their age limit because road money was tied to it, so in a way it is a national drinking age.

I think we do need to adjust something, it just isn't right that 14 year-old is 'fit' to raise a child, an 18 year-old can die for their country but they can't have a drink until they are 21.

My theory about problem teen drinkers that grow up to be problem adult drinkers is:
They are shy or have low self-esteem and they find when they drink they can be social. Instead of getting help with whatever the problem is that keeps them from being able to socialize without 'help' they self medicate with alcohol or some other drug.