I grew up in California. The legal drinking age was 21 way back even when I turned 18/21. Although I thought it unfair, I was never "upset" about having to wait until 21 to buy booze. Although it is still "unfair" today, I still like the fact that young adults are required to be 21 until they can legally drink. I know at that age I was invincible and I also know that I drank very little during those days because of the laws. Maybe the time I got chaired in my dorm room and I had to ledge walk 6 stories high to get to an open room would have ended differently if I had been drinking. Maybe the times I raced on the L.A. freeways at 110 miles/hour would have ended differently if I had been drinking. Maybe any of the other "stupid, I'm invincible" stunts I did when I was young would have ended tragically if I had been drinking.

Joe Jr, yes it's unfair. I agree with you that it is. But it's an unfair law I agree with. My suggestion, though, if you'd really like to "celebrate" the Millenium (don't read this, mom) with a drink is to get one of those plastic one shot airline booze bottles and pour it into your coke at the concert. But just one!<g>

Randy

My suggestion to anyone underage who wants to "celebrate" the Millenium should do it at home with the family. Any and all friends should be welcomed to the house with NO ONE driving.

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

Gail,

A BIG AMEN to that!!!!

In NC when I was 16, I worked in a grocery store where the assistant manager was only 22. He didn't mind if we took beer with us as long as we payed for it. Since I worked in the Deli, I would pack a couple 6 packs in a paper bag and fill with crushed ice. With some of the nights, I'm amazed that I'm still here.
That's why when my son started getting into the higher teen years, it was understood that when I at home with him he could have a beer while we were grilling out or after sawing up firewood, etc.
I still think that it is rediculous to make it illegal for 18-21 year to have a beer, when as it has been said, they can buy a house, a car, go to war and kill people, get married and have children, but not drink a beer. I was in the 18 year old crowd when I became a legal alcoholic. I didn't even get ID'd untill I was 32 years old at a Charlotte Hornets game. But it was something special to finally go to the local bar with my father when I turned 18.
But on Dec 31st, I will be at my Bar here in town, But I'm taking my sleeping bag, so I don't have to worry about being on the road with overzealous police officers or people that don't care if they kill someone, as long as they're having fun!!
So Joe, enjoy your concert and hurry home afterwards, Mom might let you sneak one of her Millenium Bud's.

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Layne in NC

Layne & Gail,
Ariel was always allowed to drink at home if she wanted, but then she stayed home after consuming. This would keep both of us out of trouble! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Recent story about a couple, here in Ohio I think, who let their teen age kid have a party at their farm. Mom & dad knew there would be beer but thought it was going to be OK since everyone was there on the farm and not driving. Mom & dad got arrested !

jm

Everyone,
thank you for all the replies. I had a good feeling when I started this topic that it would spark an interest. And that is all I really wanted... To those of you with the advice- I thank you too. I am not one to get offended easily and I would like to say that I have not been offended at all by anybody's comment(s).
Also, I am NOT going to buy a fake ID. First of all, I do not NEED to drink or gamble so badly that I am about to spend $50 or more to do so. As far as the legal reprocussions... Here in Las Vegas, my understanding is this: persons whom have fake ID's basically get a slap on the wrist...the people whom make the fake ID's get the big book thrown right at them!!! (It is a federal offense to make IDs) You won't catch me making fake ID's EVER!!!
Thanks again for all your notes.

Joe

Thanks Joe Jr. for that info.

Let me add my 2 cents here, but please understand I

V, you raised some good points, and there is no way to get around the fact that underage drinking is against the law....BUT<g>..for the sake of argument, let's also acknowledge there is a bit of underage curiosity about drinking. I think it's better to satisfy this curiousity with a glass of wine/beer/champagne at home with your parents. Some teenage adults (ie, 18 year olds) just might think "no big deal."

Daisy....EXACTLY!!!

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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

And there is curiosity about drug usage too from young adults. And sex. And smoking. And pornography. And shoplifting. And street racing in the parents car. And body piercing. And tatoos. And suicide. And gambling. And....

Gees, I'm glad I'm not a parent or a young adult, and I'm lucky to have made it through life this long.

Veronica and Jeff brought up some good points. When my kids were little, they asked to taste the wine and the beer when we used to have all our family gatherings. Their response was, "YUK!!" So I've been lucky that I've never had to make a decision on letting them drink at home, underage.

Joe Jr. is over 18 and he can now make many of his own decisions. And with every bad decision, there are consequences. And he knows this. Aaaand, jail can be one of those consequences. And it is VERY cold in the Las Vegas jails this time of year <lol>!

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gail@talkvegas.com
Moderator, TalkVegas After Hours
Administrator, TalkVegas BB

Well, I wanted to stir the pot<g>. JMT's list is thought-provoking. Today's teenager's are bombarded by the "glamor" of many of the activities listed....today's teenagers may not have had the time to develop adult judgement, but they are not stupid either. Just possibly, if they can figure out just one thing on that list isn't what it's cracked up to be, they might look over the rest of the list with a jaundiced eye.
Sometimes, a kid can get in over their head due to peer pressure....how many parents have an agreement with their kids that if they do have a couple of underage drinks, the kid can call home for a ride?...no lectures (they've already figured out part of the problem)..just a safe ride home. I'm not a parent, but I've made this agreement with some of my frends kids, so I obviously think it's a good idea.

Daisy,
I've had this agreement with Ariel, if she ever needed a ride after drinking, I'd rather have her call home and have someone pick her up and be safe.
But I also informed her from the time she can remember, if she gets picked up by the police, to expect to spend the night. We'll be out to get her bailed out the next day! [img]http://www.talkvegas.com/ubb/smile.gif[/img]



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Lee-PA
Moderator, What's New Forum
lee@talkvegas.com

Lee, I like your attitude! You've made it clear that you're there to help, but you've also stressed that Ariel is going to be held responsible for her actions.