The whole concept of age restriction is extremely flawed...

[Turkish]

I am not going to defend whether 18 and 21 should be the age limits for purchasing tobacco and alcahol respectively. However I find the whole concept flawed.

Supposably, its about preventing minors making decisions that they normally wouldn't, because they may have hard time choosing the right thing to do.

However, lets say I am going to be 18 in 2 weeks (I am older). So, while I am unable to purchase a pack of cigs right now, I will be able to in 2 weeks. In this 2 week period, will I reach the mentallity of a real adult? I don't know if I am wording this right, but its just so stupid.

I know we need to have limits, but this is completely stupid...

Just wanted to hear what you all think...

X.

 

[TitanDiddly]

You are correct, they are flawed. But the law must draw a line somewhere, and 18 and 21 are where they exist. It'd be impossible to maintain a flexible boundary. Impossible.

 

[thirtythree]

Originally posted by: Xiety
However, lets say I am going to be 18 in 2 weeks (I am older). So, while I am unable to purchase a pack of cigs right now, I will be able to in 2 weeks. In this 2 week period, will I reach the mentallity of a real adult?

it's not an instant change when you turn 18. I think the idea is that you'll have reached the "mentality of a real adult" by that time.

 

[guapo337]

the government feels they must draw the line somewhere, eh?

 

[So]

Originally posted by: PhasmatisNox
You are correct, they are flawed. But the law must draw a line somewhere, and 18 and 21 are where they exist. It'd be impossible to maintain a flexible boundary. Impossible.

Bingo.

 

[Amused]

Originally posted by: Xiety
I am not going to defend whether 18 and 21 should be the age limits for purchasing tobacco and alcahol respectively. However I find the whole concept flawed.

Supposably, its about preventing minors making decisions that they normally wouldn't, because they may have hard time choosing the right thing to do.

However, lets say I am going to be 18 in 2 weeks (I am older). So, while I am unable to purchase a pack of cigs right now, I will be able to in 2 weeks. In this 2 week period, will I reach the mentallity of a real adult? I don't know if I am wording this right, but its just so stupid.

I know we need to have limits, but this is completely stupid...

Just wanted to hear what you all think...

X.

The limit is arbitrary because no one person or entity can be trusted or burdened with making millions of individual judgements every year. Equal protection under the law also dictates that laws MUST be arbitrary.

 

[Hubris]

Dude, unless they think of and administer tests to each individual to determine whether they're "able" to make the decision, and age limit is the best and easiest way to impose limits on people.

 

[her209]

Prime example: R Kelly

 

[notfred]

How do you suppose they do it instead? A test so that you can get a license to buy cigarettes and/or alcohol?

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: Xiety
I am not going to defend whether 18 and 21 should be the age limits for purchasing tobacco and alcahol respectively. However I find the whole concept flawed.

Supposably, its about preventing minors making decisions that they normally wouldn't, because they may have hard time choosing the right thing to do.

However, lets say I am going to be 18 in 2 weeks (I am older). So, while I am unable to purchase a pack of cigs right now, I will be able to in 2 weeks. In this 2 week period, will I reach the mentallity of a real adult? I don't know if I am wording this right, but its just so stupid.

I know we need to have limits, but this is completely stupid...

Just wanted to hear what you all think...

X.

we should have a boundary but you think where we have them right now are wrong.

you don't however present any kind of alternative.

fact is, ONCE you establish that a boundary is necessary, the exact boundary will be arbitrary. it will be a generalization and arbitrary. there is no good way of doing it.

what do you want, the cop and the kid drinking to somehow get into some kind of dialogue before deciding whethor or not he is OF age?

 

[bradruth]

Originally posted by: So

Originally posted by: PhasmatisNox
You are correct, they are flawed. But the law must draw a line somewhere, and 18 and 21 are where they exist. It'd be impossible to maintain a flexible boundary. Impossible.

Bingo.

 

[Turkish]

Originally posted by: notfred
How do you suppose they do it instead? A test so that you can get a license to buy cigarettes and/or alcohol?

Not suggesting any alternative way... I just wanted to hear opinions&alternatives you all may suggest about it

 

[Schadenfroh]

tobacco should be illigal anyways

 

[Spencer278]

Originally posted by: Amused

Originally posted by: Xiety
I am not going to defend whether 18 and 21 should be the age limits for purchasing tobacco and alcahol respectively. However I find the whole concept flawed.

Supposably, its about preventing minors making decisions that they normally wouldn't, because they may have hard time choosing the right thing to do.

However, lets say I am going to be 18 in 2 weeks (I am older). So, while I am unable to purchase a pack of cigs right now, I will be able to in 2 weeks. In this 2 week period, will I reach the mentallity of a real adult? I don't know if I am wording this right, but its just so stupid.

I know we need to have limits, but this is completely stupid...

Just wanted to hear what you all think...

X.

The limit is arbitrary because no one person or entity can be trusted or burdened with making millions of individual judgements every year. Equal protection under the law also dictates that laws MUST be arbitrary.

How can it be equal if the two groups are not treated equally when it comes to alcohol?

 

[nodoubts2k]

I turn 17 in june, and i agree.

If i want that stuff, i could just get an ID, or i could ask someone to buy it for me if they wont sell it to me anyway. I bought two cigars and a pack of cigs on friday, no one cared.

I just came back from Spain a few weeks ago, and the age restriction mentality doesnt there. I was able to buy cigars, cigarettes and beer without anyone caring. I guess its just how they think over there.

 

[Zeeky Boogy Doog]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
tobacco should be illigal anyways

indeed, its disgusting

 

[HappyPuppy]

Originally posted by: Schadenfroh
tobacco should be illigal anyways

Marijuana should be and is illegal.

 

[PlatinumGold]

Originally posted by: nodoubts2k
I turn 17 in june, and i agree.

If i want that stuff, i could just get an ID, or i could ask someone to buy it for me if they wont sell it to me anyway. I bought two cigars and a pack of cigs on friday, no one cared.

I just came back from Spain a few weeks ago, and the age restriction mentality doesnt there. I was able to buy cigars, cigarettes and beer without anyone caring. I guess its just how they think over there.

in spain the attitude of suing everyone just isn't as prevalent as it is here.

if i'm a parent i want to be particularly careful of my children under 18 drinking as i can be held responsible.