by Cory Flanagin

Created on: February 06, 2009   Last Updated: March 02, 2009

I think punishment for either is hypocritical as marijuana is used for medical purposes, and drinking is allowed for a select age group after having been banned from everyone. Having said that, the reason I am writing in support of 'yes' results from the nearly universal ban of marijuana, and the social acceptance of drinking a toxic substance. If an individual can be punished for underage drinking, something seen as appropriate for adults, should these individuals be allowed to drive, kill in the name of their country, or vote for that matter and potentially effect the lives of millions? This is overlooking the fact that majority of the world has a much lower

drinking age. I believe this contributes greatly to producing more responsible drinkers, as drinking becomes social norm and not a recreational activity to partake in often. These underlying social issues can be overcome and thus negate the need for colleges to punish students who take part in adult activities. On a cultural side note, with shows like "Are you smarter than a 5th grader?", it seems those under age are more intelligent then the adults who are allowed to drink.

College is suppose to be a place of higher learning as well, why not educate students on alternatives to alcoholic drinks, many non-alcoholic wines and other drinks are available. To imply colleges are an institution responsible for doling out punishment conveys a message to me that colleges are focused more on politics than education. Again I return to my point of a double standard, why allow some of the student body to drink, and punish the rest for following suite. On the other hand, marijuana usage is banned from the student body as a whole, and while this legality of this is debatable, a uniform ban merits a more stringent punishment. Age based restrictions and the resulting punishments are dated and ineffective. These types of laws are intended to gauge maturity, but maturity is a measure of experience not age alone. How many over the age of 21 display a complete lack of responsibility? Age as the sole criteria to measure maturity, at least in my opinion, implies a belief in magic. A magic that upon reaching the exact second of an age, one has an epiphany and instantly becomes aware of their responsibility.

In closing, no matter which side of the debate one is on, I believe the bigger picture is that laws should be based on facts and maintained by the people, and not solely law makers who no longer live among the masses. Colleges should remain educational institutions, and pass on illegal behaviors to authorities for any form of punishment, as they were established for just such a purpose.

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