City of Philadelphia Propsing Taxes on Trash and Soda

In yet another desperate grab for cash, the City of Philadelphia is reportedly floating around 2 ideas: Taxing you to have your trash collected and taxing sugary drinks. Both are stupid, idiotic, horrible ideas. Lets find out why:

1. The Trash Tax Will Fail

It's actually pretty simple: Philadelphia has been, over the years, become a city of haves and have-nots. The haves are able to get by day-to-day and not worry about losing everything without missing a paycheck. The have-nots are barely getting by, and one missed paycheck means the end of their world.

Now throw in a fee for a basic city service.

The idea of a fee for garbage collection city-wide has been tossed around before and shot down for the same reason, especially since it was based on the idea of paying BY THE BAG. The idea never made it pass the drawing board.

2. The Soda Tax = Tax on Fun

As you may now, over the past few months, there's been a massive movement towards comparing soda to cigarettes and tobacco products. Now, other than the fact that its a bad argument, the reasoning tends to be that people drink too much of it and that its bad for you. Here's the problem with that argument: It basically states that people don't have any common sense, thus the government needs to swoop in and stop you.

Lets get something straight: The idea of taxing soda is not to help with you health, its to raise cash, and nothing more.

Not only that, but when it has been discussed in the past, it was always agreed a portion of the money would go towards health care costs. In this case, the only public health talk has been towards using propaganda to make it seem like the tax is for the public health when, in reality, its just to raise more money for the city.

Also, this is yet another tax on the poor.

Many argue that those in poor areas need to stop drinking soda the most and, in turn, need to drink more water. These people are basically saying there needs to be a tax on soda because they don't really deserve soda.

In my case, I don't have any real vices. I don't drink alcohol, I don't smoke, I don't do drugs, and save caffeine, I'm almost "straight edge". My vice, my lone pleasure in life? Soda.

More than anything, this tax says that adults shouldn't be treated like adults. We have a perfectly legal thing, something we all enjoy, but because a few of us have taken it and gone too far, it must be taxed?! It starts with soda, but what next? Candy? Snacks?

Does the fact that fast food is already taxed stop people from eating it so much?

These ideas and taxes must, and hopefully will, fail. Instead of fixing the way real estate taxes are done in the city, going after the biggest tax cheats in the city, or cracking down on people who owe the city thousands, if not MILLIONS, of dollars, we instead get stupid ideas for taxing people down to the bone!

If this is given serious motives, I wouldn't doubt seeing a few Soda Parties in this city.

Philadelphia Begins to Enforce Bike Laws, Bikers Complain

When it comes to the topic of people riding a mode of transportation that's marginalized and demonized and virtually criminalized, skateboarders have everyone else beat. An otherwise legal activity, skateboarders have been forced to skirt around unfair laws and deal with legislation that, in the end, harm a large number of people who would otherwise use it both for fun and as a mode of transportation.

So when I heard new bike laws were going into effect, I was thrilled!

During the least year, we've seen the number of cyclists climb a lot. This is due to both high gas prices and people, on a whole, ditching both cars and SEPTA in favor of riding a bike. It's estimated that around 10,000 people ride their bikes in Philadelphia to get to and from work, an astounding and wonderful number!

But, like any mode of transportation with a large number of people using it, there are problems and, in turn, laws.

So lets have a run down of what's going on:

1. The Law as it currently exists

Philadelphia already has multiple bike laws to help curve dangerous behavior, as well as fines. Here's the short list:

Vehicle Code Violations:
3112-A-3i- Disregard Traffic Signal ($119.50)
3112-A-3ii- Turn on Red, Fail to Stop/Yield Pedestrian/Traffic ($119.50)
3308-B- Wrong Way 1-Way ($119.50)
3323-B- Disregard Stop Sign ($119.50)
3323-C- Disregard Yield Sign ($119.50)
3345-A- Improper Passing of a School Bus ($364.50)
3542-A- Failure to Yield to Pedestrian in crosswalk court ($119.50)
3711-A- Clinging to a Moving Vehicle ($119.50)
3714- Careless Driving ($119.50)
3736-A- Reckless Driving ($294.50)

Philadelphia Traffic Ordinances:
12-808 Riding a Bicycle on a Sidewalk ($54.00)

On a whole, the idea is actually fairly simple: A bike in Philadelphia is treated nearly like a car. And, as both a skateboarder and a cyclist, I actually agree with this.



2. Why Bikes are Like Cars

For starters, bikes can go really fast, around 20 mph. On a sidewalk in Center city with quiet wheels, its a problem. They're also capable of doing a lot of damage to a pedestrian, as two Philadelphian's were struck and killed by cyclists in the past month.

In contrast, a skateboard tends to be a little safer. For starters, you can hear them. Its hard to miss a skateboard. Its also a lot harder to not get hit by a car on a skateboard. Same with roller blades and scooters. On a whole, these are a separate class of vehicle.


3. Who This Is Targeted To

If you already are a kind and courteous cyclists, you have nothing to worry about. In fact, only a small handful of people really need to cut their behavior.


4. The Reaction

The reaction to this has been priceless.

For starters, you have the people who are angry at the fact that they are going to enforce the law. Seriously. One example:

A potential safety hazard is in no way comparable to the dangerous crimes that are committed every day in our city’s least patrolled neighborhoods. A lot of the “Don’t Snitch” mentality arises from the fact that residents of these crime ridden neighborhoods feel completely unsafe and ignored due to the lack of police presence. - posted by mmmmokay

So, let's get this straight: A potential safety hazard isn't cause for alarm? L&I shouldn't condemn hazardous buildings, the police shouldn't stop someone driving like a maniac, and that actually enforcing a law on the books is a BAD idea?

Then you have the people who are upset that people lump cyclists all in one group. To their credit, they make a valid point. Not all cyclists are inconsiderate jerks who run red lights and ride on the sidewalk. In fact, a large number of cyclists are actually law-abiding folks who just want to get from Point A to Point B. No, this enforcement is only for the jerks who actually do break the law.

But the best part of all the reactions? The closet racism I've discovered from cyclists!

A photo popped up of someone getting a ticket for breaking the new bike laws and was posted on Philebrity. The comments are priceless:

What a great frickin’ use of city resources…using the cops to stop and ticket all the Center City kitchen help riding in from South and North Philly. -chuck63

great job philadelphia. does it make you proud that he won’t be able to make rent now? kitchen staff don’t make 100k a year ya know. -lightonfire

As they seem to enjoy saying there, "Stay Classy, Philadelphia!"

5. The Bike Coalition Needed This to Happen to Them

Again, I'm saying this as a skateboarder.

The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia (BCGP)has a ton of sway in Philadelphia. They have advocated for cyclists in Philadelphia for years to promote a healthy life style and a cleaner and greener world, and I'm totally in favor of that. I love cycling myself, and I still fondly remember the days of my youth where I did bike everywhere.

But as you may recall, I wrote back in June that cyclists get away with breaking the law a LOT in this city, and the selective enforcement of the laws concerning both cyclists AND skateboarders was basically discrimination. Is it a little hypocritical to trumpet seeing these laws enforced for cyclists while I, as a boarder, has once said these things. To a degree, yes. But skateboarders don't have an advocate or protection.

Cyclists in Philadelphia have had the BCGP to help them, and in turn, things have been good for them. They've gotten more respect than non-motorist in this city and have gotten most of what they wanted (new bikes lanes and more bike racks). Is this taking them down a peg? Yes and no. They're still a good group in and of themselves, and their cause is good, but the fact that they are now advocating falling the law to a large degree... well, I'm glad to see it.

Especially since they oppose the new laws enforcing tougher fines of those breaking the law and making people register their bikes and get license plates. Its unlikely they'll get their will.

6. Aftermath

Will the enforcement of these new laws stop the need for new laws and fines to go into place? I do, to a large degree, hope it does.

I'm all for tougher fines for the laws in place, but the bike registration idea has me a bit on edge. If we can avoid that but making sure that all cyclists in Philly simply follow the law and are more courteous, that's the best possible sollution. People think laws exist only to stop behaviors or to surpress freedoms. In the end, a law is only needed when we, as a society, choose to put otherwise acceptable behavior as a norm when its dangerous and harmful to others. If we all treat others with respect, we won't need them.

Sitting on the Sidewalk is Against the LAW!: Why Skateboarders Rights Also Effect You

As you may have seen in the comments section of my post, "NO Skateboarding Day 2009", it was pointed out that, to a degree... the officer was right. Damn.

Its incredible confusing to explain, so I'll state this as easily as possible.

For starters, there is a section of the law called §10-611. Sidewalk Behavior.

The question I'm posing, and many will, is does this supersede the law stated in 10-610, which basically contradicts this in terms of rights for skateboarders?

But I'm getting ahead of myself. If you clicked that link, you head, more likely than not, is now spinning and it hurts like hell. If you start reading it, you realize that this law prohibits... well, pretty much everything.

Here's what applies to everyone:

(a) The following provisions shall apply city-wide: Subsections (2)(a), relating to parking a motorized vehicle on the sidewalk; (2)(b), relating to gambling on the sidewalk; (2)(f), relating to unlicensed sale of goods or services on the sidewalk; (2)(i), relating to the sale of goods or services, or solicitation of funds, on the highway; (2)(j), relating to displaying for sale objectionable material; (2)(l), relating to unreasonable obstructions on the sidewalk; (5)(a), relating to honor boxes on the sidewalk without a permit; (5)(b), relating to littering on the sidewalk; (5)(c), relating to excessive noise on the sidewalk; (6)(a), relating to owner/occupier of private property keeping the sidewalk clear of litter and obstructions; and (6)(b), relating to owner/occupier of private property keeping the sidewalk in good repair.

Or, in short, you can't do the following on the sidewalk: Park your car, gamble, sell things without a permit, panhandle on the highway, display objectionable material, create an "unreasonable obstruction", you need a permit for an honor box, litter, make excessive noise, and if you own property, keep the sidewalk in good shape.

Make sense? Good!

OK, here is behavior that is prohibited in certain areas:

(b) The following provisions shall apply only in the zones designated by Council: (2)(c), relating to riding a bicycle on the sidewalk; (2)(d), relating to riding a scooter, roller skates or skateboard on the sidewalk; (2)(e), relating to loading or unloading a commercial vehicle on the sidewalk; (2)(g), relating to lying on the sidewalk; (2)(h), relating to sitting on the sidewalk; (2)(k), relating to unlicensed placement of any bench, planter, fixture or street furniture on the sidewalk; (2)(m), relating to unattended belongings on the sidewalk; (2)(n), relating to unrestrained animals on the sidewalk; (4)(a), (b) and (c), relating to aggressive solicitation; and (6)(c), relating to owner of take-out restaurants care of trash receptacles on the sidewalk.^[98]

Confused? Me to. It says that the following applies to riding your bike, scooter, skateboard, or roller skates on the sidewalk, commercial vehicles, unlicensed fixtures on the sidewalk, animals, and solicitation. Oh, and sitting and lying on the sidewalk. It also deals with aggressive panhandlers.

Now, the next part of the law deals with the locations. It is the single most confusing thing for a lay-person to try and understand. It takes a while, but if you dissect it, it makes sense. I'm not going to go through the entire thing right now since the purpose of this is to deal with it in relation to Center City. The reason I'm doing that is because it effects the most people.

So, in terms of Center City, the following areas are covered:

• The area bounded by the north side of Vine street on the north, the west side of Broad street on the east, the south side of Lombard street on the south, and the Schuylkill River on the west.
  
  
• Broad street, from the south side of City Hall-South to the Philadelphia Naval Business Center.
  
  
• South street, from the west side of Broad street to the Schuylkill River.
  
  
• The First Councilmanic District.

Now, the last part is where it also gets confusing. The First Council District covers... well, everything east of Broad Street, from Spring Garden all the way down to Oregon Avenue. Amazing. Amazing dumb.

Even more so? Here's three maps. The first is based on the initial wording.



OK, west of City Hall. That stinks, but OK, there's still the east side....



Oh, wait. When we pull out, we see that the 1st Council District makes even the East Side illegal. And not just in Center City. No. Its worse than that!



Yep. From (and I'm being nice here!) Vine Street down to South Philly, all the way to the SHORE, according to this inane, confusing, idiotic law, YOU CAN NOT DO ANYTHING ON THE SIDEWALK!


Let me guess, your chuckling to yourself right now. "Well, I guess those skateboarders and cyclists are going to have to realize now that their little 'hero' here just helped everyone else get them busted!" Well, guess what? This law basically applies to more things than you can imagine! For starters, do you ever sit on the sidewalk? You know, you get tired, no where to sit, you're tired... you sit on the sidewalk. Well, you're breaking the law!

Homeless people who bug you for change? Illegal! Ever walk in a group of people and block the sidewalk? Illegal! If they enforced that one, I think the tourists would get mad! "What do you mean our group of 20 people are getting tickets for obstructing the sidewalk?! We're trying to look at the Liberty Bell!"

Or how about people on Market Street who like to make as much noise as possible to raise money for their marching band? Or the 12 Tribes of Israel group that like to use a loud speaker to spread their hate? Illegal acts all!

So, to clarify, you can't do the following in most of the city:

• (2) Obstructing the Sidewalk Prohibited. No person shall:
  
  
• (a) Park any motorized vehicle on the public sidewalk.
  
  
• (b) Conduct any gambling or other games of chance on the public sidewalk.
  
  
• (c) Ride a bicycle upon any public sidewalk.
  
  
• (d) Ride a scooter, roller skates or skateboard on any public sidewalk.
  
  
• (e) Obstruct the public sidewalk while loading or unloading a commercial or other vehicle, except as shall be necessary for the safe and expeditious loading or unloading of such vehicle.
  
  
• (f) Sell or offer for sale any goods, wares or services on the public sidewalk, without a license from the Department of Licenses and Inspections pursuant to Chapter 9-200.
  
  
• (g) Lie on the public sidewalk, or on any object placed on the public sidewalk.
  
  
• (h) Sit on the public sidewalk, or on any object placed on the public sidewalk, for more than one hour in any two hour time period.
  
  
• (i) Sell or offer for sale any goods, wares or services, or solicit funds for any purpose, in or on the public highway, except for licensed vendors

In terms of skateboarders, its even crazier! The law literally forbids riding your skateboard to the ONLY skate park in Philadelphia, FDR Park! It states you can't skateboard on Broad Street towards the Philadelphia Naval Business Center, which is on the coast, and past the skate park!

Did anyone use their brain when they came up with this?! Was FDR Park not THERE when they created this? Why didn't they modify it up to there?! On top of all that, isn't it safe to say that this also makes having a legal skateboarding business in the heart of the most busy area of Philadelphia next to impossible?! Nocturnal and Bainbridge Skate Shop are the last two skateboard shops standing down there, with Subzero forced out and forced to move north.

Skateboarders have a distinct disadvantage to these inane laws that others who wish to enjoy the "prohibited activities" don't; and otherwise legal right. Center City has the best sidewalks, the nicest areas, and is one of the safest plays to skateboard in Philadelphia. Skateboarders are, to this extent, allowed to skateboard on the street.... which is as dangerous as you can imagine. Have you ever tried skateboarding down Market Street at 3PM? Or even at 8PM? It isn't easy!

City Paper did an article recently about cyclists in Philadelphia, and just how much cycling is a benefit to the city. Skateboarding, for me, is the same. I can't do tricks. I wish I could... I can't. I've been doing this for 12 years, I've been riding on Market Street with ease since 2002 with only 2 actual problems of me running into someone (by accident, completely forgiven, everyone was fine). Its great to get around with, and until Sunday, I've never had a problem and police officers have always been nice to me and let me by. Why? Because I'm kind, courteous, and I watch out for what I'm doing! And most skateboarders are the same way as well.

At the same time, cyclists, for example, are also participating in a legal activity as well that tends to be more dangerous than skateboarding for both themselves and others. They have to stay alert, attentive, and courteous. To their advantage, they can attain and maintain a decent speed that skateboarders can not. Cyclists are given a respect that skateboarders only dream of, and while the same laws apply to them as they do to skateboarders, Philadelphia is more welcoming and, more than anything, TOLERANT of their illegal behavior. My story yesterday is testament to that.

So this law effects more than simply skateboarders; it effects all of us who wish to do otherwise legal activities.

But, as I said at the start, does this circumvent §10-610. Skateboarding, Rollerblading and Bicycling on Public Property? The law is specifically geared towards skateboarders and was passed in 2000. If "Public Property" doesn't apply to, of all things, sidewalks, does that then mean that this law is, in the end, moot? Does this make skateboarding, in essence, illegal in 70% of Philadelphia?!

Like I said, this is incredibly confusing and makes little, if any, sense! So are you still laughing at the skateboarders and claiming it doesn't effect you?

Coming soon, I'll explore what alternatives this leaves for teenagers who want to enjoy this legal and healthy activity, the effects on society, and what it means to your tax dollars. Trust me, you will care.

EDIT: Haveboard pointed out a correction: Bainbridge Skateshop is on the same location that Skatenerd's Minnow was. Bainbridge Skateshop is Elite's new name. Exit and Nocturnal are the two other shops in Philly.

Go Skate Day! Philadelphia 2009: Preparing for Battle...

The drums of war are being sound.

The cries of repression are being heard.

A chill is fills the air as a culture is being squashed by unjust brutality against the innocent.

Go Skate Day is almost here.

Philadelphia Weekly did what I think is, hands down, the single best article on skateboarding in Philadelphia in a VERY long time! While most articles on the topic deal solely with LOVE Park and the issues surrounding that, Philadelphia Weekly's Catherine Caperella dove deeper, pointing to a recent rise in acts of police brutality and unwarranted attacks on skateboarders by the police as well against skateboarders who were, according to the story, not breaking the law at the time.

I was out on Go Skateboarding day in 2007... it was one hell of a day! It was a lot of fun, a ton of energy, and I tried to break up a disagreement between the skateboarders and the police. I actually knew the officer from a few months earlier. They were really nice, really awesome guys... I was shocked by what I saw. I talked to them and told them we would leave City Hall. We were told by the officer you saw earlier in the video trying to break us up. I come in at 2:45:



I wound up getting a ton of support, and being a bit of a figurehead. Not perfect, mind you, but a decent day nonetheless.



So, that said, I have some tips for all the skateboarders in Philadelphia on how to act on Go Skate day:

• 1. Despite the rumors, no, you can not skateboard at Dilworth Plaza, LOVE Park, or the Municipal Services building on Go Skate! Day. They didn't change the law, they didn't give out permits... don't bother.
  
  
• 2. If you are confronted by an officer, be as polite as possible if they are trying to be polite as well. If they immediately start hassling you, ask yourself A) Am I skating in a place where I know its illegal and B) Do they have a point? If you're able to, simply speak in a calm matter and co-operate. If they become abusive or start by using force despite the fact you are not doing anything to warrant it, REPORT IT! Get a badge number, post it on a blog... get the word out about them! Simply fearing retaliation will do nothing morethan allow it to continue!
  
  
• 3. Try to hit the legal places, like FDR Park on Broad and Delaware Avenue. The best way to get there is to take the Broad Street Subway to the end of the line (Pattison Ave) and keep going South. You can't miss it. There's also "3-Block" off Broad and Girard. Trust me, you can't miss it on Sunday. Just listen and look for a ton of skateboarders. Also Cecil B. Moore and certain areas on Temple's campus.
  
  
• 4. Make sure you always carry a copy of the actual law, §10-610. Skateboarding, Rollerblading and Bicycling on Public Property! If any officer says your breaking the law and you know you're in the right, take this out. It states, and I quote, skateboarding is allowed on "public roads, highways, bicycle and/or skateboard paths, or sidewalks abutting private property....... Recreation Department facilities, which facilities shall be subject to the rules and regulations of the Recreation Department." So if you get hassled for skateboarding on the sidewalk, you're in the right!

That said, have fun, be safe.... and make a lot of noise!


EDIT: I plan on doing something at 11AM on Sunday. Details coming soon. Wear a shirt and tie.

SEPTA Has New Busking Rules: Good and Bad News

Exactly 2 years ago as of May 2nd, the impact of an even that happened in March of 2007 came to a head. Anthony Riley, then 20-years-old, was arrested for singing in Rittenhouse Square. What followed on May 2nd was the blow back, a group of musicians and smart-minded people who realized that this was wrong. The protest was large, with nearly 100 people there. I was there during my run for mayor. I wore my favorite black suit and a pair of sunglasses. In one hand was a small red amp and in the other a gig bag for my Scott Ian Lyon/Washburn signature series guitar. I approached Anthony, talked with him for a bit and some other people and a reporter, and played along in protest to these insane laws. The police came to try and stop the peaceful protest, but Anthony was able to show the proper documents and we were allowed to stay.

In August, Anthony had his day in court. After an hour-long trial where the defense showed a weak and laughable case, the judge dismissed all charges. Anthony had beaten the system, and the ability to busk in Philadelphia was permitted.

I asked myself if our fight was just. It was... but I knew we had all created something that would not end well.

Although I was quiet about it then, I spent the months leading up to the trial watching as musicians came out of the woodwork for to exercise their right and ability to perform to the public. It was amazing and fun at first, but as the trial came, I saw more and more people busking and I realized that this may be a problem.

By the Summer of 2008, it is safe to say that there was a large problem with busking in Center City; everyone and anyone with a instrument and an amp to play pre-recorded music seem to come out and try their hand at being a small star. Some days it was a pain to go to Suburban Station, as 5 or 6 people would all peform in a small area at the same time. Trying to pick out one sound against another was a pain. There were some people who were great, though I don't know their names. A small R&B group that played at Market East Station, a child violinist who would pop up from time to time, and a man who was, in every since, a one-man band with class, playing the drums while singing at the same time and peforming, periodically, with other people.

It was Philadelphia seeing its first real busking boom since I've been alive. Up until 2007, there were very few, if any, people busking at SEPTA stations. It was nice at first, but one day as I tried to catch my train, a group of breakdancers created such a crowd, it was almost impossible to get by. At the same time, a lot of the people peforming were either mediocre, bad... or just plain boring.

In March I decided to go to Market East Station and give busking a try. I wasn't doing it for the money, just the chance to dress as I wished, paly what I wanted, and see how people reacted. I went down there with full distortion on my little amp and played whatever metal songs I could cover and a ton of original stuff and improve. After about 2 hours, on a good day, I made $15, which was more than enough for me! I had a employee tell me to move once (vey rudely, I might add)... that netted me $5 in pitty cash. I was mad I was told to move and in the back of my mind I though, "Well, put up a damn sign if I can't play there!"

They did.

Starting Monday, signs started showing up in Center City train stations telling people that they could no longer simply go up to a spot and start peforming. Instead, a rule was created: "All peformers will need to get a permit which could be attained for free and they could only play for 3 hours." I found this fair and sound, and OK. Then the last part: "No amplification of any kind." This part is where I have to disagree!

Yes, people can play loud with an amp. REALLY loud. But I have heard plenty of instruments, from accoustic guitars to drums to just people singing, that are louder than most amps turned to a reasonable setting. My beef is that there isn't wiggle room here, just "no". Some people need SOME amplification, and this rule smacks in the face of a lot fo people, in particular that small R&B duo I mentioned.

In an article in today's Philadelphia Metro, people had mixed feelings on this, and understandably so. The amplification part, in particular, had two interesting notes. A woman who goes to Suburban Station often said that the noise "became down-right annoying, especially from those with amplifiers." A man named Peter, who has played the keyboards for nearly 6 years, is angry as his revenue will most likely shrink from $80 to $20 because of the hour limit."

While the signs are posted, the rules don't go into effect until August 6th, 2009.

Myself? I'm sad I can't just pop downtown and play the train station like I used to. It was fun while it lasted. I'm just mad about the amp thing...


(Photo of the Busker in Suburban Station courtesy of Detainee)

Lower the Drinking Age?!

Scores of college presidents, including the head of Maryland's public university system and the president of Johns Hopkins University, have an unexpected request for legislators: Please, lower the drinking age.

The Amethyst Initiative, launched in July, is a coalition of college presidents who say that the legal drinking age of 21 encourages binge drinking on campuses. William Kirwan, chancellor of the University System of Maryland, William Brody, president of Johns Hopkins, C.D. Mote Jr. of the University of Maryland and the presidents of Washington and Lee, Sweet Briar, Towson, Randolph-Macon, Duke, Tufts, Dartmouth and others have signed on to the effort.

It is likely to be difficult politically to change the drinking age, which has been 21 since the mid-1980s.

In a survey released yesterday by Nationwide Insurance, which is hosting a symposium on binge drinking in Washington in November with Mothers Against Drunk Driving, 75 percent of adults said they support tougher enforcement of existing drinking laws.

SOURCE: Washington Post


OK, I'll be blunt: I'm against lowering the drinking age. Yes, the same man who wanted to lower the age so he could run for mayor to 18 doesn't believe 18-year-olds should be legally allowed to drink. Why?

The reasoning for the law-change is rather... well, dumb. The reasoning is that since it's illegal, most people ignore the law anyway, so why not change it? Sadly, that doesn't work 99% of the time. When it comes to legal marijuana use (I don't like drugs, but honestly, prohibition isn't, and never has, worked), I'm for it. This? Not so much.

College presidents are the one's pushing it, and for that alone, you should be suspicious. Why? Because these same fucks want you to attend their colleges so they can make money! These same bastards don't want their precious university to get sued every time some bone-headed minor drinks themselves stupid! The reasoning for the law change isn't to do anything positive for society, just for the people running the frat houses.

I'm going to agree with MADD on this; Drunk driving accidents with teens HAVE dropped since the 1984 law was enacted. Not only that, but most 18-year-olds aren't even close to being mature enough to drink responsibly. Their far too happy to drink themselves stupid and go overboard, and have.

Me? I didn't even want a drink until I was 22. My mom gave me wine when I was 10, I hated the experience, and that was it. Today, I rarely, if ever, drink. Why? Because my parents rarely ever drank except for special occasions. When they did drink, it was VERY responsibly and it never got out of control. They taught me something over my 19 years with them; drinking isn't a be-all, end-all activity. You don't have to drink in order to be happy and enjoy life, and the occasional drink won't make you nuts.

Too many parents these days, and for the last 20 years since the hippy movement, treat their children as friends instead of their offspring. In turn, they teach them drinking is OK if your underage and, sometimes, even let them drink themselves stupid at home. Most parents reasons that their kid is just going to go drinking at a friends house, why not at their house where it's safe? DISGUSTING! Teach your god-damn kid drinking underage is wrong, explain why, explain the effects, and stop treating your goddamn kid like your goddamn friend!

When I went to a party during college with a lot of drinking and drug use, something I didn't do either of, I didn't freak out. I had a good time, turned down anyone who asked me if I wanted either, and that's it. It isn't hard. Teach a kid what to do right and that's all it takes. All the anti-drinking and anti-drug ads in the world can't have as much impact as a parent simply telling his child that something is wrong and explaining why.

No, keep the age 21. During those 3 years from 18 - 21, you actually learn a lot.