1ºI have always supported lowering the drinking age. The rest if the planet (and human history) recognizes 17 & 18 year olds as adults. Only in the US do we call a 17 y/o a "child" and pretend that 18 and 21 are some magic threshold.
But... recent changes in our society have changed ny mind. The Millennial and Gen Z generations have shown stunted maturity. Naive, self absorbed, and a refusal to conduct themselves like rational, level headed adults. Traits that were common in angry 14 & 15 year olds are now seen well into their 30s. Rules or standards if conduct are "oppressive" in their child minds. They cannot be trusted with even basic responsibilities.
Personally I would prefer they not even be allowed to drive or own a firearm.
2ºWalmarts very 1st freezer endcap, right after the produce. First 80+ day a few weeks back, and my 6 year old wants freezie pops. There, is sitting shelves of already frozen popsicles, and giant boxes of Eggo Waffles in the next door. Awesome, sold. She grabs the little box of popsicles and I grab the giant box of eggos, for summer break. Get to the register, I'm getting asked for my ID for GROCERIES!
OH NO. On the fruitified box with picture of 4 different colored, plastic wrapped of freezer pops plastered, read Frozen Cocktail!!! I was floored, as I'm a recovering alcoholic, and now I'm having to put my groceries on hold to get a normal box of popsicles. Someone got in trouble, as when questioned where I had grabbed them, I pointed straight across all the registers to the very first grocery aisles endcap, guess that was a big no-no, they were only to be stocked in the liquor department. Managers were pissed a 6 year old had grabbed them next to frozen waffles, in a main grocery aisle. They apologized and felt bad, as she had recovering family, sent a stocker to fetch a box of freeze pops and he came back with 4 options to choose from.
If you're going to claim "packaging" and "fruity flavors" need to be banned because it entices underage people to smoke or vape, then the Alcohol Industry needs to be held to the same standard. No reasoning for these "kiddie flavored" alcohols being sold, doing the exact same.
Or give us back our flavors and menthols. I want my cherry smokes back. Keep your booze.