Originally Posted by MikeT

I think that we should allow the enlisted to use a military I.D. to be legally served in taverns. If we, as a society, say that these legal adults are perfectly capable of killing on behalf of the U.S. government, then these legal adults should be able to enjoy the same sort of privileges that those who are 21 and up can.

Think of the recruitment advertisements: "Be all You Can Be--and Have a Toast on Uncle Sam!"

Our declining enlistment rates in our all-volunteer military would surely see a big boost.

I think it's ridiculous that a man can serve 18 months in Iraq, kill for his country, risk his life in battle, see the horrors of war, come home, and be barred from entering a tavern simply because he's only 20 yrs. old.

As to the moral or ethical question of whether people should drink or not, I don't really care about that--we are supposed to be a 'free' people, able to engage in legal activities. Imbibing alcohol is a legal pastime in our society. I see no reason why those who protect our freedoms should be banned from participating in pastime they've fought to protect.

If anything, they have 'earned' the right to engage in those activities far more than the 21 yr.old mechanic, waiter/waitress, college student, etc. And in all likliehood, after dedicating themselves to the discipline it takes to be a "good soldier"--they are far more competent to engage in those activities than the Jane or John who have barely left Mommy and Daddy's nest.

A military I.D. or 21 being the legal means to purchase a brewsky at the local sports bar and grill works just fine for me.