ARGUMENTATIVE, COMPARE AND CONTRAST - Essay Example

The Minimum Drinking Age Cloud s that America has an odd relationship with alcohol. At 18, one can vote, sign a contract, enlist in the military and even receive the death sentence; however, one cannot legally buy alcohol. The two articles presented forward have two different views on the issue of lowering the minimum legal age of buying alcohol. While both papers present compelling views, it can be noted that Sanders (2008) provides an objective argument backed up by data and insightful perception.

In his article, Cloud (2008) holds that the minimum age should not be lowered to 18 years old. The article is well written and presents its argument in a logical manner. First, Cloud (2008) presents the idea brought forward by John McCardell Jnr. that the drinking age should be lowered after several conditions have been met. He also presents McCardell argument that restricting alcohol to those below 18 years old raises its appeal thereby encouraging binge drinking. After presenting these views, Cloud (2008) begins his arguments using statistics.

He notes that data provided shows that there has been no major shift in binge drinking since the age restrictions were put in place. He argues that binge drinking has in fact dropped from 40.7% in 1984 to 38.1% in 2006. In response to McCardell’s argument of unsupervised drinking, Cloud (2008) notes that even if the drinking age was to be lowered, there would be no one to supervise the 18-21 year olds. His final argument is that while lowering the drinking age may end infantilizing of college students, it may increase deaths on highways.

According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, traffic fatalities and accidents connected with drinking have improved considerably since the restrictions were put in place. Sunders (2008) holds a different view and believes that college students between the ages of 18 and 21 are mature enough to drink. She also looks at McCardell’s argument that the drinking age should be lowered and that Washington should open the debate to look at amending the minimum drinking age.

Her main argument is that the law is null and void since most people do not believe that the minimum drinking age works. Her arguments are also based on statistics and she argues that half of those between 18 and 21 year old have consumed alcohol despite the prohibitions placed by the law. She presents an argument forwarded by MADD that the minimum drinking age saves lives through the reduction of traffic accidents. She also notes that this fact has been supported by other research initiatives that have also proven that the restrictions imposed by the minimum drinking age have saved lives.

To counter this, she presents an emotional and comical argument that if the 21 drinking age has saved lives; why not increase it to 25, 30 or even 40. She argues that in this country, everyone has the freedom of choice and it is thus necessary to lower the minimum drinking age to 18 years old as these individuals have been considered mature enough to fight wars, carry out abortions and stand trial as adults. Both arguments are presented logically, using simple words and directed at the general public with the main target audience being the college fraternity.

The articles are informative and the views are quite balanced based on supporting data evidence. After analyzing both papers, I hold that Sanders (2008) provides a more compelling argument as she not only presents data but uses her intelligence to present a strong argument. She notes that everyone is entitled to freedom and while drinking may increase traffic accidents in college students, these students have been considered mature enough to marry, sign contracts and go to war. Cloud (2008) notes that several issue have led to the decline of traffic accidents such as car safety and safety belts.

Following this view, is it not possible that college students are mature enough to wear safety belts, drive carefully and be designated drivers? If one can hold a gun and engage in battle, then it should be reasonable to assume that this same person can drink responsibly. ReferencesCloud, J. (2008, June 8). Should the Drinking Age be Lowered? Time U.S. Retrieved 18th October 2011from http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1812397,00.htmlSanders, D. (2008, September 14). Old Enough to Fight, Old Enough to Drink.

TownHall. Retrieved 18th October 2011from http://townhall.com/columnists/debrajsaunders/2008/09/14/old_enough_to_fight,_ old_enough_to_drink/page/full/