At one time (perhaps even now) the drinking age on base was 18. I was over 21 when I joined the Navy, so I didn't pay close attention. I don't remember anyone ever being brought up on charges for underage drinking. Lots of people got in trouble for being drunk and behaving inappropriately off base.
In Singapore, there is compulsory National/Military Service for men when they reach 18.
We are trained to handle guns, grenades, go for military exercises and climebmountains for 2.5 years.
During these period, we are not legally allowed to vote for the govt and watch restricted movies as we are under 21. We can buy buy beer though. The age limit is 18.
In Singapore, there is compulsory National/Military Service for men when they reach 18.
We are trained to handle guns, grenades, go for military exercises and climebmountains for 2.5 years.
Now, that's familiar, as in Israel it used to be the same only that they pushed it up to three years.
I enlisted older than 18, and at the time I moved there expressly for that purpose.
Quote:
During these period, we are not legally allowed to vote for the govt and watch restricted movies as we are under 21. We can buy beer though. The age limit is 18.
As 18 is the age every citizen is required by law to take up arms for his country (unless you're a Christian or a non-Beduin Muslim, Jewish ultra-religious, on any other political pressure group), it's also the age of full legal majority which includes the right to vote (not to mention a wider choice of parties and that government changes more than in Singapore), including for those pressure groups who don't get to serve, and of course, the right to legally buy alcohol.
Of course, I'm talking the 1960s here, since then it became far more liberal. Pubs are full of teenage kids (though legal age, to the best of my knowledge, is still 18 ), and while some films are officially restricted for minors, everybody gets to see everything by the time they're 16 (unless they're part of the abovemetioned pressure groups).
I'm told by some US-born Israelis that alcohol is a lesser problem there than in the USA, but I don't have any reliable data on the matter.
Now, the reason for that US discrepancy, that makes it all right to risk one's life for the country at 18 but not to buy an honest legal drink till 21, is the same reason why it was the only non-Muslim country to outlaw alcohol in the 20th century: there's a mean puritan streak pervasive in American society and culture, which probably goes as far back as to the 17th century pilgrims.
... Hell, in Europe teens drink all the time, and Europe has fewer alcohol problems than the US.
Well, it depends. I've seen people at 3:30 in the afternoon so drunk they can barely walk in Germany. On a Friday or Saturday night, drunks riding public transportation annoy everyone else.
But at the same time, enjoying a beer at a beer garden can be very relaxing. I used to wonder why we don't have them in the States. The answer I kept coming up with is that we take things to the extreme in the States. Everything is bigger, more, faster, sooner (as it should be, of course). So when many drink, it's not social. It's to see how much alcohol a human can possible consume.
I remember reading about a college kid so drunk, she died of alcohol poisoning. I'm not saying that's the norm, but sometimes the attitude is.
Also remember the opposite extreme: America once had Prohibition. That still boggles my mind-- how a country like the States can ban alcohol.
Having said all that, the most perfect drink is still an ice, cold 20 oz Mountain Dew. Or a Super, Duper Big Gulp of anything.
Bah... kids, don't drink. Stick to crack and cigarettes.
[edit: I just want to say after reading a little about this woman, I'm not worthy to shine her boots, let alone buy her a drink.]
If anyone here referred to Hillary Clinton in those terms, I can think of two or three members who'd practically get themselves killed rising to defend her honor.
Nice two-way street. And a sterling example of the "compassion and tolerance" exhibited by the side that supposedly has the market cornered on such things.
"Elizabeth Dole is a bitch" = telling it like it is, perfectly cool and acceptable?
"Hillary Clinton is a bitch" = evil, misogynistic right-wing hatespeech?
That about right? Just making sure I've got the rules down...
In the context of the thread it makes sense. Let's start a thread about music censorship and see how many people come to the aid of Tipper Gore. Let's start a thread about politicians and how much we hate or love certain ones. How about we just keep the partisan crap out of this thread?
Two or three members... hey I wonder who else would throw themselves on top of a grenade for HRC. Maybe Bunge?
I think Spline is conservative... Regardless, yeah, "bitch" isn't a term of endearment no matter what hip-hop culture says otherwise. I don't know about the context argument. I'm somewhat skeptical of that, Bunge.
EDIT: Whoa, 2000th post. Feels like deja vu- all over again.
In the context of the thread it makes sense. Let's start a thread about music censorship and see how many people come to the aid of Tipper Gore. Let's start a thread about politicians and how much we hate or love certain ones. How about we just keep the partisan crap out of this thread?
Well, no matter who, I wouldn't call Tipper or Pelosi or Waters a bitch (or other worse name).
How about you not telling me what to do, sparky? Thanks.
"Elizabeth Dole is a bitch" = telling it like it is, perfectly cool and acceptable?
"Hillary Clinton is a bitch" = evil, misogynistic right-wing hatespeech?
That about right? Just making sure I've got the rules down...
You sure are quick to claim victimhood. Hint: Maybe, perhaps, possibly, Hillary C. has been criticized and called bitch just a little teensy eensy bit more than Liddy Dole.
Buy her a beer...jeez. How about sending flowers? You think because she has "been all that she can be" for the Army that you'd have to buy her a beer? Whatever.
Anyway. I'm pretty sure that her family will be having a huge bash for her and she'll be putting down a few herself then. Jeez, she's already has teaching job offers so I think the cops will give her some slack for a few beers too.
I hope she gets well. That's all I hope. And I offer her thanks too.
Scott is right, if she has the right, or if it is legal to risk your live for your countrie, you should have the right to take a beer. In most democratic countries, the legal age to enter in army is the legal age to drink a beer aka 18 years.
Well, the truth is that it was decided on a state-by-state basis until the mid-late 80's. And many states agreed with your logic. You can enter into legally binding contracts at age 18, but you are not responsible enough to have a beer. And, by the way, in the United States you can enlist in the armed forces at age 17.
Unfortunately, the 80's was a time when the US got more puritanical and politicians saw an opportunity to be seen as sticking up for the safety of young people by forcing states to raise their drinking ages to 21. (it was/is largely an emotional specious argument -- the real problems in drunk driving involve males in their 30's and 40's).
Frankly, a lot of the blame has to go to the young people of the time and the young people today who show no interest in being politically active. There is a vocal minority that will show up at political rallies against globalization or war, but in general, young people do not vote or take an active interest in local boring things. If young people were generally politically active, the drinking age would still be 18.
By the way, in this past year, states were forced to lower their threshold for drunk driving to 0.08 blood alcohol content. This was done by the same people with similarly bogus studies making similar arguments.
You sure are quick to claim victimhood. Hint: Maybe, perhaps, possibly, Hillary C. has been criticized and called bitch just a little teensy eensy bit more than Liddy Dole.
By the way, in this past year, states were forced to lower their threshold for drunk driving to 0.08 blood alcohol content. This was done by the same people with similarly bogus studies making similar arguments.
That's really outrageous for a small guy like me. At 140 lbs, how many drinks is that before I'm at 0.08?
You sure are quick to claim victimhood. Hint: Maybe, perhaps, possibly, Hillary C. has been criticized and called bitch just a little teensy eensy bit more than Liddy Dole.
I wish you people would get things right just every once in a while.
Claiming victimhood? Not hardly. Seeing a double-standard and commenting on it? Sure. So what?
Who's been called what (and how many times they have) doesn't really figure into it. If anyone denies that what I said exists (or would be the case), then you truly are as blind and rabidly partisan as I've been suspecting. The fact that you have to qualify it with "well, maybe Ms. Clinton's been picked on by you Republican meanies more..." kinda says it.
That, and using a goofy, loaded word like "victimhood" to imply that I'm somehow crushed by it all or feel powerless or "oppressed" by my status of put-upon white male (a favorite - and often used - tactic of the 'rat at times).
Who cares? Fact still stands: one set of rules for us, one for them. Everyone knows it, everyone goes by it.
Comments
We are trained to handle guns, grenades, go for military exercises and climebmountains for 2.5 years.
During these period, we are not legally allowed to vote for the govt and watch restricted movies as we are under 21. We can buy buy beer though. The age limit is 18.
Originally posted by stunned
In Singapore, there is compulsory National/Military Service for men when they reach 18.
We are trained to handle guns, grenades, go for military exercises and climebmountains for 2.5 years.
Now, that's familiar, as in Israel it used to be the same only that they pushed it up to three years.
I enlisted older than 18, and at the time I moved there expressly for that purpose.
During these period, we are not legally allowed to vote for the govt and watch restricted movies as we are under 21. We can buy beer though. The age limit is 18.
As 18 is the age every citizen is required by law to take up arms for his country (unless you're a Christian or a non-Beduin Muslim, Jewish ultra-religious, on any other political pressure group), it's also the age of full legal majority which includes the right to vote (not to mention a wider choice of parties and that government changes more than in Singapore), including for those pressure groups who don't get to serve, and of course, the right to legally buy alcohol.
Of course, I'm talking the 1960s here, since then it became far more liberal. Pubs are full of teenage kids (though legal age, to the best of my knowledge, is still 18 ), and while some films are officially restricted for minors, everybody gets to see everything by the time they're 16 (unless they're part of the abovemetioned pressure groups).
I'm told by some US-born Israelis that alcohol is a lesser problem there than in the USA, but I don't have any reliable data on the matter.
Now, the reason for that US discrepancy, that makes it all right to risk one's life for the country at 18 but not to buy an honest legal drink till 21, is the same reason why it was the only non-Muslim country to outlaw alcohol in the 20th century: there's a mean puritan streak pervasive in American society and culture, which probably goes as far back as to the 17th century pilgrims.
Originally posted by Kecksy
... Hell, in Europe teens drink all the time, and Europe has fewer alcohol problems than the US.
Well, it depends. I've seen people at 3:30 in the afternoon so drunk they can barely walk in Germany. On a Friday or Saturday night, drunks riding public transportation annoy everyone else.
But at the same time, enjoying a beer at a beer garden can be very relaxing. I used to wonder why we don't have them in the States. The answer I kept coming up with is that we take things to the extreme in the States. Everything is bigger, more, faster, sooner (as it should be, of course). So when many drink, it's not social. It's to see how much alcohol a human can possible consume.
I remember reading about a college kid so drunk, she died of alcohol poisoning. I'm not saying that's the norm, but sometimes the attitude is.
Also remember the opposite extreme: America once had Prohibition. That still boggles my mind-- how a country like the States can ban alcohol.
Having said all that, the most perfect drink is still an ice, cold 20 oz Mountain Dew. Or a Super, Duper Big Gulp of anything.
Bah... kids, don't drink. Stick to crack and cigarettes.
[edit: I just want to say after reading a little about this woman, I'm not worthy to shine her boots, let alone buy her a drink.]
Originally posted by Splinemodel
That bitch Liddy Dole...
Nice.
If anyone here referred to Hillary Clinton in those terms, I can think of two or three members who'd practically get themselves killed rising to defend her honor.
Nice two-way street. And a sterling example of the "compassion and tolerance" exhibited by the side that supposedly has the market cornered on such things.
"Elizabeth Dole is a bitch" = telling it like it is, perfectly cool and acceptable?
"Hillary Clinton is a bitch" = evil, misogynistic right-wing hatespeech?
That about right? Just making sure I've got the rules down...
Originally posted by pscates
Nice....
In the context of the thread it makes sense. Let's start a thread about music censorship and see how many people come to the aid of Tipper Gore. Let's start a thread about politicians and how much we hate or love certain ones. How about we just keep the partisan crap out of this thread?
I think Spline is conservative... Regardless, yeah, "bitch" isn't a term of endearment no matter what hip-hop culture says otherwise. I don't know about the context argument. I'm somewhat skeptical of that, Bunge.
EDIT: Whoa, 2000th post. Feels like deja vu- all over again.
Originally posted by bunge
In the context of the thread it makes sense. Let's start a thread about music censorship and see how many people come to the aid of Tipper Gore. Let's start a thread about politicians and how much we hate or love certain ones. How about we just keep the partisan crap out of this thread?
Well, no matter who, I wouldn't call Tipper or Pelosi or Waters a bitch (or other worse name).
How about you not telling me what to do, sparky? Thanks.
Originally posted by pscates
How about you not telling me what to do, sparky? Thanks.
I didn't tell, I asked. You're welcome.
kiss kiss
Originally posted by bunge
If I had a bar I'd let her drink for free even if it meant losing my liquor license.
For once I share the same sentiment as Bunge!!
Originally posted by pscates
"Elizabeth Dole is a bitch" = telling it like it is, perfectly cool and acceptable?
"Hillary Clinton is a bitch" = evil, misogynistic right-wing hatespeech?
Don't forget Tipper Gore. Silly PMRC hoe!!
Originally posted by pscates
"Elizabeth Dole is a bitch" = telling it like it is, perfectly cool and acceptable?
"Hillary Clinton is a bitch" = evil, misogynistic right-wing hatespeech?
That about right? Just making sure I've got the rules down...
You sure are quick to claim victimhood. Hint: Maybe, perhaps, possibly, Hillary C. has been criticized and called bitch just a little teensy eensy bit more than Liddy Dole.
Anyway. I'm pretty sure that her family will be having a huge bash for her and she'll be putting down a few herself then. Jeez, she's already has teaching job offers so I think the cops will give her some slack for a few beers too.
I hope she gets well. That's all I hope. And I offer her thanks too.
Originally posted by Powerdoc
Scott is right, if she has the right, or if it is legal to risk your live for your countrie, you should have the right to take a beer. In most democratic countries, the legal age to enter in army is the legal age to drink a beer aka 18 years.
Well, the truth is that it was decided on a state-by-state basis until the mid-late 80's. And many states agreed with your logic. You can enter into legally binding contracts at age 18, but you are not responsible enough to have a beer. And, by the way, in the United States you can enlist in the armed forces at age 17.
Unfortunately, the 80's was a time when the US got more puritanical and politicians saw an opportunity to be seen as sticking up for the safety of young people by forcing states to raise their drinking ages to 21. (it was/is largely an emotional specious argument -- the real problems in drunk driving involve males in their 30's and 40's).
Frankly, a lot of the blame has to go to the young people of the time and the young people today who show no interest in being politically active. There is a vocal minority that will show up at political rallies against globalization or war, but in general, young people do not vote or take an active interest in local boring things. If young people were generally politically active, the drinking age would still be 18.
By the way, in this past year, states were forced to lower their threshold for drunk driving to 0.08 blood alcohol content. This was done by the same people with similarly bogus studies making similar arguments.
Originally posted by dviant
Don't forget Tipper Gore. Silly PMRC hoe!!
Careful about what you call the Tippster or pscates is going to bitch you out (pun intended.)
*just noticed a pig floating past my window.
Originally posted by BRussell
You sure are quick to claim victimhood. Hint: Maybe, perhaps, possibly, Hillary C. has been criticized and called bitch just a little teensy eensy bit more than Liddy Dole.
Originally posted by Sammy Davis
By the way, in this past year, states were forced to lower their threshold for drunk driving to 0.08 blood alcohol content. This was done by the same people with similarly bogus studies making similar arguments.
That's really outrageous for a small guy like me. At 140 lbs, how many drinks is that before I'm at 0.08?
Originally posted by BRussell
You sure are quick to claim victimhood. Hint: Maybe, perhaps, possibly, Hillary C. has been criticized and called bitch just a little teensy eensy bit more than Liddy Dole.
I wish you people would get things right just every once in a while.
Claiming victimhood? Not hardly. Seeing a double-standard and commenting on it? Sure. So what?
Who's been called what (and how many times they have) doesn't really figure into it. If anyone denies that what I said exists (or would be the case), then you truly are as blind and rabidly partisan as I've been suspecting. The fact that you have to qualify it with "well, maybe Ms. Clinton's been picked on by you Republican meanies more..." kinda says it.
That, and using a goofy, loaded word like "victimhood" to imply that I'm somehow crushed by it all or feel powerless or "oppressed" by my status of put-upon white male (a favorite - and often used - tactic of the 'rat at times).
Who cares? Fact still stands: one set of rules for us, one for them. Everyone knows it, everyone goes by it.
I simply point it out from time to time.