In America, we say someone has the right to vote or even die for our country, but we deny that same person the right to drink a beer, smoke a cigarette, or even just rent a car for the weekend.
I agree that discrepancy in chronological age for various privileges and opportunities is non-sensical but before debating which age number might be the best to bring all into consistency, consider that individuals mature at different rates depending on their physiology, mental abilities, and life experiences. e.g. Farmer boys usually are driving tractors in their early teens. All things being equal, they are bound to be more adept at driving when 16 years old than another teen who just got his permit. On the subject of voting age, maybe we should consider a citizenship test in order to better insure our voters are well informed. I know some 14 year olds that are far more politically aware than the majority of 18 year olds.
Regarding military service and drafting at 18 - the military wants the immaturity so they can mold them into however they want to use them. Regarding a citizenship test- we need to discontinue social studies and teach true civics and history without woke ideology. I would never entrust my kids to the average American History or Government teacher today.
I agree that discrepancy in chronological age for various privileges and opportunities is non-sensical but before debating which age number might be the best to bring all into consistency, consider that individuals mature at different rates depending on their physiology, mental abilities, and life experiences. e.g. Farmer boys usually are driving tractors in their early teens. All things being equal, they are bound to be more adept at driving when 16 years old than another teen who just got his permit. On the subject of voting age, maybe we should consider a citizenship test in order to better insure our voters are well informed. I know some 14 year olds that are far more politically aware than the majority of 18 year olds.
Totally agree these are the things we need to debate as part of the discussion.
Regarding military service and drafting at 18 - the military wants the immaturity so they can mold them into however they want to use them. Regarding a citizenship test- we need to discontinue social studies and teach true civics and history without woke ideology. I would never entrust my kids to the average American History or Government teacher today.