The document argues that the minimum legal drinking age in the U.S. should be lowered to 18 for several reasons. It notes that underage drinking is already common and lowers compliance with the law. Lowering the age would allow those who can join the military or be prosecuted as adults to also drink. Many European countries teach responsible drinking to youth under adult supervision, resulting in less binge drinking than in the U.S. The conclusion is that lowering the age would encourage safer, more controlled drinking environments for young adults.