The legal drinking age varies dramatically for different countries from ages 0 to 21. The minimum drinking age continues to stir controversy with recent proposals being made to reduce or qualify the minimum legal age at which drinking may occur. One of the most influential proponents of lowering the drinking age is Dr. Ruth Engs, Professor of Applied Health Science at Indiana University in Bloomington. Her opposing side is represented by one of the most influential opponents of keeping the legal drinking age at 21, is Richard J. Goeman. Both of these very intelligent people bring about various justifiable arguments, making it difficult to chose one side over the other.
             Dr. Ruth Engs is an internationally-known health educator and alcohol researcher that believes that the minimum drinking age of 21 in the United States is too high and in fact, has made things worse in our society. In a recent interview, Dr. Engs gave input on her beliefs on the legal drinking age. She proposed that the drinking age is lowered to about 18 or 19 years old and to permit those of legal age to consume in a socially controlled environment such as restaurants and official school and university functions. She also proposed that individuals of any age be permitted to consume alcohol under the direct supervision of their parents in their own homes. Dr. Engs then continued to say that drinking is seen by the youth as an enticing "forbidden fruit," a "badge of rebellion against authority," and a "symbol of adulthood." She commented about how our nation has tried prohibition, first at the state level, and then at the national level, but noted that these efforts to prevent drinking were unenforceable and created serious social problems such as widespread disrespect for law, the growth of organized crime, and the development of immoderate consumption patterns. She then went on to talk about that even though fewer young people are drinking and their a...