That, of course, is ridiculous, the implication being that, back when they were legal at 18, collegians didn't binge as much as they do now. When I was in college, there were two kinds of drinkers: those who didn't and those who overdid. Two of my high school classmates died booze-related deaths within a year of graduation. Raising the drinking age has kept a lot of kids from drinking at all and, if you read the studies, it helped reduce by as much as half the number of alcohol-related deaths among teens on the roads.
The college presidents seem to be saying, that if you make booze less forbidden and intriguing, then fewer teens will abuse it.
This is a wishful assertion, and nothing more.
It's similar to the argument used in support of decriminalization of heroin and cocaine. Decriminalization would probably reduce violent crime related to illicit drug commerce. And, if you are willing to accept an increase in human impairment, social dysfunction and premature death, it's really a fine idea. On the other hand, if you believe wider use of mind-altering substances is a sure way to further reduce the nation's brainpower and its competitiveness in the global economy, then you must support the present laws while demanding more public funds for early intervention and drug treatment.
That's the approach these college presidents should be taking - respect of the present laws and early intervention (junior high and high school) to keep kids from poisoning their still-developing brains. Early intervention means parents - first time I've used the way overdue "p" word in this column - and it means setting a good example about booze and warning of its dangers.
If we want to get a fresh and effective message across to kids, Michael Phelps has the street cred to carry it. Kids will listen to MP, not to college presidents. One night four years ago, he almost lost everything. Now, he's won everything. He's a golden reminder of how precious life is, and how great it can be, and how you don't need booze to take you there.
Dan Rodricks' column appears Tuesday and Sunday.
