The goal of this petition is to change the federal minimum drinking age to the age of majority. The age of majority meaning the age of adult hood in each respective state.

Preface

First and foremost the writer of this petition believes that the Federal Government setting a minimum drinking age, and requiring states to enforce it is a violation of the tenth ammendment. This ammendment specifies that any powers not explicitly given to the Federal Government in the constitution belongs solely to the states. That being said, this petition lays out specific guidelines that the writter believes (even if implemented on a federal level) would provide a good balance of individual libertys with public health and safety.

Why should this be done?

This should be done because the current minimum age is a violation of an individuals rights. Once a citizen of the United States reaches the age of majority in their respective state (most commonly at the age of 18, sometimes 19) they are considered a full adult in the eyes of the government. They are expected to pay taxes, if male enter the draft, and will be charged as an adult for any crime the are convicted of. Why should an individual be able to be drafted into a war they may not condone by force of the government, while that government at the same time makes it illegal for them to enjoy a beer before leaving for combat, purely because they are not 21? Many bring up the negative health risks, but this argument holds no water. If these individuals are to be burden with the responsibilitys of adults, they should have the liberty to decide if they want to consume alcohol, regardless of the negative health benefits. If the health benefits are to great, why is it any better for someone 21 or over to consume alcohol? Even non adults make big decisions in regards to their own health. Any reasonable mind would agree eating a McDonald's BigMac for all meals for the rest of one's (given this point, most likely short) life. Does that mean it would be right for the government to make it illegal for someone to do, only until they reach a certain arbitrary age?

Solution

The ideal solution would be to set drinking age, regardless of beverage to the age of majority, as defined by the state in which a particular beverage is served. 

A second compromise solution would be to keep the drinking age for hard liquors (any distilled beverage, or over 15 ABV) at 21, and set all other beverages at the age of majority. This allows a slower introduction to alcohol, and allows an individual to slowly acclimate; so they may build more responsible drinking habits.