This summer a document known as the Amethyst Initiative was signed by the presidents of 120 colleges including the prestigious institutions of Duke and Dartmouth. The document calls upon lawmakers to re-examine the legal drinking age of 21 with hopes of it being lowered to 18. Many presidents express dissatisfaction that those under 21 participate in bring drinking, and find their hands on alcohol regardless of what the law states.

They believe that by lowering the drinking age to 18 they will reduce this behavior, and will destroy the concept that alcohol is bad and evil until you turn 21 when it becomes a socially acceptable part of your social life.

MADD is furious over this and wants to keep the drinking age where it is, as well as make the college be a nanny busting up more parties while the kids are away from school. MADD also is aiming to lower the legal limit to .04, and seems to be turning into a neo-prohibition movement.

Debate Question: What do you think of the Amethyst Initiative?

I found a very interesting quiz online that I recommend checking out if you grew up with one or both parents having a problem with alcohol. I've been very interested in learning about this lately, as I have an alcoholic parent, and I had no idea how tremendously this was affecting my life all along. I was amazed how accurate some of these questions are. The article is found here, and posted below:

Adult Children of Alcoholics Screening Quiz
Have You Been Affected More Than You Realize?
By Buddy T, About.com
Created: November 26, 2004
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Steven Gans, MD.

Did you grow up with a problem drinker? Those who grow up in homes where there is alcohol abuse or alcoholism are sometimes affected in ways they do not even realize.
By answering these 20 Questions you may be able to determine if you have been affected by someone else's drinking and how much you have been affected. The secret to taking this quiz is total honesty with yourself.
The quiz is totally confidential and anonymous; your results are not recorded, only you will see them. This quiz is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis or consultation. It is presented as a tool to help you self-assess your situation and decide whether or not you may need outside help.