Recently I read an article about the rights of 18-year-olds.  The article pointed out that a person of that age can marry, serve in the military, vote but not legally buy alcoholic beverages.  Seems strange doesn't it?  If we can trust an 18-year-old with a tank, shouldn't we be able to trust him/her with a beer? 

I am 48-years-old. When I was 18, it was legal to drink.  I now  have a 17-year-old son who will be graduating from high-school this year and turning 18 in August.  Watching him and his friends brings back a lot of memories of me and my friends at that age. Thefore as an adult and a dad I have made a few observations. For instance at 18 one has quicker reflexes than someone at age 48.  The teens eyesight is better and physically most 18-year-olds are  superior to  most 50-year-olds in matters of endurance.  Based on physiology  the 18-year-old is better equipped to handle the effects of alchohol than  those of us approaching 50.

What the 18-year-old lacks however is good judgment.  When I was 18, I often overestimated my abilities to handle alcohol and opted to drive drunk.  Statistics show that when the drinking age was lowered from 21 to 18, the death toll dropped substantially among the 18 to 20 crowd.  Simply put, young folks think they are indestructible--I consider that mental attitude one of the blessings of youth.  Also, most Americans age 18 to 20 either own or have access to a car.  Mix inexperience, a car, a feeling of being invincible with too many beer and catastrophe  will result.

Now back to the military folks.  I think it is fine for an enlisted person to drink on base (assuming no driving).  If we are asking our young soldier to risk their lives, I do believe they deserve the right to enjoy a cool libation.

What do you think?   

Oh the political fun keeps on coming.  As most of you know Obama lost the Nevada primary.   He was reaching out to the African Americans, the young progressives and the independent voters.  Hillary targeted white voters, Hispanics, and older African Americans.  Obama was ahead in the polls, so what happened?

Apparently, Obama made light of a very important political group and they opted not to vote for him as payback.  Who are those folks?  Here is a hint; they are men, women, poor, rich, educated and illiterate.   Give up?  It was the beer drinkers. Obama said "this election is not about who you want to have a beer with".

Ouch!! Well, as a result many beer drinkers who were planning on voting for him did not.  I think this proves that beer drinkers need to be considered a special interest group.  Move over Women's Rights, Gay & Lesbian and Animal Lover groups, the Beer Drinkers of America have arrived.

Perhaps, instead of a "chicken in every pot" we can be promised a Budweiser in every refrigerator.

What do you think? 

Many in the Republican Party feel the only chance of keeping the White House is for Hillary Clinton to win the democratic nomination.  In my humble opinion the DEMS on paper should control house, senate and the presidency based on the poor job the republicans have done.  However, the savior of the 2008 elections for the GOP may in fact be Hillary Clinton. 

Obama is giving her a run for the money. He is articulate, likeable, and seems to have a grasp for the social issues that are important to many Americans.  Since his rise to prominence he is increasing under attack by the Clinton machine.  The Clinton strategy seems to be to divide the party by playing the race card.  Obviously Hillary and gang are too smart to simply say he is black, inexperienced and therefore unelectable.  Instead they have there cronies make statements referring to his drug use as a young man and questioning his electability.   Mr. Hillary (Bill) referred to Obama’s run for president as a “fairy tale”.  The result is predictable, whites are gravitating to Hillary and blacks are rallying around Obama.  I am a registered Republican.  I do not plan on voting for either Hillary or Obama.  Yet, when I watch the innuendos being levied at Obama, I wonder how the Clinton camp can sleep soundly at night.

The good news for Republicans is that if Hillary wins the nomination she will not only polarize the Republican Base, but she will have alienated many black voters because of her unwarranted attacks on Obama’s personal life and past. Go Hillary!!

To prevent this from happening in the future let’s disqualify anyone from running for office that has ever tried drugs, tried alcohol while underage, broken any laws or said anything that can be considered racist, bigoted, or sexist.  I suspect the 3-year-old we choose will do a much better job of running the country than most.

What do you think?  Comment back.

I love this election year.  Hillary won in NH despite being behind in every pole conducted in the entire civilized world.  What does this mean you ask?  It means that it is still the voters, not the pollsters who matter.

I am a political junky.  I am also a registered Republican.  However, I am following both parties closely at this time.  Who do I think should be the next president? At heart, I am also a South Georgia redneck so I always ask if the person would make a good fishing buddy.

Well, on the republican side I'd have to go with Huckabee or McCain.  Both would make good fishing buddies, likely they have some good stories and I am sure both drive a truck from time to time--a little redneck in the mix.  Mitt is too preppie.  I suspect he would hire someone to do his actual fishing and then take credit for the fish caught.  Rudy only wants to talk about his role in 9/11 (though it was important).  I am afraid I would become board with him in a hurry.

On the democratic side, Hillary is too high maintenance to take fishing—however husband Bill would have some great stories! Obama seems nice, but is more theory than experience.  I suspect he would likely try and form a committee to determine where to fish, how to fish, and if the fish could be kept or must be released.    That leaves Edwards and Richardson.  Edwards is a southerner, but seems angry at everyone.  Fishing with him wouldn’t be an enjoyable experience.  Plus, if he slips in the boat, he may sue.  Richardson on the other hand seems down to earth. 

In conclusion, I'd support Huckabee, McCain or Richardson.  

What do you think?  Comment back. 

Funny how things in the political arena often times fool the so called experts. It seems Hillary is in trouble in NH, Obama is surging (whatever that means) and McCain is besting Mr. Romney.

Perhaps our leaders should be chosen like in the days of old. Whoever is the best fighter, drinker, or liar should be charge. Oops, never mind. Seems like we have that one covered.

I do think we need some more personal data to help us undecided voters make up their mind. I'd like to know when it comes to trucks if the candidate prefers Ford, Chevy or a foreign brand. I also be interested if "taste great" is more important than "less filling".  

Oh well, I guess we all have our own criteria as to what it takes to be a good commander in chief.  I want someone who can be tough.  A leader that can make decisions which may not be popular, but are fair.  Who knows, maybe I will be surprised by our cast of contenders....What do you think?