Embedded Files
Public opposition stemmed from the media, general public, and individuals with alcohol related businesses.
Media Criticism
Media Criticism
A section from The Seahawk (Campus newspaper of UNCW) , September 1, 1983. Courtesy of Center of Southeast North Carolina Archives and History
"With the passage of the Safe Roads Act, one of my “rights” was taken away. I still don’t understand. I’m old enough to vote and get drafted, right? Why doesn’t that change too?!"
- Excerpt from the Editorial, the voice of a Student from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, October 1983
“It’s easy for a 73 year old President and a middle-aged Congress to say the national drinking age ought to be 21, but it shouldn’t come through coercion of the states and discrimination against an age group that’s not in a position of influence.”
- Editorials from the Idahonian (Courtesy of PBS news broadcast "June 28, 1984, Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg on the National Drinking Age")
“That all 18 year olds are to be punished for the sins of a few is an insult to those who do not drink and drive.”
- Editors of the Burlington Free Press (Courtesy of PBS news broadcast "June 28, 1984, Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg on the National Drinking Age")
"The opponents of today’s measure contended that teenagers had been wrongly singled out as irresponsible drivers, and that those old enough to vote, enlist in the armed forces, serve on juries and be legally responsible for their own actions should also be allowed to drink alcohol.
- Journalist Martin Tolchin, 1984 (Courtesy of the New York Times)
PbsNewsHour (2).mp4A PBS interview with newspaper editor who opposed the legislation: "Al Pinder, editor of the Grinnell Herald Register in Grinnell Iowa." Courtesy of PBS NewsHour
General Public
Individuals with Alcohol-Related Businesses
Individuals with Alcohol-Related Businesses
Tommie Broadwater. Courtesy of Archives of Maryland
"Everybody stands up on the floor and says they don't want 21. If you don't want 21, don't vote for it."
- Maryland State Senator and Tavern owner Tommie Broadwater, 1982
James C. Simpson. Courtesy of Archives of Maryland
(Referring to the Maryland State minimum drinking age) "an editorial bill from the Baltimore Sun and The Washington Post"
- Maryland State Senator and liquor business owner, James C. Simpson, 1982
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