alexx

Just because something is law doesn't mean it makes sense. In my opinion, dangers are highly exaggerated in the US. We have the highest drinking age (why do you think so many kids go buck-wild in college?), and compared to most other countries I've been to (from Canada to western/northern Europe to Southeast Asia), we also have the 'strictest' mentality against drugs. Meaning, there exists a nonsensical air of taboo that makes everyone paranoid about and automatically against them. For example, I lived in Amsterdam where drugs are tolerated and even legalized. I've also been to both London and Berlin, where the drinking age is 16. Were people always high or constantly on murderous rampages? No. In fact, because it's well integrated into their lifestyles, they know very well how to control themselves and are in general very tolerant, laid-back people.

Doing ridiculous amounts of drugs and alcohol is frowned upon no matter where you go, but in moderation it's not worth getting worked up over. Personally, I think it's absurd how people get so uptight about it, which is a phenomenon I usually only see in the US. It actually deludes people who don't engage in drugs and alcohol into thinking they're better than those who do.

Alex