Will 18 be Sucessful in SC?

Call them southern hicks, call them conservatives, call them whatever you want, but in South Carolina the drinking age is finally being changed to eighteen. On August 4th, 2009 Magistrate Mel Maurer ruled that the state law prohibiting adults ages 18 through 20 from possessing or consuming alcohol was a violation of the State Constitution. The ruling (although seeming very progressive) falls in line with national policy because, according to the National Minimum Dirnking Age Act, only the sale of alcohol is restricted from those under twenty one. Therefore, South Carolina can still receive full highway funding, and the state can lower its legal drinking age to 18. In my eyes, although this step is one in the right direction, it is a complete overstep. Yes, the drinking age should be lowered, but South Carolina has not ameliorated any problem. There is still no emphasis on education. There is still no definition as to when kids are ready to drink. Yes, I think the judge was correct in his ruling, but something must be done to ensure that this new policy works. And, something must be done to ensure that high school does not turn into the new training ground for the misuse of alcohol. Worst comes to worst, a failure in South Carolina would give those who support a higher drinking age enough evidence to permanently fix the drinking age at 21. I wish you the best of luck SC...you'll need it...