Rethinking 18: The Age of Responsibility in Oklahoma

In my travels across Oklahoma this past weekend, the question of what “adulthood” actually is popped up. I have a nephew who celebrated his 19th birthday, and as he travels the country as a welder, he's still bummed that he's not yet a full adult.

I'm sure you've either said or heard this before, but if you’re old enough to vote, die for your country, and be tried as an adult, shouldn’t you be treated like one?

Right now, it’s a pick-and-choose game for political gain around the country. At 18, you’re considered responsible enough to sign contracts, serve on a jury, and enlist in the military... but when it comes to alcohol, tobacco, or handguns, the law draws a different line at 21 years of age.

It’s a contradiction that frustrates a lot of young adults who suddenly find themselves both burdened with adult responsibilities and boxed out of their American rights.

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Supporters of lowering age restrictions argue that rights and responsibilities should match up.

If the government trusts someone to vote in an election that shapes the future of the country, why shouldn’t that same person be trusted to buy a beer or carry a concealed weapon?

There’s also the military angle. If an 18-year-old can be deployed to a combat zone, should they not have full constitutional access to all of their rights when they return home?

On the flip side, opponents point to neuroscience, public health, and safety data. The studies have shown that our brains aren't fully developed until we grow to the ripe old age of around 25, so 'kids' shouldn't be having drinks or having smokes at 18. That's the big contributor to lawmaking in these areas. Guns too.

All the same, we allow voting with the underdeveloped minds of our young adults... that's probably part of the game plan.

So what gives? Either 18 is old enough to be an adult, or it’s not.

If we don’t think someone can handle alcohol or guns responsibly until they’re 21, some Oklahomans feel it’s time the government admits that 18-year-olds shouldn’t be voting or signing lifelong loans either.

Or, if we do believe in the whole “vote, serve, buy, and bear arms” package at 18, maybe we need to quit cherry-picking which freedoms count.

Right now, the rules don’t match the rhetoric. And whether you’re for full rights at 18 or not until 21, most Oklahomans agree that it’s time to get honest about where we draw the line.