Should we re-visit the age for becoming an adult.

I rarely (actually never) read how or what others have responded, I just put in my take, based on my understanding of what the initiator of the discussion is trying to mean/imply. As far as bullying tactics of a nation are concerned- the US economy thrives on stress and warfare. War means big bucks, else the economy of the country would suffer. It matters to me that the human race is still spending a lot of its brain power, its resources, its money and efforts in creation of means of destroying other humans. Maybe these resources, if directed to other goals like equipment meant for improving well being of life, on space exploration (so that a few centuries down the line you have human settlements on other celestial bodies), humanity could thrive, could grow with increase in human comfort levels. But then methinks that that is utopia and given the current human mind frame a totally un-achievable dream. As far as my contention about an ageing population, I do agree that the young should care for the old, but what happens when there are to many old people and too few replacements in the form of young employable persons? Then who will produce the goods, the necessities of comfort, the power generation plants, the factories? Will your nation's laws permit import of actual labor from other nations that have a surplus of youth? Will your labor unions tolerate this? Will your countrymen tolerate this?

I just re-read this entire discussion. You seemed to gloss over or points made. Sooner better later people of Earth need to figure out ways to stop population growth. Young people often make big mistakes that effect the rest of their lives. My military point should be sobering since my country has been thoroughly corrupted by the wealthy elite and my country, against my will, continues to bully the world. This should matter to you. There is the risk that these limited wars could spiral out of "control" and WWIII could occur. As for an aging population being cared for, I agree that the younger generations need to take care of their elders, disabled, and their children. Job demographics change with supply and demand. Did you know that Italy nationals have negative population growth and part of the people that take care of the elders come from other countries.

I look forward to it! June 5 is our last day.

While I agree with your last point, as a volunteer veteran I absolutely oppose the draft. I also agree that some people will always be childish. A cousin of mine, 54 or so, and her husband 60 are so dysfunctional and have always been so. In the nineties as a general contractor I helped them get into a home with equity, counseled them, told them I would advise them so that they could own their home free and clear be retirement. Instead, they got a second, spent their equity on expensive toys like a boat, and lost their home, and the equity I gave them as a family favor. I am certain that 18 and even 21 is too young. Part of the craziness we have in America is kids having kids. Certainly children make poor parents. We also have crazy juvenile law where parents of difficult children absolutely produces criminal children. Good luck with school! Perhaps we can visit this subject over the summer? Actually there are many fertile discussions related the age of children!

Now we're getting somewhere. I look back and realize I had matured so much between 18 and 21 but I was still immature. Now by 25 I had clearly become an adult. Kids having kids as single parents or divorced parents makes it so, so, so hard for their kids to have a change to develop to their potential. This last point may seem off subject but it's not. I've been seeing the number of 7 billion being the World's human population. 2 billion are perpetually malnourished to starving. While I think each adult should seriously consider being a parent because as we age we need the next generation. If we are ever to become truly civilized, we must do better by the children we do bear.

This, of course, is a staunch goal and one that I agree with but I fear that we will never become a truly civilized world community because there will always be those who are trod upon by power hungry dictators and starved in the process. I also agree that having a child when you are young is not the best option for the child's development. My husband is a Veitnam vet, by the way. He did two tours and is now 100% totally and permenently disabled wiht PTSD. He also enlisted and returned to a country that called him a baby killer.