The Nation - News from July 3, 1986

Americans’ willingness to join the national crusade against drunk driving is exemplified by their overwhelming support for a national law that would raise the drinking age in all states to 21. In the latest Gallup Poll, 80% expressed support for such a law while 17% were opposed. The national consensus includes large majorities from population groups that would be most directly affected if a national drinking-age law were enacted--young adults (18 to 29 years) and residents of states where people under 21 can still drink alcoholic beverages legally.