Hacker News Reader

So you're arguing 12 olds should be able to buy cigarettes?

Edit: Op has no context or clear point, so its a legitimate question. Why are we comparing children and adults? Is the point that 18s should be able to buy alcohol? Or that they should be 21 to go to war?

If there is an argument contained in that wry comment, it's probably that going to war to protect overseas economic interests is even less defensible than children working in tobacco fields.

Err, I think they’re arguing that they shouldn’t be working in the fields picking tobacco…. Or, you forgot your “/s”.

Sure they can buy alcohol. At least where I live.

In most parts of the world you can buy alcohol when you are 18, in many parts you can buy soft alcohol (beer, wine) at 16, but you cannot drive a car at 16. Both are fine IMO, as long as you cannot drive a car AND buy alcohol at 16.

They surely can, starting at 16-year olds in plenty of countries.

Not in the one being discussed in the article. I'm not an American myself, but I think the context is clear here.

Nor can they buy cigarettes anymore. The age was increased from 18 to 21 with little notice. Vape cartridges are allowed though, I think.

And they can work in bars.