Legalize it!

just say no to drugs:(

I would love to weigh in on the gun issue, but I will save that for another time, as I don't believe it germane to this arena.

I find it ironic that so many conservatives are so adamant for some civil liberties (right to bear arms), saying things like "We must protect our rights as Americans!".

But yet sit silent and say nothing about the loss of our "rights" implied in the patriot act.

Not trying to get in a debate there, but it doesn't make sense to me.

Would you also say that the Government should ban fast food, mandate exercise, and tax fat people? Because cardio-vascular disease attributable to poor diet and lack of exercise has become the #1 killer in America and the single greatest reason why Americans have such poor health and pay so much for healthcare. That sounds like an awfully socialistic, paternalistic point of view - the people are too dumb to decide for themselves, the government must do it for them.

Or, as long as we are talking about social utility, what about guns? Guns have social utility only insofar as they can be used to protect against others with guns. Should people have the right to possess weapons that can kill, but not have the right to possess marijuana?

Very good point SGG. Also, the government should ban sex since STD's are rampant in our society, and since we as a society are too stupid to stop ourselves from self destructing, might as well let the government stop us.
It's a slippery slope, if we allow the government to pass laws to stop us from doing anything, we are in trouble as a society. Sure, we as a society are collectively stupid, but it's our choice to be so, that's the ugly side of democracy. The problem is (sorry to turn this into slightly political debate) the government has laws in place to help those who don't want to help themselves, and certain political parties have felt it was their responsibility to protect the self destructing human nature. Self responsibility needs to be taught, and demanded. If you want to smoke weed, then go ahead, but do it in moderation and with some forethought to your fellow human beings. I don't know how exactly we have become a society that could care less about others, but it's getting to be a huge problem. I could care less if you drink yourself stupid, but do so in your home and don't drive. Don't take a chance on hurting me or anyone other than yourself with anything you do.

I find it ironic that so many conservatives are so adamant for some civil liberties (right to bear arms), saying things like "We must protect our rights as Americans!".

But yet sit silent and say nothing about the loss of our "rights" implied in the patriot act.

Not trying to get in a debate there, but it doesn't make sense to me.

What, specifically is pissing you off?

Like Matty is saying to legalize (all natural) them all. I don't know if he is serious about that or not, but I cannot agree.
There are many people in the world who don't need the level of freedom to choose yes or no on illegal, potentially deadly, and certainly addictive drug use.
To do so make us Amsterdam. We don't want that.
While some may view it as Government invasion where it does not belong, it's not that simple. There are certainly many health risks associated with drug use, and it's frequently attendant addiction. For those of you preparing to scream "ALCOHOL". Yes, it shares many of the same qualities and problems. It's these same arguements and health risks paid for by the public sector that have shut down a substancial portion of the tobacco industry.
Gotta' say no.
I don't believe that sends the correct message to society in general, and I don't believe that would be a positive move.
You.............slaves to the leaf will have to continue to operate in the soft underbelly of society

I think the question is: Does the government have the right to protect you from yourself?

I say no.

I find it ironic that so many conservatives are so adamant for some civil liberties (right to bear arms), saying things like "We must protect our rights as Americans!".

But yet sit silent and say nothing about the loss of our "rights" implied in the patriot act.

Not trying to get in a debate there, but it doesn't make sense to me.

I know we're getting off subject, but can you be specific about what you are referring to in terms of loss of rights. I'm not saying I don't agree...I'm just curious.

Very good point SGG. Also, the government should ban sex since STD's are rampant in our society, and since we as a society are too stupid to stop ourselves from self destructing, might as well let the government stop us.
It's a slippery slope, if we allow the government to pass laws to stop us from doing anything, we are in trouble as a society. Sure, we as a society are collectively stupid, but it's our choice to be so, that's the ugly side of democracy. The problem is (sorry to turn this into slightly political debate) the government has laws in place to help those who don't want to help themselves, and certain political parties have felt it was their responsibility to protect the self destructing human nature. Self responsibility needs to be taught, and demanded. If you want to smoke weed, then go ahead, but do it in moderation and with some forethought to your fellow human beings. I don't know how exactly we have become a society that could care less about others, but it's getting to be a huge problem. I could care less if you drink yourself stupid, but do so in your home and don't drive. Don't take a chance on hurting me or anyone other than yourself with anything you do.

As you point out, maybe the problem is not the legalization of things and activities that are potentialy harmful, but the tax dollar umbrella ready to catch those that fall?
Remove the $$$, remove the problem????

I think the question is: Does the government have the right to protect you from yourself?

I say no.

Who pays, when you ( or anyone else) become a problem?

I know we're getting off subject, but can you be specific about what you are referring to in terms of loss of rights. I'm not saying I don't agree...I'm just curious.

Have you ever heard of Jose Padilla (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Padilla_(alleged_terrorist))?

You, a citizen of America (assuming you are a citizen), could be arrested and held without charge by the government for a very long time (perhaps forever), simply if they deem you an "enemy combatant". Due process? Forget about it. The "Patriot Act" (what an ironic name) has given the government the power to perform unconstitutional acts for the sake of fighting terrorism.

One of my favorite quotes:
"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
--Benjamin Franklin

Who pays, when you ( or anyone else) become a problem?

A problem to myself? I guess that is my problem, and nobody else's.

However, let's assume that I do incur costs on the government for harming myself. So what? I pay taxes. Those taxes should be used for creating an environment in which I am free. Freedom has monetary costs, and that is what our taxes should be used for (at least partially).