Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Selective Liberty

"
We have always accepted in America that certain restrictions on behaviors were needed to perpetuate our society so that we could truly live in liberty. I just dont think a society where unabashed drug use is allowed is one that any of us would truly want to live in."


No. We have always been FORCED to accept this.

I agree that some drugs are relatively dangerous, but keep in mind that there are also people in this country who are legally allowed to build death rays, operate nuclear reactors, perform surgery, drive cars (seriously, think of how many deaths we could prevent if we got rid of personal transportation), operate pyrotechnics, teach people how to ski down triple black diamonds, perform Hollywood stunts and get launched out of a cannon.

Why do we allow these people to do such horrifically dangerous things?

BECAUSE THEY HAVE A LICENSE TO DO THEM!!!!!

For most dangerous activities, it is the responsibility of the government to provide a reasonable means of allowing the priviledge only to those who demonstrate that they can do it safely. This protects the safety of others, and the freedom of those who want to do it. Want to drive? Prove you can, we'll give you a license, and you can take to the highway.

The same should be true with drugs. Marijuana, I feel, should not require anything more than being 18 years old, and maybe having watched a film or two about the risks. Some drugs, however, should require a little bit more. I feel that LSD should only be sold to someone after a psychological analysis by a competant practitioner. Strong uppers should go to people who have minimal or no violent criminal history. Heroin...well...damn, I don't know how to go about this one. Addictive drugs should have a selling limit; you can only sell x amount per week to a licensed consumer to regulate the possibility that they sell it to unlicensed people, given its high demand.

Some people CAN handle their drugs better than others. I've done a lot of acid, but I've never had a bad trip, and it hasn't affected me, or anyone else indirectly, negatively in any way. Other people I know have gone insane, gotten in their car, and wrapped it around a telephone pole. I should be allowed to drop acid, and they shouldn't.

I want my freedom protected.

Legalize and regulate.

No comments: