It can be argued, but the argument is more short-sighted than the Libertarian one. Besides ignoring the constitution and basic individual rights, you defend the process of using a "solution" that is more problematic (and costly) than its problem. In other words, when a solution causes more/worse harm (and cost) than the problem, it becomes the problem. There's no doubt that many things in this world result in direct harm to the user and indirect harm to others. I might accidentally cut off my thumb with a power saw. Then my family will suffer when I lose my job as a carpenter because I can no longer hold a hammer. Shall we legally prohibit circular saws? Or shall we legally mandate chain-mail gloves for all construction workers? (Remember that "legally" means enforcement with aggression and force: non-consensual fines / jail). Of course not! It doesn't take a genius to see the folly in trying to solve such minor problems and prevent such assumed risks in a free society. Yes, drugs and alcohol and cars can cause problems, but so can fire. Everyone wants less harm. The intention of safety is respectable, but it doesn't defend lousy methods that actually create MORE and WORSE harm (and cost) - harm that is not only higher in quantity but worse in quality; DIRECT harm.
-Mark _____ it can easily be argued that not having seat belt laws and anti drug laws creates a cost to society from the by products of people hurting themselves and others in the process, and that cost infriges on the rights of others. thus anti drug laws and seat belt laws and restriction on serving alcohol to drunks are justified simply in that the rights of others being violated and exposed to the costs and abuses from the above. Vic _____ [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> AIDS in India: A "lurking bomb." Click and help stop AIDS now. http://us.click.yahoo.com/X6CDDD/lzNLAA/cUmLAA/KlSolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> ForumWebSiteAt http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Libertarian Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Libertarian/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
