I liked Joe's article in Sodbuster and I applaud Joe's precept of "freedom" that he extols.  I just wish that Joe's ideas of liberty weren't so selective.

 

Let me explain.  I don't particularly like labeling, but I think of Joe, rightly or wrongly (after exchanging views over the past year or so) as a "Conservative."

 

A conservative generally wants the government to keep its nose out of our economic and business affairs, but perversely thinks it's proper for the state to meddle in our social lives.  Conservatives approve of regulating virtually everything that peaceful people can do behind closed doors, from taking drugs to having sex.

 

Are you free if you can't "do as you will" as St. Augustive phrased it (so long as you don't violate the equal right of others), even if that choice involves ingesting marijuana?  Are you free if you're not allowed to make choices that may harm you?  Didn't God give us "free will" which means we have the right to choose heaven or hell?  Isn't it part of life to make mistakes and learn from them?

 

I know that Joe agrees with me that that you're not free when you can't practice "free enterprise" without being licensed and taxed, or when you must send your children to a government licensed school (if you can't afford a private school) or the State will confiscate your property or kidnap your kids if you rebel.

 

On the other hand, Joe has expressed the opinion that it's all right for the State to tell us what we can or can't smoke.  Of course, if you use drugs and drive while you're intoxicated, or otherwise hurt someone else, you still have personal responsibility and should abide the consequences.

 

Either we're free or we're not free! 

 

Guy Curtis