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Originally Posted by Robbie
That sounds like a person with a problem. But it shouldn't take freedoms and rights away from the vast majority of people who don't have problems.
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However, the old "one (or a few) bad apple(s)" theorem applies all too often in such cases. The problems and the shit caused by others often does end up negatively affecting everyone. If these people would just stay at home and do their drugs and never bother anyone ever then the laws made to control them would in all likelihood be far less pervasive to everyone.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbie
I've seen a thing or two in this world. And one thing is for sure...some people are just genetically wired to be addicted.
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I get what you're saying there and agree with it in part, but I absolutely hate the side of it where addicts use it as a copout. A good part of me thinks, bad genes or not, these people still all had minds of their own going into it, and with the power of choice we all have they still opted to use until addicted, and then keep using until lives are ruined, jobs lost, homes forclosed on, kids taken and ultimately supported by... the state, as in the evil controlling governement.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbie
But most aren't. And I say...if a person steals or robs or kills or rapes then let's throw their ass in jail.
If they are partying and getting high and NOT breaking any other laws...then let's keep the govt. OUT of it. That's all I'm arguing. It's NOT the role of govt. to do this.
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I don't see it as being as simple as that though. These addicts all too often can't afford to support their habit much less pay for health insurance or medical bills. When they do go for treatment it often takes many tries, many months, even years before they're able to put their lives back together. All they can afford is free treatment, who is paying for it? The state, the government, and ultimately... you.
In other words it's the government's problem whether they make laws about it or not.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Robbie
Again, I say...Do YOU think that any politician or govt. official is sincerely worried about YOU. I don't. I think that every new controlling law that has nothing to do with crime and everything to do with social engineering is just a way for them to consolidate power that the founding fathers never meant them to have.
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I was all set to post another big drawn-out argument here but eh... you're probably right. :D
But I think we can agree that something has to be done. I see moves being made with the stiffer more comprehensive laws etc, but I've also seen a lot of improvement over the years in the medical treatment aspect of the problem that you're pushing for. I believe there has to be a balance, not just one and not the other. And another thing I think most will agree on is that we (as a society) have a long way to go before we hope to get a decent handle on the problem.