End The War On Drugs - Chapter 7

Free To Choose

EDITOR’S NOTE: A few years ago, I penned a first draft of a short book, “End The War On Drugs” I offer an updated version, in serial form, here on Substack, for my paid subscribers. I will publish a chapter each week.

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CHAPTER 1: A Catastrophic Failure
CHAPTER 2: A Brief History
CHAPTER 3: A Society Rooted in Individual Liberty
CHAPTER 4: Use vs Abuse
CHAPTER 5: Societal Cost
CHAPTER 6: Use and Addiction

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I've labeled this section with the title of Milton Friedman's seminal book, first printed in 1980.  I strongly recommend it to anyone who has any desire to expand his understanding of liberty and why it matters.  Near the top of this piece, I discussed how the basic premise of our society is rooted in individual liberty.  Now, since very few of us live utterly alone with no human contact or economic interaction (not too many mountain hermits out there, living off the land), one's liberty must coexist with the liberty of others.  I don't get to infringe on your liberty in the exercise of mine.  I don't have the right to take your stuff, or trespass on your property without your permission, or harm you or your stuff.  Conversely, unless I'm trying to take your stuff, or trespass on your property without permission, or harm you or your stuff, you don't have the right to interfere with my actions.

People since the dawn of history have created social structures and governments to protect and enforce at least some of these rights, and stealing, assaulting, killing, trespassing, etc., are banned by laws and penalized with punishment in most of history’s societies.  But what of activities that don't infringe on the rights of others?  There are many such that are banned by laws and penalized with punishment, but we have to ask: Why?

A bunch of friends get together to play poker in somebody's basement.  No problem - all are adults, everyone's there by choice and of his own free will.  And - generally - the State will agree. Basement poker games between friends are legal… with caveats.

What if someone wants to play poker but can’t find like-minded friends?  There are computer games that will let him play either by himself or against others around the world. These, too, are allowed by the State… as long as real money isn’t involved.