Am Rande des Möglichen

[cbertsch]

It's not often that I agree with the missives the Ayn Rand Institute periodically sends me. But to this one I can say, "D'accord":

Dear Editor:

This week the Supreme Court dealt a blow to individual freedom by ruling that federal agents may arrest and prosecute people who grow or use marijuana for medical purposes.

The fundamental issue at stake is not federal law versus state law, but personal freedom versus government coercion. The Constitution and the Bill of Rights exist to protect every individual's right to life and liberty. An individual who grows or consumes marijuana violates no one's rights while legitimately exercising his own. Just as government has no right to determine what food we eat or what books we read, it should have no right to determine what drugs we take. As long as we don't violate the rights of others, we should have the right to do with our lives--and our bodies--whatever we think is best.

David Holcberg, Ayn Rand Institute

2121 Alton Parkway #250, Irvine CA 92606

(949) 222-6550 ext.226

It's important to be reminded, from time to time, that libertarian thinking exerts a pull on both sides of the aisle. That last sentence, for example, is ripe for left-wing appropriation.

Comments

[siyeh.livejournal.com]

That's why I just can't hate Ayn Rand.

[cbertsch.livejournal.com]

Point taken. The main problem for me with Rand-style thinking is its conviction that unregulated free-market capitalism -- as if there actually could be such a thing instead of its pale imitation -- is the best way for everyone to preserve their freedom. That sort of freedom costs too much to make me feel free.

[siyeh.livejournal.com]

Come on, you don't believe in a happy land in the valley that's like 95% men and like 2 worthy women, where everyone is smart and brilliant and driven and inspired by industry? And a shield that makes it invisible? And they're going to turn off the lights of the city?

[cbertsch.livejournal.com]

Sounds like Biosphere 2, actually. . .

[siyeh.livejournal.com]

Good point, except there were more women at the Biosphere. And you were allowed to do what you were best at.

[cbertsch.livejournal.com]

But what if what you're best at is being a man who wants to avoid being with women? :-)

[tommix.livejournal.com]

At first, I was going to call you a stoner. Then I thought about saying that Ayn Rand pulled bong hits. Now I don't know what to say!

[cbertsch.livejournal.com]

Tea, my friend. It's all about the tea. What do they call it in Hindi?

[tommix.livejournal.com]

Hindi bong hits?

[pissang.livejournal.com]

My favorite euphemism: Let's steam this broccoli.

[somemonad.livejournal.com]

Kudos on your title.

[cbertsch.livejournal.com]

Thanks! I pride myself on bilingual puns that almost no one gets. I'm glad you were the exception.