In the ancient times, cavemen fought for control by beating one another on the head with clubs. In medieval times kings sought control by keeping the laborers thoughtless and at the bottom. In modern times, the politicians in Washington maintain control with victimless crimes and limits on freedom. The common aspect between these three eras is that it was a person or a small group of people setting the regulations for the population as a whole.
Unfortunately for the United States Government, no two people are the same; therefore, a generalized set of laws is unfair to society. There are many instances where no citizen except the one taking part in the activity is harmed. If this is the case, it is at their discretion what they choose to do with their money, their health, and their life. The fact that the government can intervene with people’s personal lives is a huge infringement on American freedom.
For example, laws on homosexual marriage. It is understood that it goes against many citizen’s religious or moral beliefs. But, rather than just frowning upon the couples and showing disapproval by not participating, they shove their beliefs down others’ throats. Luckily, this tactic of forcing legislation to abide by a specific way of life is failing. Since 2008, 17 states have legalized gay marriage, according to procon.org. So, hooray; separation between church and state is finally becoming a reality.
Yet something has to irk people that oppose senseless bans, or those that try to remain indifferent. Rather than passively letting such bans fall, there seems to almost be a sense of entitlement that it even took this long. The parades, the social media propaganda, the television debates, it all interferes with the everyday lives of those who just want to stay out of it. Now the United States finds itself watching two adults fighting for attention like toddlers.
The same goes for controlled and uncontrolled substances. So long as actions such as public intoxication, driving under the influence, and doing a job while wasted remain illegal, then no one is affected except the user. Therefore, legalize these substances and let people face their own consequences. This would be much more effective than imprisoning citizens that are not even harming others.
Regardless of a personal stance on the matter, one must admit almost all citizens would be better off if this pattern of making laws that pertain to others just went away. Maybe in the future the land of the free will actually be free, but, until then, enjoy Congress dictating what is safe.
