Recreational Drugs should be Legalized in the United States of America

PROS REBUTTAL My Rebuttal to CONS Contentions Contention 1: Life and Health of Users. I agree with my opponent that the vast majority of drugs are harmful and even deadly HOWEVER we can not have our government criminalize acts solely because they are harmful to the user. By using my opponents logic the government should also criminalize over eating, lack of exercise, alcohol, excessive caffeine use, and tobacco products to name a few acts that are harmful to the user. Notice the acts are not harmful or deadly to the non-user just the user? The government must protect everyone liberty even if some choose to use their liberty to destroy their body. Contention 2: Criminal Activity will be Increased First 1) There is no evidence to support criminal activity will increase, this is speculation. We can not criminalize acts because they might cause other criminal acts to occur. Using this logic the government would have to make not working illegal because it might motivate the individual refusing to work to steal. Higher criminal activity has been associated with lower education. Shall we require all individuals to go to school and work in an effort to reduce crime? Secondly 2) There is significant evidence that crime would decrease. The cost of drugs would be extremely cheap. The main motivation in criminal activity caused by drugs is due to the high cost to support the addiction. Thirdly 3)If recreational drugs were legal there would still be regulation similar to alcohol regulation. If users drive they will be prosecuted. If individuals go to work under the influence they will likely get fired. Further most drugs do not affect your motor skills, inhibitions, or judgement nearly as much as alcohol, which is legal. Contention 3: Kids and Teens Will Have Easier Access to Drugs We should have regulations to prevent under age use. Parents should ultimately be responsible for raising their children not the government. If parents are unable to follow the laws their young children will be taken away. If adolescent and teen children continue to use drugs or alcohol, just like now they should be disciplined civilly such as juvenile detention or required to complete drug and alcohol treatment programs. Using this logic we should outlaw alcohol, cigarettes, pornography, and most television programs. No doubt all of these may be harmful to children and should all be properly regulated but not criminalized for adult use. Contention 4: Morality as Christian I believe the laws of this secular government should only criminalize acts that DIRECTLY violate another individuals liberty. I would encourage you to self regulate yourself above what the law allows. If we regulate our morality when we are the majority we will set a precedence for future generations. The future generations morality may be Muslim. The Muslim faith may believe that the secular government should regulate women's clothing and women's rights, because that is what is moral to them. We as Christians have morals that can not be regulated. We have a belief in Christ as the Messiah, which we can not have our secular government force upon the masses. We believe we should not fornicate. Shall we have the government criminalize the act of fornication? Further as Christians we are free from the law and live by grace. Christ did not call us to form secular governments to regulate and criminalize sin but rather to live our lives by example. Note: I believe murder, theft, and abortion violate anothers liberty and pursuit of happiness. Contention 5: Second Hand Smoking Second hand smoke has mostly been eradicated. The only second hand smoke that an individual would be susceptible to would be if they choose to eat, dine, or socialize at a privately owned business that allowed smoking. This should be completely up to the private business owners. No one is require to patronize these establishments. Many states have passed public smoking bans, even in privately owned establishments. There would still be regulation of recreational drug use. PROS ARGUMENT (My Argument) Definition of Liberty 1.a.The condition of being free from restriction or control. b.The right and power to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner of one's own choosing. c.The condition of being physically and legally free from confinement, servitude, or forced labor. See Synonyms at freedom. 2.Freedom from unjust or undue governmental control. 3.A right or immunity to engage in certain actions without control or interference: the liberties protected by the Bill of Rights. Contention 1 Laws must protect others Liberty The Government of the United States main purpose for the citizens is to protect Liberty. Liberty must be protected for all, even when individuals use their Liberty to destroy themselves. I will add more but I'm running out of time!!!!!!