Excellent, even-handed analysis. Ideally we should live in societies that promote health, while respecting individual autonomy. We have witnessed this repeatedly: prohibition and punishment do nothing to curb human appetite. In fact, there is some evidence suggesting that prohibiting a substance simply makes it more desirable. What does work, albeit over time: consistent, factual public education combined with a gradual increase in the product's cost. Don't try to be punitive--just give the consumer honest information and some incentive to cut back on his or her indulgence. And then recognize that free people will not always make the wisest choices ... but a life without freedom is not worth living.

Donald Armstrong
Donald Armstrong

Written by Donald Armstrong

Moved by a conviction that we humans--gifted with reason--can do so much better than we are; asks how both politics and faith can better serve humanity's needs.

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