At 13:17 27/05/04, you wrote:
>If they suffer as a consequence of their error of judgement then that is
>their responsibility.
>
>Cheers
>Rob
That is the opposite of the drug treatment centres' response to those who
chose to use illegal drugs.
As with teenagers and responsibility we're both giving mixed messages and
working from a confusion of principles.
Either they're treated like grown ups - make the decision and face the
consequences, or treated as a victims, the state takes over decision making
and says that you aren't competent so you shouldn't suffer the consequences
of your bad decisions.
I'm (nearly) agnostic but don't see that you can legitimately have it both
ways.
On balance I'd rather treat everyone like an adult - legalize the drugs and
then offer treatment of addiction (with loss of autonomy at that point) but
not give the drugs, a situation more analagous but not identical to
cigarettes. FWIW I'd prefer to see alcoholics treated in the same way as
drug users not smokers.
Equally those who sell drugs (any kind) or cigarettes to children (<16)
should receive the same sentences as paedophiles. Taking the country as a
whole they probably do a great deal more damage.
Won't happen in my lifetime but who can say what the future will hold.
Julian
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