If all people are endowed the rights of Life Liberty and the pursuit of Hapiness?

Question

Why isn't drug use filed under the right of pursuit of hapiness?

And why do we not have the right to revoke our own life (i.e. assisted or non-assisted suicide) since lawyers can write contracts that stifle other rights like non-disclosure agreements that stifle free speech?

Answer 1

Your question can best be answered in terms of what noted political scientist Samuel Huntington describes as the "IvI" gap. Ideals versus Institutions.

In America, the constitution contains a number of ideals, which depending on the time in history have been violated. For example, all men were endowed by their creator with liberty, except blacks until 1865.

While it would be nice to believe that we really have freedom and we really are able to pursue happiness, that is simply not true, it is an ideal that in practice is not the case. There are significant differences between the interpretation of the constitution and the ideals that it sets forth.

I must end with a rather cruel joke you should analyze:

"FREEDOM IS NOT FREE"

You are NOT free in America no matter what the propaganda says.

Answer 2

Well, we are endowed by our Creator with those rights, not endowed by the U.S. Government. The Declaration of Independence is not the binding legal document but a statement of liberation as a colony.

We voted in (by voting or not voting) the government we deserve. The laws they pass in our name are our own faults and will constantly be argued based on ethics, morality, and the law.

They made lawn darts illegal because people kept getting hurt. Considering how sue-happy people are these days, perhaps having the laws in place allow us, as taxpayers, to not end up completely screwed over by people who are looking for the Federal or State Lawsuit Lottery Ticket.

Non-disclosures maintain the rights of people who would be hurt by the disclosure of information. The weight of whose freedom of speech (to hide or to out the information) has more value is debated and considered.

Also, with drugs, I have the right to quiet enjoyment. This Christmas, a woman in California has a nine-year-old child in intensive care. The child was standing in the kitchen of her residence when she was hit. You think these shooters weren't using drugs or selling drugs? And even if they weren't, there are enough drug-related shootings and the values of homes tanking because of crack houses in the neighborhood . . . I think the rights of citizens who consider others' rights along with their own outweigh the rights of people who are only concerned with their own hedonism.

http://www.nbc4.tv/news/10584658/detail.html

Answer 3

Because your right to the Pursuit of Happiness stops when it creates an undue burden on society. Drug use creates addicts, who are NOT productive members of society, but rather a drain on resources. The fact that drug use is illegal drastically reduces the number of people who will try drugs for the first time, which inevitably leads down the slippery path of physical addiction. Addiction leads to criminal conduct, such as theft and prostitution, in order to get money to buy more drugs. It also leads to child abuse and neglect, and medical problems that are ultimately paid for by health insurance customers through their premiums.

Ponder this; if we don't have the right to use drugs because of the reasons above, why do we HAVE the right to kill an unborn child under current law, simply for any reason such as inconvenience to the mother's life? The law is applied unevenly and arbitrarily. If we are to live life on principle, then abortion must be outlawed in all instances.

Answer 4

For some suicide is the basically thanks to be at liberty. They deal with a lot discomfort and suicide takes position at the same time as they are pushed previous their snapping aspect. no man or woman needs to easily not stay. So, it really is for those motives and the only you on condition that any one must have that correct.

Answer 5

Because the U.S. Constitution says nothing about your "right" to pursue happiness. This is from the Declaration of Independence, which does not define or declare your rights.

Answer 6

Since when is using drugs & committing suicide the pursuit of happiness? It only infringes on other people's rights & liberties.

Answer 7

and its also without infringing on the rights of others. therefore since drug use often does affect the rights of others (in my county 97% of crimes are drug related) then they dont fall under that category

Answer 8

You have the right to pursue happiness, but not necessarily to catch it.

Answer 9

because drugs will not give you happiness in the long run...they damage your body and will kill you. plus the drug business as a whole is very devastating to other peoples well being.

Answer 10

I pursue it anyway. Screw 'em.

But good question! I was going to ask...what was I saying?