Should we ban people from doing things that we don't want them to do, when what they are doing harms no one?

Question

For example: I don't like it when people buy Corvettes, should we ban Corvettes?

Is there anything you would like to see banned simply because you don't like it?

Some people don't like for others to smoke, drink, or use drugs in the privacy of their own homes. It doesn't bother me, so I don't really want to see these activities banned. Do we know what's better for someone else? Conversely, is it possible that THEY know what's better for US? Who should be in control of a person's life, that person or someone else?

If we ban things in order to preserve someone else's health, shouldn't we ban sugary drinks, fattening foods, motorcycles, horses, swimming pools, walking barefoot, having sex, and even rollerblading?

Answer 1

I agree, fortunately few of these things are banned. Usually the only things that are banned are those that do affect others; like smoking in public (second-hand smoke), the speeding someone mentioned (I really don't care if *you* run into a tree going 140MpH but it might not be a tree but rather another car you're running into), etc, etc. Some people may think going barefoot is banned but fortunately that's only a persistant myth, it's not truly against any laws.

Answer 2

See, this is why we learn history. History shows us that whenever one group of people has set out to dictate terms to another group and tell them how to live their life, its always ended in disaster. Some examples off the top of my head.... the Crusades, Nazism etc.

The ability to think and reason and make their own choices is what distinguishes humans from other animals. When you try to take that ability away or suppress it by banning things, you are suppressing humanity itself. Again, history reveals that humanity cannot be suppressed too long.....examples: the various national freedom struggles and other revolutions.

So to answer your question, banning = courting disaster. So long as they don't seriously harm others, people MUST have the freedom to make their own choices.

Answer 3

Never. Too much of that going around already. What is happening to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness?

Answer 4

No, we should not stop people from doing stupid things unless by doing so they directly harm others. You should be responsible for the conduct of your own life.

Answer 5

Yes, I think reproduction should be banned without stringent tests for intelligence, responsibility, drug/alcohol dependence, common sense, and on and on and on.

Answer 6

"If" we could do that, in the end there would be nothing and no one left.
But I would ban speed limits

Answer 7

Ehhh not sure where you are from but they already do that.