Life Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness??

Question

I would like to know what exactly is the pursuit of happiness?? The way I interprete this is that I have the right to pursue anything that makes me happy so long as I dont violate another persons civil rights. With that being said how can the government tell me that I can NOT smoke mariujuana in my own home??

Bob you made some great points and I agree that its alot more complicated then Im making it. Marijuana is still illegal under federal law. In the few states that have decriminalized small amounts for medical use you can still be convicted under federal law... I just dont see how the government can justify booze and cigs being legal while marijuana is not. There just throwing away billions of dollars a year ( Money that we all had to bust *** to give them) All the money thats being lost to the black market in just taxes alone could go along way in fixing this messed up excuse of a country.

Answer 1

It's as stupid as high taxes! Neither of these programs will help the nation! They cause more harm than left alone! Republicans and democrats will always have an idea HE/SHE believes YOU should follow! This is not freedom, This is not liberty. This is not the pursuit of happiness! The pursuit of happiness is gone and socialism will decrease your independence eternally! Funniest thing is, pursuit of happiness isn't BAD for you. It's "bad" for the people who think it is bad for you! Government pushers are all idiots and federalists! They do not understand economic growth or individual liberties! You are exactly right, the pursuit of happiness is doing what makes you happy without the infringement on anothers rights! Please research the negatives to any and every government policy before voting. Thank you for the great question! ~ Libertarian!

Answer 2

Well first of all that phrase, "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness" appears where? The US Constitution which is the supreme law of the land? No. It appears in the Declaration of Independence, which is a document of rhetoric and not law.

In terms of the Federal Government, Congress, which makes our laws, can regulate the use of marijuana through the Commerce Clause of the Constitution, and the duty to enforce those laws falls to the various Executive Branch departments, such as Justice. Now states make their own laws regarding drug policy, that's called Federalism.

You can have a certain amount of marijuana in your home for personal use, the exact amount varies depending on what state you live in. You say that smoking it in your own house does not violate another American's civil rights, but you don't know that. Where did that marijuana come from, did you grow it yourself, or did you buy it from a dealer? Where did that dealer get it from? What if some smoke escaped and infiltrated your neighbor's house? Wouldn't you then be violating their civil rights? What if the drug fell out of your possession, and a child found it?

I agree that marijuana should be decriminalized, but the issue is much more complicated than you are making. Do not be an ideologue.

Answer 3

Because "they" are "them". The government has laws to cancel out the laws they make. And some little side laws to cancel those out too, just in case they missed anything. But then they say, live free! and enjoy!!!

Answer 4

I like your idea.

Unfortunately the declaration of independence is a laying out of ideals and not actual law.

Answer 5

Add to that not violating laws, by your argument you have the right to kill people also.

Answer 6

Probably because you would be taking the profits away from those that are in high places.

Answer 7

Cuz you'll be happier when you quit smoking dope and get a real life.