Let me clarify..If I choose to drink in excess daily, is it not my liver, my heart, my body, my money that purchases it. If the country thinks it is ok for women to kill their own babies through abortion, than why can't I choose to smoke? or drink alcolhol? or eat Big Mac's? or not exercise? Why do we need the government tell us this is bad for us when we already know this? I am an adult capable of making decisions for myself. It is freedom of choice, freedom of speech, free enterprise, and so on. Why do you want to give up your freedom to the government?
2007-06-26 08:57:57 · 13 answers · asked by RubyUnicorn 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Unfortunately, not in America. And it will get worse fast if they get a hold of our health care system.
2007-06-26 09:02:51 · answer #1 · answered by AngelaTC 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you choose to do any of the things that you listed there is nothing the government can do, legally. They can make recommendations that we not smoke, drink, etc. It is when your choices start affecting other people, that the government steps in. Such as, you can't DRIVE while you are under the influence because that affects your motor skills and causes more accidents. Abortions are legal only under certain conditions, depending on the state that you are in, and how they define "life". If the embryo or fetus is deemed "alive" you can no longer perform an abortion (under most circumstances).
2007-06-26 16:11:02 · answer #2 · answered by Harken 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you to an extent. The government should not legislate our health. We should have the freedom to do what we want to do, so long as we are not hurting others... BUT-
Many of the things you mention here DO hurt other people. If you abuse alcohol, you weaken your ability to think rationally. That could result in you being behind the wheel of a car, and that can lead to the death of OTHERS. If you smoke (no law against that) and don't do it in the designated locations, OTHER people can get cancer from it. What about the rest of our rights- the right to stay alive?
And the fact is that the government does NOT prevent you from eating Big Macs. That was a bad example on your part. It does not stop you from not exercising, either. But here is something else to consider... when you don't take care of yourself, it DOES hurt others. It hurts the people who love you. If you grow obese and disgusting, get sick with cancer, or die from a heart attack, does that not have a DIRECT impact on the people who care about you? What about their freedom to get to enjoy their lives, preferably with a healthy YOU in it?
Telling you that things are unhealthy does not impose on your right to do unhealthy things. In theory, you are right on, but at closer inspection you don't know what you are talking about. Sounds to me like you're pretty selfish. Considering what your lifestyle "choice" CAN do to those around you, maybe the government doesn't interfere enough afterall.
2007-06-26 16:11:39 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Taco 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends who pays for your excesses.
young women typicaly have abortions because they can not afford a baby. Its not something they do every week. And usually after once or twice, they deeply regret the decision.
a decision to smoke 20 times a day. drink 1-10 times a week. Cost of a bypass surgery is $30,000. An abortion $400 or so.
You want to feel bad ? Abuse yourself. Can you pay to repair your own body ?
2007-06-26 16:08:50 · answer #4 · answered by Laurence W 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
What makes you think that you don't have the right to drink in excess daily, smoke, eat big macs or not excercise? Is this your concience speaking? Comon sense? It certainly is not the law or the constitution speaking. You have the right to do as much harm to yourself as you'd like so long as you don't harm anybody else in the process.
2007-06-26 16:09:06 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
who told you you can't smoke? You just can't in public where others have to be subjected to it
Who told you you cannot drink excessively? You just cannot do it in public where you may harm someone who like you made a choice not to do something!
Who says you cannot eat big macs?
No one wants to give up choices, and the things you mentioned here are not illegal!
BTW it seems like you are only angry about the things you want to do, you kinda seem like a fat, pro choice, smoking alcoholic for this question. Not trying to be mean just observing.
2007-06-26 16:08:21 · answer #6 · answered by reciprocityabound 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Noone ever said they want to give up their freedom to the government, however because of the laws Congress passes, it is forced upon us. So, if you don't want to deal with it, move, and change countries, or become illegal. It is your choice.
2007-06-26 16:08:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Now that they have banned smoking in the UK (1st July) they will soon start on the alcohol! It's big brother! It seems there is no such thing as free will left in England
2007-06-26 16:06:46 · answer #8 · answered by budgie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with you, but the rub comes when you do something that injures you or effects your health and you expect the taxpayers to pay for your care.
It's an interesting dilemma.
2007-06-26 16:08:44 · answer #9 · answered by Sean 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one is stopping you. Only suggesting you slow down or stop. Eat/drink/smoke away
2007-06-26 16:13:45 · answer #10 · answered by biscuitperifrank 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋