General Discussion

LittleBlue

(10,362 posts)

33. I find the "people should be free to do things that don't impact others" to

Thu Oct 17, 2013, 01:18 PM

Oct 2013

be the most persuasive argument here.

The harsh truth is that the public's interest isn't affected by whether a few people live or die doing reckless things, that's a personal loss for their loved ones. Loved ones have every right to try convincing their family that they should cease doing stupid things, but that's where it should end. The gene pool is also unaffected, as there are too few of these types to make a significant impact over our lifetime.

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Interesting discussion with a co-worker about "Nanny State" policies. [View all] IdaBriggs Oct 2013 OP

It's easy to talk a big "personal responsibility" game and "teach you kids to not be dumb" Blue_Tires Oct 2013 #1

This person is a good guy who is former Navy. IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #7

It is a really tricky topic that clearly crosses political camps - and it is really complex. NRaleighLiberal Oct 2013 #2

Your post is *exactly* what I was hoping for when I started the thread! IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #9

"What do I do" is so different from "which is the way to go" NRaleighLiberal Oct 2013 #34

For what it's worth, Reagan signed a bill requiring motorcycle helmets Blue Meany Oct 2013 #3

This was brought up by both of us, and I made a comment about "young organ donors." IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #10

That's why medics call them "donorcycles". nt Bigmack Oct 2013 #41

Drug/Alcohol test all of Congress. For our safety n/t leftstreet Oct 2013 #4

Now *this* I could definitely get behind. Brigid Oct 2013 #37

Also against: actual nannies Sanddog42 Oct 2013 #5

I was talking about the "wider bars on cribs" that had resulted in baby deaths. IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #19

I am against laws that protect me from myself.. Bandit Oct 2013 #6

How about stupid things you do that affect other people? IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #14

I have no problem with that reasoning as I have no problem with robbery being illegal Bandit Oct 2013 #18

I knew someone who was adamantly opposed to mandatory helmet laws. Arugula Latte Oct 2013 #8

I am so sorry. IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #12

Thank you. Arugula Latte Oct 2013 #36

Well, to me it's kind of like the idiots who let their dogs ride in the back of their trucks in Tx. hamsterjill Oct 2013 #11

"The freedom to believe the laws of physics do not apply to you." IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #16

The rights of the community trump individual rights TBF Oct 2013 #13

Is the community better off with a "clean-of-the-stupid gene pool"? IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #15

The 'Harm Policy' paradox wtbymark Oct 2013 #17

Is it "paternalistic" (as in "I am in charge!") or "maternal" (as in "please be safe!")? IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #23

the notion that stupid people only harm themselves is fallacious 0rganism Oct 2013 #20

Agreed. And I especially like this line in your post -- IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #30

I think the basic philosophy is: people should be free to do anything that doesn't impact others. Make7 Oct 2013 #21

Realistically, pricing like that would encourage people to lie. IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #29

I was suggesting it more as a debate point than an actual workable solution. Make7 Oct 2013 #35

I agree - but it is a slippery slope - smoking impacts others directly (via smoke) NRaleighLiberal Oct 2013 #32

I think smokers do pay more for health and life insurance already. Make7 Oct 2013 #38

I saw a young guy and a young woman on a MineralMan Oct 2013 #22

I would have been completely freaking out. IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #24

I'm afraid that I was focused on my driving. MineralMan Oct 2013 #26

I wouldn't have been trying to warn them - IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #27

I kind of run through a checklist with these issues Beearewhyain Oct 2013 #25

This is really excellent. IdaBriggs Oct 2013 #28

Thanks! Beearewhyain Oct 2013 #31

I find the "people should be free to do things that don't impact others" to LittleBlue Oct 2013 #33

A young lady in town was wearing a helmet and only riding a bike... Frustratedlady Oct 2013 #39

In one way or another we all end up paying when someone's failure to wear tblue37 Oct 2013 #40

With motorcycle helmets specifically lumberjack_jeff Oct 2013 #42

I'm all for it, if they protect people and property Southside Oct 2013 #43