Milton Friedman Quote of the Day

I'm in favor of legalizing drugs. According to my values system, if people want to kill themselves, they have every right to do so. Most of the harm that comes from drugs is because they are illegal.

—Milton Friedman (1912–2006)

Published Tuesday, June 23, 2009 3:50 PM by Right-Mind

Comments

# re: Milton Friedman Quote of the Day

The only thing that I know of that the war on drugs has succeeded in doing is imprisoning people for falsely criminalized behavior. My grandfather used to by Red Man, Beech-nut and Levi Garret chewing tobaco by the carton. These purchases were sized for his personal use, his convenience and to save some money by buying in bulk. Possession of Marijuana in the same quantity is under the law of the land considered to be possession with intent to sell. Of course now that we have solved the underage smoking problem and the health issues involved in smoking by federal fiat I suppose the day is coming when possession of a carton of Levi Garrett will carry the same penalty as possession of a kilo of Maui Wowi.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009 8:04 PM by Tigger23505

# re: Milton Friedman Quote of the Day

Milton is right of course. For example, the illegality of cocaine has done nothing, but empower and enrich the Columbian cartels just like alcohol prohibition established the Mafia. Most societies respond to sinful behaviors by outlawing them. Unfortunately the consequences of these actions can often backfire.

Wednesday, June 24, 2009 8:50 AM by Salemm