I love Liberty and Freedom. But true liberty in a republic requires more than just freedom---it requires VIRTUE. For without virtue, liberty and freedom are easily corrupted. There is room for limited government to strive for ethical, moral and virtuous laws because it benefits the whole of society. The whole concept of establishing a government like ours is to promote individual liberty in an environment that is Good, Right, Noble, Just and Virtuous. Without those characteristics, Liberty become License and License will ultimately destroy Freedom.

And just where does this "virtue" come from? Virtue (along with those other characteristics) is rooted in the nature, essence and character of God.

Samuel Adams speaks to this in a most powerful way.

"No people will tamely surrender their Liberties, nor can any be easily subdued, when knowledge is diffused and Virtue is preserved. On the Contrary, when People are universally ignorant, and debauched in their Manners, they will sink under their own weight without the Aid of foreign Invaders."........"A general dissolution of the principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy.... While the people are virtuous they cannot be subdued; but once they lose their virtue, they will be ready to surrender their liberties to the first external or internal invader.... If virtue and knowledge are diffused among the people, they will never be enslaved. This will be their great security."

Samuel Adams

Drug addiction (in all the various forms, including alcohol) is slavery and corruption of the human condition. It is dangerous to our foundation as a nation. My 2 cents.

Last edited by straycat; 03/29/17 09:53 AM.
"The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever." Isaiah 40:8

"Neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt.� Samuel Adams