"... the sounder ideas will in the long run win out."
Measured on what scale(s) ?

I'm impressed by the reactions to G.W. and the reactions to the reactions. Who says we're a nation of "sheep?" Such thoughtful thoughts; though some differ from one another, others defend their fellow man. CONGRATULATIONS to all ! It MAY be that these words, in practice, demonstrate exactly what "democracy" is: wise interpretation(S) of wise words.

Are we speaking of Lois Lerner's use of this old and good friend ? My brain says she has the right ( thought she "hedged her bets" when she testified, then said she wasn't going to testify ) ... my emotions are angered by her use of it to dodge telling the truth. Nonetheless, I wouldn't want to lose this amendment, nor any others, for I myself might wish to have it available under some circumstances.

Here, here, Jim !! Isn't it odd that it took others so long to conclude the central point, according to jim k and me, though it isn't Congress that has abdicated or transferred, it's His Majesty who has taken unto himself ( and interestingly, never "gets the blame" if it goes wrong; his hirelings do, and they're rarely brought to "justice." )

Oh, Orson ... how did you get so bright and succinct ? ( Talk about 'hit the nail on the head !' )

... and having issued his wisdom, Mr. Hoffa DISAPPEARED ! Seriously, did anyone ever find his body ? I guess the quotations for today point out we don't know what to do with those who are reluctant to live by rules: (a) leave them alone, (b) put them where they ARE alone, (c) turn them into law-obeying citizens or (d) ship them to another country ? Suggestion-reactions herein are, predictably, scarce. Critiquing's easy -- solving ain't !

Words from the original quote --- "deal," "important," "issues," "these sorts," "victimless," "crimes," "society," "riddled with," "problems." Philosophy 101 grade: "F" -- at some point, some definition is demanded, nay, required or such words have such broad meaning that anyone can use them for his/her own ends.

Left out : HONESTY !
... but beware: as my dad said, "Honesty IS 'the best policy,' but he who is honest BECAUSE it is 'the best policy' is not being honest."

Turner might be correct for one person and one situation, but as with most of man's chosen endeavors, no one result can be claimed, except that it seems to generate a lot of illogical pro and con hyper-reactions

Thanks, Mary, for the elucidation; not that the editor's editing was intended to mislead, but it's nice to have it all. It IS a problem too many of us too readily accept ( this poor man included ): "We'll let the judges decide," as if (a) there were but ONE "truth and (b) the judges had the ONE wisdom.
From "The King and I": "It IS a puzzlement."

.... hence, it may, as perhaps it was intended to, discourage others from committing the same crime. "Actions have consequences" ... "don't do the crime if you won't do the time" ... are we responsible for our actions ?

I think cal has this one correctly: he may indeed have intended to use certain liquids and other chemicals to manufacture drugs -- indeed, it may be evidence that he had already manufactured the ... but Ron points out fallacious conclusions. 27 years ( likely not served ? ) is a long time, even if found guilty. But then, like the MD guy who left his gun at home when he planned to go into another state, but his driver's license said he had a permit to carry, and the police searched and searched etc. etc. -- no gun .. so you were speeding. David's problem may have been the police, not the law ?

Too early in the morning, Bobble ?
My sentence beginning "nonetheless ..." should end with Darrow's quote beginning "You can only be ..."

Apologies.

I nearly misinterpreted, thereby missing, this one:

Mr. Darrow has already phrased what I instinctively responded to his " you can only protect.." statement.
I nearly missed that he's already stated "both sides."

Nonetheless, I leave here my initial response to his brief summary sentence which begins "You can only protect..."

... and its concomitant,
I can only be free if you are free.

Judge not lest you be judged.
Ain't it "funny" how WISE WORDS keep showing up ?

"Drugs were fun." So's driving excessive speeds. There are some "fun(s)" that leave no noticeable initial physical or mental effect, some leave scars no-one wants. Problem: I want to be able to do what I want --- and everybody else has to pay for it -- not solely in fiscal terms, but other less obvioius ways. Raped ? Got drugged and didn't know it? Well, at least he had "fun." Many kinds of drugs produce good results when properly administered, but are at the least questionable. Too much aspirin can be bad for your tum-tum, folks ! CAREFUL !!