"...would reduce the quality of law enforcement." ???

I guess I need to buy your written explanation: stating what happens in a particular setting isn't "Why Laws Backfire" ! .. it's merely stating that laws backfire. BIG DEAL !

AGREED. Not true only of societies but of individuals as well, who, like societies, should constantly be examining and re-examining his / its beliefs. THIS quote is 61 years old; nothing wrong with that -- some "truths" are MUCH older ( as am I ) but we need not to unthinkingly apply to age the authenticity of what we thought ( or were ) six or more decades ago.

A tough one to live by ... and at election-time, impossible. Nonetheless, a nice moral to build into one's life. One doesn't elevate one's self by damaging another's.

True enough, but it isn't only the War on Drugs that made the change from policing to policing for profit: it's not the only example of governmental corruption.

If they're cheaper, they won't change our behaviors so much?

Tell me how you REALLY feel, Bob.
( Was this written pre-, during, or post- your "trip" ? ) I have no more problem with folks succumbing to even the most powerful drugs than I do with alcohol ... but don't pretend the use thereof doesn't alter your entire body in more than one way, and if you're changed to illegal and negative behaviors, don't expect pats-on-the-back !

Against this kind of thing we citizens of this great nation must always be alert. Thanks to the editor of this site for reminding us of how perilous our position, how close to losing ANY of our liberties; one taken away can become all taken away.

... she's correct UNLESS what one does to one's self interferes with one's behavior toward another; say, for example, behind the wheel of an automobile. Does Mary Jane do the same thing to the mind as Demon Rum ? If so, smoke all you want, inject all you want, drink all you want ...but don't inflict your inebriated or high personhood on others who should be able to expect normal behavior and who normally finds that primarily from the un-inebriated or un-high.

Was't Ben Franklin who said, "A penny saved is a penny earned" ? And me ? I complained my employer didn't pay me enough. My dad said, do you have a budget ? I pulled my wallet out of my pocket and said, "Yep -- when there's money in there, I can spend it ... if there isn't any, I can't." Then I went to a "Loan Agency," borrowed, and bought a nice sports car which I couldn't afford. I NEVER "saved a cent," and now at 85, I'm living on Social Security. Worth noting; those who DID save are now rich and you know how the populace at large views them !!

So the ancient Romans also struggled with the complexities of human desires, necessities and saving. Evolution, you say ?

Jim k -- "Hear, hear !"

Amen, Mr. P. !

Agree with 'Mike, Norwalk' about 20,000,000,000,000 times !

Maybe no-one owes nothing to no-one ? That way, there would be not be no debts for no-one, no how. Gee, does that describe socialism ?

Interesting variety of responses, but to be expected. Earlier in my life there were those who pointed to a particular individual and said, "He's a genius in his own mind." In oh so many ways, aren't we all entitled to that criticism ?
"What I-the-wonderful think is above criticism, what you think needs examination, what everybody else thinks is garbage. HUBRIS. Should you disagree, analyze these, my criticisms, with my criticisms of others' criticisms. See ?

It IS interesting, isn't it: how each of us carries a general-yet- deep position on governments, their responsibilities and their rights. Yet when statements are made, we need to analyze the ins and outs of the words to determine whether or not we agree with the stated statement. IT'S THE DETAILS THAT COUNT. ( Which 'minds me of "It's the ____, stupid" but I can't recall from whom or about what ! )

Thought-producing statement.

Never mind the Government's errors of not preparing for tomorrow: I did the same thing: Greed -- borrowed, had my sports cars and "the high life," then came retirement. OOPS .. well, at least I have Social Security, wherein I'm lucky to be able to have ANY wheels !
A PENNY SAVED WOULD HAVE BEEN A PENNY EARNED. ( Why didn't Ben Franklin tell me that ? -- sarcasm, in case you missed it )

The laborer CAN control its disposal. MANY of the monied weren't born that way, not ALL the monied have acquired it illegally. The opportunities are there for those who recognize that the freedom is not simply to spend, but spend wisely - and to SAVE.

"Hopeless labor" ? No .. just a recognition that "what goes up comes down," that "if you don't like the situation, wait a minute; it'll change," etc.