The first definition for Law in the New Merriam-Webster Dictionary: Law: a rule of conduct, recognized by custom or decreed by formal enactment, considered as binding on the members of a community, nation, etc. The second definition for Crime: any grave offense. Therefore, a gfrave offense is a crime, even when no law exists that defines it as such. Laws are written to define, not to create.

I disagree with you, Archer. This quote does not discuss Nature. A crime is a crime, despite man's opinion. And your use of biblical quotations is inadequate. Their are many other quotes from the Bible regarding the approproiate use of judgment, but you only use one, or half of one, actually.

It is reasonable to state that whatever is a crime is so, independent of whatever law exists or does not exist. The law confirms that a portion of society agrees that a certain act is a crime, but the law cannot convert a crime into a lawful act. You can wrap a turd in pretty paper, and put a pretty bow on the package; but the turd remains a turd. A crime remains a crime, despite the law.

In nature, at certain times, animals tend to move as fast as they can. Men do the same on the streets and highways. Speed limits, in that case, must be immoral. But I have never seen animals smoking pot or injecting heroin. In nature, the predator eats the prey. If that is what we are talking about here, when we say that men's laws should be compatible with those of nature, then I say that Mr. Jefferson was smoking something when he said it.

These evils exist in our republic.

When has a society been happy?

Mike: I gave it the thumb down because it seems to me that the quote means to support avoidance of force at all times. It says with regard to reason "which last is the essence of the moral act," leaving force as the immoral act. I see both acts as moral in their appropriate contexts. Perhaps now you understand my reason.

There are many criminals with whom you cannot reason, but who must be compelled or contained to prevent them from continuing to commit crimes against victims. Reason is excellent where reason is respected. Otherwise, force must be used.

There exist those who shield themselves with this argument for the purpose of propogating blatant lies. To combat these lies by demanding a higher standard is not censure, but merely good and necessary.

Wrong. Sounds good, but it is wrong.

Yes, Ken. You defined that well. What was Berlin referring to in 1951 as "the great ideological wars of our time."? The Cold War? The ideological struggle between proponents of capitalism and communism? Was he equating "persecution" of certain people with persecution of communism? Was he being vague or machiavellian?

We can all change jobs, change careers, study and publish whatever we like, move to wherever we choose, protest, organize PACs, run for office, engage in civil disobedience, or even organize to overthrow tyranny. But mostly we complain and forget .how much worse it is for most of humanity.

The sentiment generally is right enough, but envy is not eternal.

Too severe? Which law? Whose law? Based on what? The quote is an undefined statement, in some context true, in other contexts not.

Alcohol and nicotine use, despite being legal, cause immeasurable harm. Legalization of tobacco has in no way served to purify the product, and cigarettes are known to contain numerous poisons. Nicotine is also highly addictive. So on what basis could it be assumed that the legalization of cocaine, heroin, or LSD, for example, might be of benefit?

The Bible in no place prohibits drinking wine or "beer." The Bibles condemns drunkenness. The Bible refers to moderate drinking as good and normal. Drinking produces gladness. Drunkenness produces harm. I find it interesting that some of those who comment here so frequently have criticized my alleged view on prohibition of alcohol, while I never stated support for its prohibition. What is their problem? Drunkenness?

Try English. The law, when it declares something a crime, means to prohibit.

Archer: You wrote "What you do not know about Common Law, Liberty, and history would fill the Library of Congress." Actually, it already does.

Mike: I have given it on this site before: Liberty is the freedom to do whatever is right and good. And Archer: I agree that most of what you write is utter nonsense.

Does this mean that you would not prohibit the use of any substance? Are you willing to prohibit any type of behavior at all? What, and why? Or is everything acceptable to you?

Archer: I was brought up in a Jewish home. I began to learn about Christianity when I was almost an adult. I am hardly what could be called a good Christian, though I believe in Jesus. I wonder why, since my views are so ill-formed, that you have not been able to effectively contradict them. You are a sophist. Your arguments are baseless tripe. I am sure that you are smoking pot right now. And I perceive that you hold dear the right to do anything you wish, which is repulsive and condemnable.

Archer: You are right when you say that the voice of the majority is no proof of Truth either. Chrisitians are not taught to wait for the end of the world to solve all of their problems. And suicide is not an issue for those who obey God. You have very little understanding, as do many who consider themselves Christians, of the issues you bring up. I continue to believe that you must be about 19 years old, or younger.

If you want to smoke, drink, and eat whatever you want, move to a country where people do not care what you smoke, drink, or eat. Or otherwise, change the laws of this country. To accomplish this with such a majority as you must enjoy, being in the right, as you claim, should be easy and simple. Or you could find a religion that teaches to use marijuana and become a member. Then you could practice that religion and destroy yourself. Oh, you already have? Nevermind.

The Fourth Amendment comprehends invasive search of homes, where probable cause exists, such as neighbors reporting that the residents have been trafficking in illicit drugs. Certain drugs are illegal. Don't traffick in them. Freedom has never been the right to do as you please; and it never will be. "Secure the blessings of liberty" and "Insure domestic tranquility" by preventing drug addicts and traffickers from ruining the lives of the nation's families and children.

Which is why the Kingdom of God is coming.