Drawing The Line

In the high school communications course I teach, in a lesson on formal debate, the students chose the topic of drinking age.  One side argued it should be lowered or eliminated and one side argued it should be kept the same or raised.  However, even after a heated discussion, both groups agreed alcohol was an unhealthy substance to consume in excessive amounts.  They also both agreed most people will drink too much despite this well-known fact.  The question is over the solution to this disagreement.  Where is the point where we draw the line?  In one extreme, we would try Prohibition all over again.  The other would be to completely decriminalize alcohol, meaning no restrictions and no laws about it.  In theory, neither of these solutions work, which is why we have laws and restrictions with some form of leniency.  The question is over where the line should be drawn between two sides of an argument, no matter what the argument is.

 In the case of alcohol consumption, in the United States, we place that line at the age of 21.  In Canada it’s 19.  In most countries it is much lower or even non-existent, but all countries have laws about alcohol consumption.  You can’t drink and drive.  You can’t drink and operate machinery.  Most people will agree these laws are justified and reasonable.  It’s probably not a good idea to drive a bulldozer after a six-pack of PBR.  However, as a matter of principle, should we eliminate these kinds of laws for the sake of putting trust in people?  Should someone be allowed to have a beer at work?  There is probably no harm in enjoying a single drink at lunchtime at work, but there is always the possibility of someone bringing in an entire case of Budweiser and ruining it for everyone.  We simply do not trust people to be responsible, but where does too much control become not enough?  It’s all about the line and where we draw it.

For instance, I have my own strong personal beliefs and values on the subject of marijuana.  Its use is not something I’ve ever participated in, nor do I have the desire.  I consider myself a healthy person and a dedicated athlete.  The use of marijuana contradicts my lifestyle and therefore I have no interest in it.  However, I understand completely this is my own personal choice.  For someone who is not striving for optimal health and athleticism, I believe that when used responsibly and moderately, marijuana causes no detrimental health concerns.  These beliefs I have are consistent with most drugs, including alcohol, and I do not believe their consumption is any reason for someone to be imprisoned or punished.  However, we once again are faced with the same question.  Can we trust people to be responsible about these things?  I’d like to think we can, but there are many who don’t share my faith in stoners everywhere.  There is a fear of the possibility of too much abuse.  Drug abuse takes place all over.  It’s why so many drugs are illegal.  People have shown they need to be controlled, but how much control is too much?  Where is the line drawn?