Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Justin Cook on July 11, 2012 at 1:01am

breaking the law just for fun in never manly. should that law exist thats another questoin.

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Permalink Reply by Mihai Radulescu on May 1, 2013 at 3:54pm

I think it's the duty of each and every human being to be critical of the values that society serves us. If one's actions cause no harm and one fully understands and accepts the implied risks, then obeying the law just for the sake of obeying "the law seems" a bit immature to me. 

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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on May 1, 2013 at 4:00pm

Saw a movie on TV this weekend where a guy gave pretty much that exact same speech in defense of his right to bang under-aged girls ...

You see I don't, I don't work with any exact boundaries of the law because I wasn't consulted when the god damn laws were made. No, instead nameless, faceless politicians, the so called protectors of the moral majority decide what is right and what is wrong. I mean come on.

 

I govern my life around my own personal code of ethics, and I suggest that you do the same. That way if, within the constructs of my own morality, I were to do something that is considered illegal, so be it. I feel no guilt whatsoever and furthermore, if I were to buckle under the social weight of the system by adhering to laws that I do not truly believe in then I would be extinguishing the very fire of patriotism and individuality.

 

So in sense, by having sex with Natasha, I'd be preserving the rights our four fathers fought and died for, right?

 

-- Ryan Reynolds in Waiting.

 

It was funnier when it was a joke.

JB

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Permalink Reply by Mihai Radulescu on May 1, 2013 at 4:02pm

You are absolutely correct, but remember, I said "no harm". Having sex with a minor is an entirely different thing

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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on May 1, 2013 at 4:20pm

What about those that disagree with you about whether a 25-year-old banging a willing 16-year-old constitutes "harm"?  Should they live by their values ... or yours ... or the law?

 

JB

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Permalink Reply by Mihai Radulescu on May 1, 2013 at 4:32pm

Well, that's up to the courts to decide, and for the two individuals involved in this hypothetical scenario to think about. Now, for the sake of not derailing the conversation, this will be my last contribution to this thread:

I'm not saying that there's a universally satisfying answer to this (or any) moral question. I think that it's up to personal judgement. I do not obey laws simply because they are laws. I also know the consequences of my choices and am prepared to deal with them as they may arise, but I pass no judgement on those who choose to do otherwise.

These are all good questions that should be explored and I enjoyed our back-and-forth. I also feel that we're beginning to overstep the scope of the original question, which is why I will retire and let others chime in. Cheers

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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on May 1, 2013 at 4:52pm

Disobeying the law in matters of justice and injustice is one thing.  Disobeying the law because you want to partake of your illegal mind-altering substance of choice is quite another.  Lets not make this seem nobler than it is.

 

Stoners aren't noble freedom fighters spitting in the face of oppression ... they're self-indulgent potheads having a party.

 

JB

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Permalink Reply by Sander on July 11, 2012 at 4:13am

As with alcohol I think it's fine if you know your boundaries. If you smoke a little to relax or so, I honestly see no difference in drinking a glass of whisky. However if you're doing it to get really high and all, not only do you risk addiction more but you'll probably make a fool of yourself. Both consequences are comparable to alcohol in my opinion and I don't think it's a worse or better drug.

A small amount for personal use is allowed over here and I have many friends who've been using it occasionally for years but aren't addicted in the slightest. So, I'd have to say it's manly if you know what you're doing and you take it easy and keep it to yourself.

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Permalink Reply by Derrick Fiedler on September 23, 2012 at 11:14am

I agree.

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Permalink Reply by JonEdanger on July 11, 2012 at 5:35am

Not manly or unmanly. Neutral.

I believe you should be able to do any drug you want to. Addictive or not. Kills you the first time? Ok. As long as you know that's what might happen enjoy your last moments. 

If you are a professional athlete you should be required to do steroids. If I have to pay $500 for a ticket to an NFL game I want to see a punter who can bench 350.

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Permalink Reply by Will on July 11, 2012 at 9:32am

I don't feel strongly on it -- which may help me answer!

Weed, supposedly, is loaded with tar to a degree that would make a tobacco plant ashamed.  You'll be destroying your lungs.  

I once went on a mountain hiking trip with a high school group.  The other counselors and I, plus a couple of teens, were up ahead, enjoying the views, wondering why the others were straggling behind.  It was because they were smokers and it made them give out of breath way before we did.  If by manly we mean not a core virtue but "men doing what men like to do" . . . being frail, weak, and easily tired doesn't fit the definition.

I don't know much about the emotional addiction aspect.  Addiction also makes you frail and weak mentally, so if it's addictive, best not let it.

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Permalink Reply by Jack Bauer on July 11, 2012 at 10:15am

No.  Might ought to be legalized.  Wouldn't be manly even if it were.

 

Let your friends get wasted, busted, and fail drug tests by themselves.

 

JB

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