>>>>
>>>>Will you at least agree that society has a stronger role in protecting children than adults?
>>>>
>>>>Tamar
>>>
>>>In the abstract, yes I agree. It's the implementation of the ideal that gets me.
>>
>>On this, in principal, I agree with you completely. I lean more to the libertarian views - less government control and oversight - than to any other party. However, when it comes to children, I really think that society has a reponsibility to protect those who cannot protect themselves when necessary. Being realistic, I also know that many children remove the helmet as soon as the parent is out of sight. However, given that many parents (like yourself) would not voluntarily enforce helmet protection on their children, I think it is fine for it be enforced by law. Same with car seats and seatbelts on minors. Now, when it comes to adults, I disagree. There should be no helmet or seatbelt law for adults. Wearing either protects oneself, not others. I do not see any proportional good to the masses being enjoyed by having such a law.
>
>Depends where you live. In Canada it makes some sense because of medicare. A helmet, or seatbelts, or whatever help to protect health care costs.
>
>It's time also to stop pussyfooting around with cigarettes. It's time to stop making silly laws about where you can and can't smoke and either open it up, or ban the stupid things altogether (and I doubt a ban would work very well).

I think it will work as well as prohibition and banning marijuana.