The Way means inducing the people to have the same aim as leadership, so that they will share death and share life, without fear of danger.
Last night on NPR, I heard an editorial piece about the use of designer steroids. Specifically, how the Olympics have spent $25 million on testing for steroids this year, and how that amount is only likely to rise in the years to come. For years, America has been fighting a war on drugs in general.
The problem with these “wars”? They aren’t particularly successful. The reason? Because for the most part, the people don’t agree with the leadership. Just as the public is allowed to poison their body with cigarettes or alcohol, surely they should be allowed to do the same with their drug of choice.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that everything should be legalized and kindergarten students should have easier access to heroin. But if you are of consenting age (whatever age that is determined to be) and choose to pursue this pastime without causing harm to anyone else, why should it be a crime?
There really is little downside. Increased addiction? Sure, it’s possible. But in a world where you are responsible for your own choices, why should it be up to the government to protect you from the results of those choices?
Oh, the quote? That’s from Master Sun in The Art of War.