liberals will vote against their own interest as much as conservatives in my opionion

[CMAC]

Originally Posted by TimeSpiral

There is no such thing as a free market. It's a myth!

We live in a Global Economy.

Hiding behind the veil of the mythical "Free Market" when arguing policy is virtually useless in real world applications. It's kind of like -i in math. It doesn't really exist, but is useful during theoretical calculations and fractal progressions. The "Free Market" is a benchmark sometimes used to calculate economic theory, but it doesn't actually exist.

I've been down this road with Iowa before. I really like the mathematical comparison you made. That does present a good way to think of he concept.

The way the concept is often presented is as a set of ideas and principles in an economy that promotes(not necessarily effectively) using those ideas and principles in the running of the economy.

Due to this understanding, the US has a free market economy. It is apparent that we do not operate in a perfect free market due to regulation, interference, etc. On a loose, general level we try to use the free market, but usually resort to more mixed economy.

[Gberry]

Originally Posted by CMAC

I'm still confused on why article 4 isn't used to protect our rights better.

I don't see anywhere in the Constitution that gives any level of government the ability to take away my right to pursue happiness by hitting a bong. Even if tommorow the President reclassified pot to a schedule that isn't prohibited, my state would still screw me over. What's the deal with that?

You'd have to challenge the law via the 14th Amendment and due process....however, The Courts will probably buy (for now at least) that the State/Federal govt has an interest in regulating the drug market via their police powers (morals, general welfare, even safety). Even if you could get SCOTUS to give you strict scrutiny (thus shifting the burden to the State/Fed to prove why they have a compelling reason to regulate this) I think the govt would carry the day even at strict scrutiny.

You wouldn't get strict scrutiny though, cuz you dont have a fundamental right to get high lol. Its doubtful you'd get even to middle which require the govt to have "important goals"....

[CMAC]

Originally Posted by Gberry

You wouldn't get strict scrutiny though, cuz you dont have a fundamental right to get high lol.

What about the Pursuit of happiness???

Just kidding.