If the government is supposed to "take care" of it's citizens, then why are...

[someguy]

...cigarettes and alcohol legal? I mean the government can simply declare cigarettes illegal and maybe alcohol just like they did with the Marijuana. I mean cigarettes are SO much worse and unhealthier. Millions of people die cuz of them and Millions die cuz of alcohol. And I have never seen or heard someone to die from Marijuana. Marijuana actually eliminates pain. *Fact: Marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the nausea induced by cancer chemotherapy, stimulating appetite in AIDS patients, and reducing intraocular pressure in people with glaucoma. There is also appreciable evidence that marijuana reduces muscle spasticity in patients with neurological disorders. And many more benefits. So why is something good for us is ILLEGAL and something BAD Legal? Is that a caring government?

Any ideas?

[out2lunch4now2]

Where does the government get this mandate to "take care of its citizens"? The federal government's powers are supposed to be LIMITED to those few things specifically mentioned in the CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. Read Article 1, Section 8 and the Tenth Amendment. This crap about "take care" comes from generations of lazy leeches sucking from the communist teat of welfare state programs designed by politicians who are lazy and trying to buy votes so they can keep their well padded seats warm and comfy on their chairs in the Swamp.

How many people get stoned and drive, ending up killing innocent people? Millions of people are killed on the highways every year. Let's, by your "logic", eliminate motor vehicles, or roads. Where does the federal government get the authority to ban any product that does not cross state lines? (That's for the misinterpreters of the "interstate commerce clause".)

[john]

Tax revenue

[SashaK]

The government is not there to take care of the citizens. It doesn't really care if you live or die.

It only really cares if you pay taxes.

That is one of those illusions you will grow out of, such as Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy.

With regards to marijuana, far more money is to be made from it being illegal than legal. Simple enough.