A couple of days ago we published a little blog which tried to kick around ideas like “is it right to ban things like alcohol?” (Will the real Conservative Party please stand up, LSS 30 1 24) One reader was the great political thinker John Stuart Mill. (he must have read it pretty early, because he died in 1873). However ,we know he did so it because today he popped up on Radio 4, ably assisted by Amol Rajan and Nick Robinson in one of their ingenious podcasts. A podcast which riffs on the very same theme-the Nanny State. [1]
Without raking over the same ground as Monday, we are going to give you a few more ideas on further reading, which also allows us to correct a terrible blunder we made on Monday (apologies to Adam Smith Institute-we messed up their hyperlink) And then just leave you with a few questions [2] [3] [4]
Given that cannabis and caffeine are psychoactive substances, why is right to restrict the sale of one, and allow the almost unlimited distribution of the other?
Does a State have a duty to protect its citizens?
If a free market comprising private individuals is the surest way to general prosperity, is any attempt to restrict it wrong?
If personal freedom and liberty are the ultimate good, should individuals have the right to invest and work where they choose?
Does the State have a role in promoting best economic outcome?
Is the state a community bound by laws, or an association of the most powerful people in a society?
If a State has some role to play in the general good, who decides where is the correct limit of its actions?
Are laws restricting the free sale of cannabis an example of the nanny state?
Are laws restricting immigration an example of the nanny state?
Are laws restricting working hours an example of the nanny state?
If you answered “don’t know” to any of the above, go back and try again.
[1]https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001vskd
[2] https://www.adamsmith.org/blog/eight-reasons-to-legalise-cannabis (this was the one we failed on Monday-sorry!)
[3] The Conservative paradox John Gray New Statesman 31 1 24
[4] The surprising truth about Nanny State Britain James Kirkup Spectator 30 1 24
#jonn stuart mill #nanny state #bbc #new statesman #spectator #taxation #immigration
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