> The idea that anyone but myself has authority over what goes into my body is absolutely ridiculous. Casting this as a ridiculous argument completely ignores

> The idea that anyone but myself has authority over what goes into my body is absolutely ridiculous. Casting this as a ridiculous argument completely ignores the viewpoint that there may well be externalities caused by this behavior that don't necessarily affect the individual but do affect other individuals. If we take as an example the consumption of illegal drugs the argument can be made that it should be the choice of the individual and not restricted by society, however there is a potential for significant costs (due to the behavior of the individual when under the influence of the drug) that are placed onto the society, thus the subsequent restrictions placed on the individuals. To be clear I am not intending to debate drug policy or be an apologist for the current war on drugs. My point is to illustrate that a perspective that considers the externalities of a behavior is not a ridiculous position to take as you assert.