2 ms·

I think that, as with any debate, “worthwhile causes” cannot be defined so absolutely. I know people who “want” to spend money on addictive and destructive dru

I think that, as with any debate, “worthwhile causes” cannot be defined so absolutely. I know people who “want” to spend money on addictive and destructive drugs, because they’re continuously compelled by a pathological chemical imbalance to do so. Does that mean an addiction to heroin or Xanax is a “real and worthy cause”? How about an addiction to online gambling with generative art of monkeys/lions/pixel art?

chrisco255 5y ago
There's far more innocuous examples, such as french fries and soda and sweets. Is it a real and worthy cause for someone to create a restaurant that serves junk food? Junk food that causes diabetes and heart disease? Apparently it's okay to be Coca-Cola or McDonald's or Mars. Those are real and worthy corps blessed by boomers of yore. If someone is addicted to gambling, there are plenty of casinos which are also worthwhile businesses apparently. Legal in many states, nations and territories.
- sebmellen 5y ago
  Again, none of this can be defined so absolutely. That is my point. And all of the things you mention are already regulated (gambling, etc.), or under consideration for regulation (such as New York City banning soda [0]). I'm not saying that I'm for or against these regulations, but obviously there are boundaries where society needs to intervene, in one way or another. Portugal handled their drug problem in a very innovative way [1], and that's my preferred modal for ending the "drug war" (decriminalization and support for addicts). But it's still some form of regulation. [0]: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/articles/big-gulp-new-york-citys-soda-ban-and-the-battle-over-sugary-drinks/ https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/articles/big-gulp-new-... [1]: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/10/portugal-opioid https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/10/portugal-opioid

chrisco255 5y ago

There's far more innocuous examples, such as french fries and soda and sweets. Is it a real and worthy cause for someone to create a restaurant that serves junk food? Junk food that causes diabetes and heart disease? Apparently it's okay to be Coca-Cola or McDonald's or Mars. Those are real and worthy corps blessed by boomers of yore. If someone is addicted to gambling, there are plenty of casinos which are also worthwhile businesses apparently. Legal in many states, nations and territories.

sebmellen 5y ago
Again, none of this can be defined so absolutely. That is my point. And all of the things you mention are already regulated (gambling, etc.), or under consideration for regulation (such as New York City banning soda [0]). I'm not saying that I'm for or against these regulations, but obviously there are boundaries where society needs to intervene, in one way or another. Portugal handled their drug problem in a very innovative way [1], and that's my preferred modal for ending the "drug war" (decriminalization and support for addicts). But it's still some form of regulation. [0]: https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/articles/big-gulp-new-york-citys-soda-ban-and-the-battle-over-sugary-drinks/ https://globalyouth.wharton.upenn.edu/articles/big-gulp-new-... [1]: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/10/portugal-opioid https://www.apa.org/monitor/2018/10/portugal-opioid