[Zon]

But look at the messages we send to our children every single day with cigarettes, alcohol, and an endless stream of drug ads on television and in magazines. Drug culture? You bet we have.

Without commitment to honesty -- honest principles -- civilization self-destructs. There's drug manufacturers advertising prescription drugs to people almost as though the audience is competent medical professionals able to decide self-medication. The advertisements suggest that they patient ask their doctor for advice. Yet with other drugs the government self-righteously proclaims that people and their doctors are deemed incompetent to decide how the patient may medicate. 

[Phantom Patriot]

Yet with other drugs the government self-righteously proclaims that people and their doctors are deemed incompetent to decide how the patient may medicate.

Exactly. Medical Marijuana for example. Some states have legalized it. Find a doctor who will fill out that prescription. They may tell you to continue or not object to your use of it. But would never jeopardize their profession but actually filling that prescription.

[rhombus]

There's drug manufacturers advertising prescription drugs to people almost as though the audience is competent medical professionals able to decide self-medication. The advertisements suggest that they patient ask their doctor for advice. Yet with other drugs the government self-righteously proclaims that people and their doctors are deemed incompetent to decide how the patient may medicate.

Excellent points. And at the same time the Gov't decrees that we're all competent to decide on other drugs (caffeine, cold medicines, herbal remedies, etc.).