[secretagent]

By the way, Jefferson himself drafted a law against sodomy, so his idea of harm encompassed societal values and wasn't limited to simplistic "initiation of force" rationalizations.

Interesting. I don't expect moral perfection from Jefferson, especially since he held slaves.

Do you have a link, or Google keywords? I tried without success.

Re rationalizations, "societal values" can also serve.

[Mojave]

I don't expect moral perfection from Jefferson, especially since he held slaves.

His behavior was moral in that regard. He had his own personal wolf by the ears. Let me give you some clues for your own study of the matter, if you want to pursue it.

Father-in-Law
Estate
Creditors
Chattels
Sister-in-Law
Paris
Anti-emancipation laws

As for the sodomy matter, see: http://press-pubs.uchicago.edu/founders/documents/amendVIIIs10.html