"...and by the 18th and 21st amendments, the government of the US has shown that it can, indeed, withdraw and restore the legality of your use of your chemicals of choice." I agree. But please recognize the distinction between an "amendment" and a "law."
Article V, enumerates the proper procedure to amend the Constitution.
No "law" can amend, abridge, contradict, or violate the Constitution.
Thus, the 18th amendment was a full recognition that prohibiting the consumption of alcohol by our federal government with just the enactment of law, would have been unconstitutional. That the people had the "retained" right to consume the chemical of their choice.
"Thus, the 18th amendment was a full recognition that prohibiting the consumption of alcohol by our federal government with just the enactment of law, would have been unconstitutional. That the people had the "retained" right to consume the chemical of their choice."
Interesting point, I don't see how it fits with all the various laws that now restrict our consuming or our persuit of happiness, but you have given me pause to rehash a few things. I may touch base with you later on this -