[LizardQueen]

You're right - that is the heart of it, particularly on this board.

And I think both sides can easily agree that it's wrong to hurt other people (murder, robbery, rape, etc.).
Where the differences become glaringly obvious, at least in the non-fiscal areas of debate, is on how to deal with issues that affect the individual harming himself alone (and if he really is harming only himself is a continual area of debate as well).

I believe in the right of each individual to screw up their lives as they see fit ::lol:: - just don't expect me to pay for it.

LQ

[Proud2BAmerican]

is on how to deal with issues that affect the individual harming himself alone (and if he really is harming only himself is a continual area of debate as well).

You hit on the crux of the debate -- which is namely, what damaging actions are truly limited in scope to the individual, and no further. Some actions are obviously damaging not only to the individual, but to others as well; for other actions, it is not so easily determined.