Source: Centre Daily Times (PA) 
Contact:  
Pubdate: Sat, 04 Jul 1998
Website: http://www.centredaily.com/

FREEDOM IS MORE THAN A FREE-FOR-ALL

I am writing to express my opposition to the actions of retired Professor
Julian Heicklen. His resounding belief that people have the "freedom" to
uninhibited pleasure is both disturbing and un-American. The Constitution
was not written on the basis of freedom for all people solely on an
individual level. It was written so that America could make its laws and
decisions collectively.

When these laws pass, such as the laws against marijuana, then these laws
become the American standard. This philosophy is based on such simple
ideals as democracy, majority, respect and common courtesy.

I feel that by throwing tantrums in court and in downtown State College,
Heicklen is only making himself look immature, uncoordinated and addicted
to pleasing himself, whether it be by smoking a joint or getting high on
the attention his behavior brings.

There is no such thing as an uninhibited personal freedom, as Heicklen and
his party would like to have you believe. In reality, there are certain
laws, restrictions and rules that a society needs to conform to in order to
remain stable and secure.

I feel that Heicklen would have a much better approach if he respectfully
dissented. His personal aversion to any law does not give him or anyone
else the authority to mock or break that law. Imagine what our society
would be like if everyone followed Heicklen's example.

Heicklen has sacrificed his reputation to bring about his "right" to smoke
marijuana without consequences. Everyone who cares about freedom should
stand in opposition of him, because freedom is about collective, informed
decision-making, and not about individual personal pleasure.

Steve Markle
State College 
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Checked-by: Richard Lake