David:  One sees the same apparent contradiction in the treatment of tobacco:  its use is to be discouraged or prohibited while, at the same time, tobacco farmers receive government subsidies.  I said “apparent” contradiction, because the function of government is not to pursue socially beneficial policies and programs, but to use its coercive powers to benefit special interests that are then rationalized to the public as being “socially beneficial.”  The inherent contradictions in all forms of government are seen in the proposition that the state exists to “protect life, liberty, and property,” a notion that is the first act of every government to violate.

The Best of Butler Shaffer