Ron Paul on Inconsistency of Conservatives in Defending Personal Liberty

What you are implying is: “you know what, if we legalize heroin tomorrow, everyone's gonna use heroin.” How many people here would use heroin if it were legal? I bet nobody! "Oh yeah, I need the government to take care of me. I don't want to use heroin, so I need these laws!"

Ron Paul, first GOP primary debate in South Carolina, May 5th, 2011. Source: Fox News Insider YouTube channel.

Transcript:

Chris Wallace: Congressman Paul, you say that the federal government should stay out of people's personal habits. You say, marijuana, cocaine, even heroin should be legal if states want to permit it. You feel the same about prostitution and gay marriage. Question sir, Why should social conservatives in South Carolina vote for you for President?

Ron Paul: They will, if they understand that my defense of liberty is the defense of their right to practice their religion and say their prayers where they want and practice their life. If you do not protect liberty across the board, it's a First Amendment type issue. We don't have the First Amendment so we can talk about the weather. We have the First Amendment so we can say very controversial things. So for people to say that yes, we have our religious beliefs protected, but people who want to follow something else or a controversial religion, you can't do this. If you have the inconsistency, then you're really not defending liberty. But there are strict rules on freedom of choice on this sort, because you can't hurt other people, you can't defame other people, but yes, you have the right to do things that are very controversial. If not, then you are going to end up with government that is going to tell us what we can eat and drink and whatever.

You Know, it is amazing that we want freedom to pick our future in a spiritual way, but not when it comes to our personal habits.

Chris Wallace: Are you suggesting that heroin and prostitution are an exercise of liberty?

Ron Paul: I probably never used those words, you put those words someplace, but yes, in essence, if we leave it to the states. Up until this past century, for over 100 years, they WERE legal. What you are implying is: “you know what, if we legalize heroin tomorrow, everyone's gonna use heroin.” How many people here would use heroin if it were legal? I bet nobody! "Oh yeah, I need the government to take care of me. I don't want to use heroin, so I need these laws!"

Chris Wallace: I never thought heroin would get applause in South Carolina!