Philosophically, I'm a free speech absolutist. I believe that people should be able to say what they want without fear of government intrusion.

I also believe that people should be free to make their own decisions without coercion. That they can consume whatever they want or exchange products and services with whomever they choose.

However, I can't help but think that vices should not be encouraged or advertised.

I would like to see an end to advertising drugs. That is all perscription and recreational drugs including alcohol, tobacco, etc. I would like to see an end to gambling ads including the lotteries. And so on.

I'm fine with these products and services existing. I'm fine with them being legal. I'm fine with people openly discussing them. I just don't think direct to consumer advertsing is a good thing.

How do I square this view of an advertsing ban under my philosohical view of free speech? Or, is it just a paradox, I have to accept.

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This post is intended to be a philosophical discussion centered around limiting advertising and free speech not a policy prescription. While I thought that was clear, many comments are missing this key point. I'm not proposing policy or advocating for the ban of any product or service. You do you.

Okay, genuine question.

I don't like the idea of rising property taxes, having to pay, pay, pay, and if I stop paying, I lose my house. I also dont like how old people are being forced out of retirement or barely make their payments because it's getting so high.

I believe we don't need property taxes if we cut unnecessary spending, rely on other taxes, or explore alternatives.

My boss insisted that we need property taxes for police funding and schools. (Mind you, we pay alot and fund schools but as a country we keep getting dumber and dumber.)

Im curious how we funded police stations and schools before property taxes. Of course things weren't the same back then. The police force was more a private security back in the day, etc...

But I just want to hear from people who have tackled and thought deeply about this issue for alot longer than I have.

Educate me! Thank you!