[jackmott]

I like the idea but unfortunately almost nothing about modern society involve choices that only affect the people right around you. You can't build a modern car without spanning many miles of people. When you shit, it goes into everyone's water supply, when you burn stuff for energy, it goes into all of our air. When you drink water, it comes from finite reserves that are all connected and we all share.

So you are right, I cannot accept this because it isn't compatible with reality.

[ryanmarsh]

> almost nothing about modern society involve choices that only affect the people right around you

Please visit a city council meeting.

> When you shit, it goes into everyone's water supply

When I take a shit it most certainly affects no one outside of Texas. There isn't a river in the country flowing fast enough to make my assertion false.

[gnaritas]

You're being disingenuous by ignoring that which you can't refute; his point is true regardless of his bad example of shit. When you pollute the the air, you pollute it for everyone, when you harm the environment, the effects aren't only local.

[ryanmarsh]

I'm saying that's not the issue.

[narrowrail]

>nothing about modern society involve choices that only affect the people right around you

This is covered by tort law. If you can prove damages, you can have your grievances addressed.

If we adopt nationalized health care, your argument is that you should be able to dictate my dietary choices? Even if my goal is to do it like my grandfather that never once visited a doctor (died at 68, which is plenty for me)?

Edit: To be clear, the basic premise of yours that I quoted could be used to justify just about anything. That is a power I refuse to grant to any entity, no matter how good their intentions.