[MrB]

Conservatives get their backs up on some of the libertarian positions, like drugs & prostitution.

However, if the government would get out of the business of alleviating the consequences of poor choices and bad behavioral decisions, the problems would take care of themselves,

and conservatives would get their way - reduction of immoral behaviors and decisions (through attrition).

The reason that morals ARE morals is that they have the best record of causing a desirable outcome. When we use the government to “fix” an undesirable outcome, there’s no reason (consequence pressure) for the undisciplined to be moral.

[Antoninus]

However, if the government would get out of the business of alleviating the consequences of poor choices and bad behavioral decisions, the problems would take care of themselves, and conservatives would get their way - reduction of immoral behaviors and decisions (through attrition).

Are you really that naive? In our semi-socialist society, moral problems wouldn't take care of themselves via attrition. They'd continue to get worse and afflict more people and YOU would have the honor and privilege of paying for it, whether you want to or not.

That scenario (libertarianism + socialism) is the worst of all possible worlds.

[Equality 7-2521]

Very good points.

[my_pointy_head_is_sharp]

However, if the government would get out of the business of alleviating the consequences of poor choices and bad behavioral decisions, the problems would take care of themselves, and conservatives would get their way - reduction of immoral behaviors and decisions (through attrition). ...When we use the government to “fix” an undesirable outcome, there’s no reason (consequence pressure) for the undisciplined to be moral.

Attrition. Yeah, right. Is that how it is on your planet? Problems just take care of themselves?

[Wolfie]

When we use the government to “fix” an undesirable outcome, there’s no reason (consequence pressure) for the undisciplined to be moral.

And, when we use government to "fix" morality, we surrender the field to those who want to use government to "fix" everything else.