Reader: Personal freedoms don't make Colorado a cesspool

We love it when comments beget more comments -- and that's exactly what happened with a Comment of the Day about an analysis of the freest American states that slotted Colorado at nineteenth -- a considerable fall from previous survey. This reader argues that true freedom should benefit the right...

By Michael Roberts

October 3, 2013

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We love it when comments beget more comments -- and that's exactly what happened with a Comment of the Day about an analysis of the freest American states that slotted Colorado at nineteenth -- a considerable fall from previous survey. This reader argues that true freedom should benefit the right and the left equally.

Jordan Snyder writes:

Some people act like CO is a cesspool because it's LEGAL for adults to do these things, but that's what liberty is all about. You don't always have to like what people are doing, but you have to allow people to have some freedom to make choices as long as they're not harming someone else. These are considered rights, as they should be. Why can't a person smoke pot in their own space? Or have an abortion if it's necessary? Or have the same legal protections as a straight couple? That to me seems American. Limiting people's freedoms based on personal and completely unscientific and unprovable opinions seems anything but. So no, I wouldn't call those states "free" at all.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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