It is not uncommon for older generations to marvel at the decadence of today’s youth, whenever “today” happens to be. But it has to be said–and, as far as I can tell, has not: the best “protection” that young man could have offered his female friend was to tell her not to go through with the deal at all. Why is that no longer an option?

Yes, the war on drugs has largely been a failure. Yes, legalization–or at least decriminalization–would make a great deal of sense.

But wider liberalization of drug laws ought to be accompanied by an increase in anti-drug social norms. It should be cool–it is cool–to avoid drugs altogether.

Friends and teammates are supposed to look out for each other. Drugs make that harder. Why is it so hard today to argue what once used to be obvious?