Behavior is the abstraction that we use to differentiate among objects, and it should be the only criterion that we use to establish our taxonomy. Using any other criteria will make our taxonomy more complicated at a minimum and erroneous at worst. In the real world, errors such as racism and sexism can be seen as characteristic-based rather than behavioral-based taxonomies — with the obvious negative consequences.

That was excerpted from a book called Object Thinking. Its author speaks of software development, but here he quickly mentions real life manifestations that a faulty world view bring about.

Consider two scenarios.

Scenario 1: An individual knocks on your door. You open the door. The individual before you demands 50% of your money. The individual is wearing a ski mask and brandishing a gun.

Scenario 2: An individual knocks on your door. You open the door. The individual before you demands 50% of your money. The individual is wearing a badge that says “IRS” and is brandishing a legal document that authorizes him to collect this money.

An individual trained to view the world in terms of characteristics would likely resist in scenario 1, and is unlikely to resist in scenario 2.

An individual trained to view the world in terms of behaviors would likely resist in both scenarios.

So, why are there so few true object-oriented programmers? For the same reasons there are so few true libertarians.

But what’s that sound? A seemingly single, tiny voice in the corner. What’s it saying?

Don’t legalize it! Don’t legalize it! Don’t legalize it! Don’t legalize marijuana! Don’t legalize any currently illegal drugs! Instead, decriminalize marijuana and all other currently illegal drugs.

The difference appears deceptively subtle at first, so much so that one might wonder if I am indeed rooting for the same cause. I assure you I am not. I will illustrate the differences.

To legalize something is to make it “legal by law”. Which is, in plain words, asking the government for permission and being granted that permission.

Decriminalization, however, would be the deletion of all laws surrounding currently illegal drugs and replacing them with nothing. In effect, the government would have a “hands-off” approach to drugs.

Decriminalization is ideal because it would allow the market (keeping in mind that America’s markets are far from free, so do not call it a “free market”) to work. In effect, doing all the things I mentioned in the first paragraph without government intervention.

So the next time you hear someone talk about legalizing marijuana, or any other drug, please, set them straight.