Wednesday 19 May 2004

Destiny NZ - "Get off the Grass Cannabis Party!"

Party leader of Destiny NZ, Richard Lewis, has slammed comments made by the leader of the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party, Michael Appleby, who is using the pending Te Tai Hauauru by-election to promote the party's pro-cannabis policy.

"How can anybody in good conscience legalise a drug that is no respecter of age, race or status, and can literally destroy the inherent potential of an individual for life?" says Lewis. "The cost of enforcing drug laws is nothing compared to the harm inflicted on the individual and society, which simply can't be measured in dollar terms."

"Following the Government's lowering of the legal drinking age we are experiencing an epidemic of binge drinking amongst teenagers. Police are picking up pre-teen prostitutes off the streets from Northland to Christchurch - this following the legalisation of brothels. And our nation recorded around 17,500 abortions in one year - this following legislation that endorsed abortion. In each case we experienced the slippery slope effect, and with cannabis the outcome would be no different."

Lewis says whatever is legalised is normalised. He adds the 'rule of law' is fundamental to maintaining a safe society.

"It not only demands accountability from people who choose not to live within the perimeters of healthy and acceptable social behaviour, it upholds a standard and sends a clear message to the younger generation of what is right, and what is wrong".

"Having worked on the frontlines of the NZ Police from Lower Hutt to South Auckland for over ten years, I have dealt with the tragic consequences of drug abuse amongst our young people and sadly, even children. Leadership does not mean providing an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, but rather in fencing off the cliff's edge and putting up clear warning signs so that these tragedies can be avoided."

Destiny NZ opposes any agenda to legalise cannabis and intends to 'up the ante' against organized crime and drugs in our community.

The party will be presenting an overview of its policies at a public meeting in Napier this Friday. The meeting starts at 7.30pm Friday (21st May) at 82 Taradale Road, Onekawa, Napier. (Destiny Building)

ENDS

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