16/12/2005

MPs kids are OK?

Politicians who support the continuation of cannabis prohibition deserve a pay cut - not another pay rise - says the Aotearoa Legalise Cannabis Party (ALCP).

"While repressing New Zealand's vast cannabis community, our MPs claim to serve the public good," says ALCP president, Kevin O'Connell. "If government cannabis policy is really 'best-practice', where is the cost-benefit analysis demonstrating the efficacy and safety of the current approach?"

"And where is the resolution of the law review inquiry commenced in 2000?"

Hypocritical collusion between MPs of all parties to suppress evidence and a rational public debate about drug policy serves no one but themselves.

The Prime Minister is on the record as describing prohibition of cannabis as "poor public policy", and favouring 'partial prohibition' as a much better option. She and other politicians surely must realise that together, criminalisation and poverty are a potent mix that creates a massive amount of disrespect, and crime, damaging all our communities.

"The downstream effect of youth alienation and poverty is increasing, even when the economy is doing well. Building more prisons and throwing more police at the black market is not diminishing the appeal of drugs, alcohol and herbal highs amongst our youth", said Mr O'Connell.

MPs all should think about that as they pocket their annual salary increase and assure themselves that their kids are all right.

ENDS

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