SOLO-NZ Press Release: Greens - What Are They Good For?

*February 7, 2008 * "Absolutely nothing," says SOLO spokesman Lance Davey. "In concert with a study released from Massey University that shows smokers feel they would have an easier time quitting if it were not for tobacco displays, the Green Party have proclaimed once again their favourite phrase and solution to all societal ills: 'Ban it!'

"Honestly, a study shows that ”shock, horror!”seeing a product that you are trying to give up makes it that little bit more difficult to quit, and the Greens' first reaction is 'ban the displays!'? Well I have news for the Greens: tobacco smoking, though unhealthy, is still legal - and so long as it remains legal (and by gods it will, if I and any other liberty-loving person in New Zealand have any say in the matter) no one has any business telling store owners how they can or cannot display their perfectly legal products.

"The Greens cite 'massive community support' for a ban on displays. Green Party Associate Health Spokesperson Metiria Turei says: ' ... more than 20,000 people signed a petition presented to Parliament last year, and two thirds of adults polled support such a move.' Well, with 20,000 signatures and 'massive community support' that should be enough for a mandate on anything say, overturning the anti-smacking law for instance?

"The Green Party of Aotearoa are good for nothing, and are just another footnote in a long succession of political parties that seek to control the populace at the point of a governmental gun. Forget the environment the Greens have never stood for anything but tyranny of the worst kind: the kind that is 'for your own good.'"

ENDS

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