INDEPENDENT NEWS

Free Speech? Gone In a Puff of Smoke!

Published: Tue 23 May 2000 01:08 PM
Libertarianz Deputy Leader Richard McGrath says New Zealander who values free speech should be alarmed at the intimidation of a private company who has been told by the Ministry of Health to block New Zealand access to its website.
"This fascist administration is threatening the livelihood of a business owner engaged in legitimate trade," he said. "I have rung the company involved, Havana House Cigars, to confirm this story. Having done so, I offer them my full sympathy and the support of my party. My advice to them would be to move offshore and out of the clutches of the bullies that are now running (and ruining) our country."
Dr McGrath, himself a general practitioner, believes an important aspect of personal health is the ability to enjoy some of life's finer things in pursuit of happiness. "For me, that includes mixing with beautiful and intelligent women, drinking a wine or two, and savouring the occasional cigar. And I certainly resent these jumped up Hitlers from the health ministry censoring what they think I shouldn't read on the internet."
Libertarianz believe health and lifestyle choices are a matter for each individual, and that it is not the place of government to limit the peaceful activities of its citizens. "Under a Libertarianz government," said Dr McGrath, "people will be allowed to exercise fully their right of free speech and association. They will retain both the money they earn - we will abolish all forms of taxation - and also full responsibility for their lives, including their health costs."
McGrath has a message for the health bureaucrats who initiated this latest industrial thuggery. "Should I ever become health minister, I will summon these lowlifes to my office, just to blow cigar smoke in their face, shortly before I make them and their whole stinking department redundant."
ENDS

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