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Sinister Motive Behind Anderton's Mollycoddling

Libertarianz Deputy Leader Richard McGrath rubbished comments made yesterday by disgraced MP Phillida Bunkle's stand-in as Minister of Consumer Affairs.

"I wish Jim Anderton would stop treating the rest of us like morons," said McGrath. "He claims the eMarketing Standards Authority will offer increased protection for hapless consumers. The business sector knows the real purpose of this new bureaucracy - to extend the tax grab, as an intelligence-gathering vehicle for the IRD," who McGrath believes must be drooling at the prospect of new victims.

"The parasitic Department of Legalised Theft will find it much easier to sniff out the newly-created wealth of internet trading companies, and tear off large chunks for itself -- stolen money which is then spent on such essential items as hemp curtains and state-of-the-art dishwashers for cabinet ministers."

"In addition, Anderton cites the example of what he calls 'loan sharking' operations and the steps these organisations take to secure their investment in clients who are at high risk for defaulting on their contracts.

"He paints a picture of greedy, 'oppressive' people lacking any moral or ethical standards. What about the moral and ethical standards of a political party that permits someone who is widely perceived as a fraudster to remain in its caucus?"

Libertarianz see nothing wrong with publishing the names and photographs of loan defaulters and charging 240 percent interest, as Anderton claims one loan company did.

"Provided both parties have entered into such a contract of their own free will, the lender has every right to enforce the terms of the contract. Government should just butt out," said McGrath.

"Anderton's professed concern for consumer protection is an insult to intelligent New Zealanders. Where was he when Bunkle was shamelessly ripping off taxpayers?"

ENDS

Richard McGrath * Libertarianz Deputy Leader * Fax (06) 377 3070 * mcgrath@no-income-tax.com Or contect Libertarianz Media Coordinator at (025) 861 927

* LIBERTARIANZ * More Freedom * Less Government *

www.libertarianz.org.nz www.freeradical.co.nz

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