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Archived Press Releases 2009 20th August 2009

"RIGHTS" – GONE MAD

(20th August 2009)

The recent U-turn by Police on the naming and shaming of convicted drink drivers shows how totally absurd the whole issue of Human Rights and Civil Liberties has become.

That is the opinion of the Sensible Sentencing Trust who want to instigate public debate on the rights and wrongs of “Rights”.

Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said the whole Human Rights / Civil Liberties thing had got totally out of hand.

“We should be talking “Responsibilities” rather than “Rights”, when a member of society abides by the law and becomes a contributing member of society their “Rights” accrue.”

“Rights” can not be assumed or taken for granted. When someone chooses to break the law – and offending is a choice – they must lose some of those “Rights”, if they keep offending then ultimately their “Rights” will disappear”.

McVicar said the recent debacle by Police is just the tip-of-the-iceberg in a very serious and ever escalating problem. “New Zealand now has a criminal centred, offender friendly legal process that throws enormous resources at protecting the “Rights” of offenders.”

“Drink driving is a choice just like any other crime, a consequence of breaking the law should be that you will be named and shamed.”

“I congratulate Police Minister Judith Collins for wading into this debate and having the courage to put public safety before political correctness.”

“It is time we asked who is promoting this nonsense and instigated a debate on a society based on common sense and “Responsibilities” rather than “Rights”.

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.