Christchurch drug law reformers are angry that Deputy PM Jim Anderton has dragged up a late challenge to Mark Todd over alleged cocaine use.

Kevin O’Connell and Blair Anderson say that Mr Anderton’s challenge serves no valid purpose other than promoting bigotry, exploitation, injustice and bullying.

Picking on the Olympic hero to come clean over the alleged use of an illegal recreational drug, did little to further Anderton’s misguided “tough on drugs” cause. Jim Anderton and “do gooder” former athlete Dick Quax, should “just let it go”, say the Mild Greens.

“What kind of dangerous message do our drug law injustices send to young people?”, say the reformers? - the New Zealand Olympic Committee have clearly seen the sense in dropping the issue.”

Blair Anderson said that “the purient aspect of media intrusion and reporting over Todd, was a far greater offence than any coke snorting”. Every public poll showed that a vast majority of New Zealanders were happy to keep Mark Todd on the team.

The Mild Greens say the incident has highlighted the double standards surrounding the effects of recreational drugs such as cocaine, marijuana and alcohol. “If drug use is not impairing or enhancing performance, and no one is hurt by the use, where is the offence, and where is the moral authority to ruin someone’s life?”

“Mr Anderton is colluding with the media, manufacturing offence where there otherwise would be none”, said Mr O’Connell.

The Todd-cocaine issue has also highlighted the fact that people will sometimes substitute stronger forms of intoxication, because cannabis metabolites linger up to 6 weeks in the body after use - and may thus cause problems in drug testing situations. Mark Todd is alleged to have admitted to liking marijuana, but being wary of using it, because it shows up far more readily in tests.

The reformers are disappointed that Mr Anderton’s apparent insecurities over drugs are overriding concerns he should have about the damage done by grossly intrusive laws.

“Unfortunately the deputy P.M. is proving to be dismally closed-minded”, say the Mild Greens.

==================30=================== Kevin, Blair: 03-389-4065

there is no religion higher than truth - theosophical society. Media Center phone ++64 3 389-4065 Web site http://www.alcp.org.nz

"Either the rules are right for everyone, or they're wrong for everyone" - Jim Anderton, "Well have you considered option B, Mr Anderton?" - Mild Greens

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