Whose opinions?

FROM PAGE 6

become swamped with foreigners, causing almost insurmountable problems.

Countries that accept these refugees are forced to spend millions of dollars that are paid for by the host nation’s taxpayers.

Such refugees have limited financial security, eg, a house or land, which they have been able to sell in order to finance their escape. More often than not they make financial demands on the refugees’ host nations, including for monetary donations, housing, vehicles, living expenses, clothing and social aid of various types.

Yet people who ought to flee their homeland for reasons of personal safety rarely have the funds to pay for their escape. Their finances simply prevent them from doing so. They simply cannot afford to flee.

Very few indeed can truly be categorised as refugees. Among the many thousands there are but a few people. Only people who have had to flee for their lives when escaping from their homeland are actual refugees.

Such refugees would not be permitted to stay in the host country beyond the end of their term once a safe return to their homeland, once a state of somewhat normal economic and living standards, has been re-established.

Countries should look after their own people first. IAN BROUGHAM

Wanganui I am asking if the prolific letter writers Beverly Aldridge and Kathleen Pattinson’s opinions are their own personal opinions or are they reporting those held by the Otamatea Grey Power, which is the impression they give by including that organisation as a signatory to their letters.

Eagerly waiting a reply.

GAYNOR FISKE

Kerikeri

Beverley Aldridge and Kathleen Patterson respond:

We confirm that our letters, which include the Otamatea Grey Power name, have the support of our group. At our AGMs we discuss whether we will continue to write on issues which affect our human rights, health and wellbeing, such as cannabis prohibition, fluoride, glyphosate, freedom of speech, compulsory vaccinations etc . Each time the meetings have unanimously supported the continuation of our lobbying. We are concerned with the erosion of our human rights, and feel compelled to express these concerns. We also feel compelled to share scientific evidence which is being ignored by some — “never let the truth get in the way of a good story”.

We understand that many younger people are busy trying to support their families, and thus do not have the time to do the research. We are happy to present evidence and the source of the evidence, so they may be informed with a minimum of time spent. What is allowed to happen today will impact on them, their children and their grandchildren. South Africa re-legalised cannabis, making it okay for people to consume and grow it for personal use. South Africa has acknowledged the ineffectiveness of prohibition, and will now reap the benefits, socially and economically, which are being experienced by other jurisdictions where cannabis is no longer illegal. Grey Power needs to fight for the freedom of their members to choose what drugs they need to help them cope with age-related ailments, and not be restricted to pharmaceutical drugs, which can often present addictions and other serious side-effects.