Writers miss the real threat posed by laws
LETTER OF THE DAY: Recently there has been three letters to the Daily critical of the decision by MP Peter Wellington to deliver pizzas for a local store belonging to a member of a motorcycle club.
All the letters ignored Mr Wellington's explicit explanation that he did not condone the activities of some anti-social bikie clubs, but was taking action as a matter of principle to draw attention to the draconian nature of the recent so-called anti-bikie laws.
In particular, he highlighted the fact that the legislation violates at least two fundamental pillars of our legal system: the assumption that an accused is innocent until proven guilty and the right to freedom of association and freedom of speech.
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He also noted that the 187 pages of "anti-bikie" legislation did not once mention the word "bikie".
The legislation applies to each and every one of us who belongs to any kind of club, association or other organisation, and any such organisation can be declared a criminal organisation by the executive.
There is no avenue of appeal against such a decision. Mr Wellington was making an important point.
The legislation is extreme, dangerous, draconian and unnecessary.
It is a pity the letter writers chose to focus on the trivial aspects of this matter, while ignoring the real threat to society posed by this legislation.
REX METCALFE