Open Letter to Mark Burton: Democracy Rationing

Dear Sir

I heard your recent comments in support of so-called 'Campaign Finance Reform' on The Radio Network. As a New Zealand citizen and taxpayer, I wish to register a differing viewpoint.

This disgusting plan of Labour's to not only help themselves to public money to pay for election campaigning, but also to place restrictions upon personal donations to political parties, is another direct assault on the right to exercise free speech. It should be no business of yours, mine or anybody's as to whom individuals, businesses or organisations choose to support financially. None.

How dare you try to stifle that right.

Further, how dare you use public money, ie our money - not your own, to tell us who to vote for? Do your own damned fundraising - outside the trade union movement.

Don't for a second think that the electorate doesn't realise that Labour is furious because the Opposition raise more funds privately, although God knows why anyone would support them. The Nats are only one step up the Stupidity Ladder from your lot. But I digress. The point is that the choice to fund any political party must remain with the individual or organisation alone.

This Stalinism following hard on the heels of last year's election-spending rort is really too much. Your party has again demonstrated its abject lack of morality.

Yours,
Susan the Libertarian