Those who ride and drive within the lawful speed limits, even at the expense of being jeered by others who ignore traffic rules, can do so without any fear of falling victim to radar traps, designed to discourage recklessness on our roads.

The same principle holds true for those who disregard laws concerning illegal drugs, which have impacted life in many countries including our island home Bermuda, to an extent where a bill was recently passed, to have our members of Parliament undergo random drug test, to ensure people elected to public office are endeavouring to maintain the highest standards expected in integrity, transparency, and accountability.

While that seems a positive step in the move to tackle an ever spreading problem in community life, the Opposition Progressive Labour Party, took issue with the process, and voted against the legislation, even though many Bermudians felt it was long overdue.

The disturbing factor here is that Opposition members expressed views that the measure was politically motivated, at least that is the impression left with much of the electorate.

The Opposition is certainly entitled and within their rights to object to any Bill put forward by the Government, if they feel uncomfortable with ultimate objectives. However what is truly baffling is that such a Bill should pose no problem for members who are complying with laws governing illegal drug activity.

In fact, every member of Parliament committed to having a cleaner Bermuda should have no problem setting an example to the rest of Bermuda that illegal drug activity is a destroyer rather than a builder.

No amount of fancy word play can justify having young developing minds who should be parents and leaders of tomorrow damaged before full maturity, simply because the popularity of a particular lifestyle is accepted as a part of modern culture. There is more concern about what happens to a young person caught using illegal substances than there is about having them taught early why such activity should be a no no. Even with the best of parenting there will be those who choose a negative path, and that is why it is vital that our leaders take a bold stand to at least reduce the failure numbers.

Leaders need to exert great courage in standing up for what is right and good for community life, if they hope to garner respect and trust from the populace.

The marijuana issue has been tossed around like some type of new drink that is the answer to most problems of the day. Young people usually like to experiment on new ways to get kicks, and many lives have been wiped out around the world, as those who market such material build financial empires from profits.

Despite large illegal drug seizures worldwide, through outstanding police work, the trade continues to flourish because of the demand. That demand will only be reduced with major campaigns aimed at the next generation from the cradle. Whether that will happen remains to be seen.

Pope Francis, who has been noted for an outspoken John the Baptist-type stand on many issues, bluntly advised that one should simply say no to any illegal substance. The Pope is certainly not concerned with saying what seems popular. He recently openly condemned the Mafia as a force of evil. Now that takes courage.

Too often our leaders of the day tend to dance to whatever is the popular beat of the day. This is often with a view to winning support rather than whether the beat of the day is positive or negative. In the struggle to rid Bermuda of illegal drug activity, those not involved have nothing to fear from any type of test.

Remember the motorists obeying traffic laws have no reason to fear the radar.