Pubdate: Fri, 27 Jul 2001
Source: Worcester Telegram & Gazette (MA)
Copyright: 2001 Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Contact:  http://www.telegram.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/509
Author: Anthony M. Petrone
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?137 (Needle Exchange)

NEEDLE EXCHANGE IS NOT A SOLUTION

After reading and listening to the media blitz of wasted taxpayer money 
aimed toward getting the citizens of Worcester to believe that a needle 
exchange program is crucial; it is, in my opinion, a total disgrace.

Over and over, I've read how these limited "special interests" agencies 
have used "fuzzy math" in attempting to show that the implementation of 
this program will reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS. What these groups always 
seem to forget is that intravenous drug use is not biased -- meaning that 
thousands of babies are born addicted to the drug, or even worse, they are 
born with life-long illnesses due to the injection of this poison.

Can someone explain why we want to promote clean needle exchange at the 
risk of seriously harming innocent babies? Why don't we look to isolate 
this disease by expanding a "treatment-on-demand facility" for heroin 
addicts? Providing a tool (needle/syringe) that assists with the 
administration is clearly wrong.

I ask the citizens of Worcester and the surrounding towns not to be fooled 
by the recent and forthcoming campaigns for this program. Instead, let's 
help keep our children and society safe. Urge your local and state 
representatives to stay involved with this important issue.

ANTHONY M. PETRONE
Worcester
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MAP posted-by: Beth