Pubdate: Tue, 13 Sep 2011
Source: Fresno Bee, The (CA)
Copyright: 2011 The Fresno Bee
Contact:  http://www.fresnobee.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/161
Note: Does not publish letters from outside their circulation area.
Author: Rick Leas

NOT THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

Recent letters and a Bee editorial criticized the Fresno County Board 
of Supervisors for rejecting plans for a needle exchange program. 
Some believe an exchange program encourages illegal behavior, while 
others say that the county will save money if they can prevent the 
spread of disease. Both sides are correct. However, they miss the 
main question.

Is this program one that should be conducted by the government at 
taxpayer expense, or should it be handled by a private, nonprofit 
organization that sees a need and a humanitarian benefit?

Government at all levels is involved in too many activities and 
programs, and we should let the free market and humanitarians decide 
which programs are worth supporting.

As the cost of health care continues to rise, the day will come when 
we will not be able to afford health services for responsible people, 
let alone those who engage in reckless behavior. When that day comes, 
which will be more callous: using tax revenues to serve drug addicts 
instead of sick responsible citizens or allowing persons who choose 
drugs to suffer the consequences of their acts? The solution will not 
come from government, but from humanitarians.

Rick Leas

Clovis
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart