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