Even though you concede that numerous scientific studies have
concluded that clean needle exchanges prevent the spread of AIDS and
do not "encourage higher levels of illegal drug use," you continue to
oppose the very programs, such as needle exchange, that are most
successful in encouraging drug users to enter treatment.

It's ironic that you are willing to sacrifice the lives of the current
20,000 intravenous drug users in San Diego County so as not to be
perceived as undermining our government's "successful" campaign
against drug abuse.

Contrary to your fear-mongering, not a single person has become an
intravenous drug user because of the existence of a clean needle
exchange program. In fact, thousands have been helped by these
programs to get into treatment. And, thanks to these programs, they
are not infected with HIV or hepatitis and they don't have to look to
the government to pay for the associated medical costs of treating
these deadly diseases.

The definition of insanity is repeating the same thing over and over
and expecting a different result. Tragically, our county Board of
Supervisors seems destined to watch another 1,000 lives being lost to
AIDS while more than 20 other cities throughout this state, including
Los Angeles and San Francisco, take proactive action in implementing
life-saving needle exchange programs.

E. THOMAS RITTER,
Carlsbad