BETTER TO PAY FOR NEEDLE EXCHANGE THAN FOR HOSPICE CARE

May I introduce a little pragmatism to the subject of needle exchange?

I know many in our community view this as a moral issue, believing that
society is simply aiding and abetting the addicted. However, when you look
at the alternatives, this is the only logical course of action.

I would rather subsidize an immoral habit than pay the tremendous cost of
caring for that addict after he or she becomes infected.

The cost of treating AIDS or hepatitis drains resources that could well be
spent in other, more constructive, areas. How much money could be better
spent for education or health care for poor families if we didn't have to
treat preventable terminal illnesses for addicts?

This issue is not about supporting a habit. It's about deflecting the
tremendous financial burden that we all have to shoulder, partly as a
result of well-intentioned, albeit shortsighted, moral judgments.

I would rather pay pennies for needles than millions of dollars for years
of hospice.

Pete Lister

Milwaukee