DARWINIAN THOUGHT

Two and one-half years ago, the Sun-Times editorialized (Sept. 21, 1995) in
favor of the distribution of clean needles to prevent the spread of AIDS but
opposed the expenditure of public funds for such programs.

Now, after cutting through Washington red tape and carefully studying the
data for years, the federal government has sided with the Sun-Times -
needles, yes, but no money.

The next step in the evolutionary progression of elightened thought is to
call for the public funding of "potentially lifesaving" Needle Exchange
Programs benefitting addicts and taxpayers alike. With any luch at all in
another few years, the federal government will act responsibly and fund such
programs, thereby saving many lives and taxpayer dollars.

James E. Gierach, executive director, Drug Corner, Oak Lawn