NEEDLE EXCHANGE A WASTE

I was surprised to read the news story, "Clinton's AIDS advisors criticize
his needle policy" (March 17), on the administration's failure to fund
programs that give drug addicts clean needles.

What a stupid waste of my hard-earned dollars. Needle-exchange programs
will not stop the spread of AIDS. If anything it will just encourage more
deadly drug use.

Anyone stupid enough to continue harmful drug use with needles is not going
to be the least bit concerned about contracting the AIDS virus. Why should
the federal government fund programs that further encourage a lack of
personal responsibility?

The next time I hear a liberal whining about tax cuts for the rich, I am
going to show them this story to shut them up.

Wally Jackson, San Bruno