OVERRIDE NEEDLE VETO

Science is unlocking the secrets of addiction, which they
increasingly define not as a crime or character flaw, but as a
chronic brain disorder. It's a complicated business, but here's one
of their simpler conclusions: Hypodermic needles don't cause
addiction -- and making needles illegal doesn't prevent addiction.

That's a lesson lost on Gov. Mitt Romney and Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey,
who made a big show Friday of vetoing legislation legalizing the sale
of hypodermic needles without a prescription. Instead, they pandered,
preened and pretended they were taking a strong stand against substance abuse.

The legislation, approved by wide margins in the House and Senate, is
a simple public health measure already in place in 47 other states.
Legalizing needle sales doesn't increase heroin use -- nobody decides
to use heroin just because there's a needle available -- but it does
reduce the spread of HIV, Hepatitis C and other diseases spread when
addicts share needles.

"We cannot in good conscience say we should make needles more
available to heroin users," said Healey, who is running for governor.
A trained social scientist, she should know better. Heroin is a most
powerful addiction; no addict quits because finding a clean needle is
too much trouble.

Healey warned of children finding discarded needles or being shocked
to see someone purchasing needles at a pharmacy. But insulin users
and others legally purchase needles now, without grave societal harm,
and the states that have passed this legislation report no sharp
increase in hypodermic litter.

One of the reasons our drug policies fail is because politicians
choose to make themselves look virtuous instead of looking to
research-based, public health solutions. The Legislature should
override this veto without hesitation.