NEEDLES, DRUGS AND POLITICAL SPIN

Frankly we don't know if allowing the sale of hypodermic needles
without a prescription will have an impact on the spread of HIV/AIDS
or other blood-borne diseases, such as hepatitis C. But we do know
that for zero expenditure of public money it's worth a try - a
conclusion already reached in 47 states.

But once again Gov. Mitt Romney, looking over his shoulder at what
national Republicans might think rather than what might be right for
Massachusetts, Friday vetoed the bill allowing over-the-counter needle sales.

The never-in-doubt governor insisted the bill "exacerbates the public
health crisis over heroin abuse, and it sends the wrong message by
appearing to condone drug use."

Rarely has such patent nonsense escaped the lips of an occupant of
the Corner Office.

But what is even more surprising in the statement put out by the
governor's office are the words from Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey, who we
thought actually knew something about criminal justice issues,
including dealing with drug abuse.

"We should not make it easier for heroin and other drug addicts to
continue using drugs," Healey said. "We could see high school kids
buying hypodermic needles."

Yep, first they'll be saving their school lunch money to buy needles,
causing a rush at the local CVS, then they'll start the hunt for
something to fill 'em up.

Of course, how many addicts will have the presence of mind to
actually buy clean needles at a pharmacy is a big unknown. (This
isn't a population that is easy to survey.) The governor and the law
enforcement people who answer to him would have you think the streets
will be newly littered with the abundance of needles that addicts
will buy, use and discard - well, because they can.

But, hey, this isn't about needles or heroin or HIV, it's all about
the spin. The Legislature has the votes to override. The governor
gets his veto press release, and all's right with the political world.