NOT THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT

Recent letters and a Bee editorial criticized the Fresno County Board
of Supervisors for rejecting plans for a needle exchange program.
Some believe an exchange program encourages illegal behavior, while
others say that the county will save money if they can prevent the
spread of disease. Both sides are correct. However, they miss the
main question.

Is this program one that should be conducted by the government at
taxpayer expense, or should it be handled by a private, nonprofit
organization that sees a need and a humanitarian benefit?

Government at all levels is involved in too many activities and
programs, and we should let the free market and humanitarians decide
which programs are worth supporting.

As the cost of health care continues to rise, the day will come when
we will not be able to afford health services for responsible people,
let alone those who engage in reckless behavior. When that day comes,
which will be more callous: using tax revenues to serve drug addicts
instead of sick responsible citizens or allowing persons who choose
drugs to suffer the consequences of their acts? The solution will not
come from government, but from humanitarians.

Rick Leas

Clovis