Tax Money Wanted To Buy Users Needles

The Independent News Needle exchange programs are efforts that provide intravenous drug users with sterile needles to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C. But they're illegal in North Carolina. A bill in front of the state House wants to make needle exchanges legal and fund three pilot programs at a cost of $550,000. The bill, HB411 with the short title "Funds for Clean Syringe Program," did not make it out of committee last year, but N.C. AIDS March organizers hope it has a chance in the short session this year if it can make it into the governor's budget. The needle exchange proposal has been around the General Assembly in one form or another since 1997. I don't agree with using my money to fund needle exchanges. If someone wants to fund this and can get it done legally then they should fund it out of their pocket and the pockets of like minded individuals. No tax money should be used. This is a condition that the users put themselves in. Unless you live under a rock in the middle of a desert you know that drugs are dangerous to your health. If you make the decision to use then don't expect me to help you out. You are responsible for your life, not me.