In most cases, we know what is right and what is wrong.  The difficulty is acting in the way we know is right.  That’s not always easily done.

     However, every now and then, an issue comes up where the right (or wrong) thing to do is not clear.  One of these difficult issues is legalizing over-the-counter sales of syringes and hypodermic needles.  Legislation approving these sales is winding its way through the House and Senate right now.  Gov. Romney has promised to veto it.  There are powerful arguments on either side.

     First, let’s make it clear what the legislation does not include.  It is not a needle exchange program, where drug users can obtain their supplies and equipment for free.  It simply allows the purchase of syringes and needles at pharmacies without a prescription, and it decriminalizes possession of needles as well.  There will be no new spending of your tax money, in other words.

     In fact, four cities in Massachusetts have needle exchange programs already – Northampton, Provincetown, Cambridge, and good ol’ Boston.  Whether the new legislation eliminates existing needle exchanges is unclear at this time.

     The argument in favor of selling needles and syringes is based on disease prevention, primarily HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C.  Unfortunately, drug users share needles carelessly, and transmit these diseases.  Both are lingering and chronic infections, both are incurable, and both are ultimately fatal (or at least life-threatening).

     Currently, there are 40,000 new AIDS cases reported every year – it used to be far more.  We don’t have any figures on hepatitis C, but we believe those figures are even higher.  About one in four cases is transmitted due to shared, dirty drug equipment.  We’re convinced that legalizing the sale of clean syringes will save lives.

     The argument against such sales is also very strong.  Legalizing drug equipment may increase drug usage, and make no mistake: South Boston already has a significant problem with substance abuse, including drugs that are injected.  Some will say that needle sales is therefore a moral problem.  We agree - it certainly is! 

     Furthermore, South Boston Online has always taken a strong stand against the use of any drugs or controlled substances – zero tolerance – and we have taken an equally strong stand against drug abuse’s kissin’ cousin, alcohol abuse.  We have published numerous articles condemning drug abuse and advocating recovery programs.

     So where do we go from here?

     We choose to come down on the lifesaving side of the issue, which means we endorse the legislation to sell needles and syringes over-the-counter.  We know that’s not a perfect decision.  It’s an “expedient” decision, described by that old saying, “The lesser of two evils.”

     We’re not sure that having clean needles available for purchase will increase the use and abuse of drugs.  We’re reasonably sure that it will save hundreds, perhaps thousands of lives from being blighted by HIV and hepatitis.  And South Boston Online is still firmly against any use of drugs in our community, which includes excessive use of alcohol.

     Let us (and your legislators) know what you think about the sale of needles.