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What is the best solution for most Americans? That should always be the question on the minds of those elected to represent us at the Federal level. This question speaks to the often difficult choice that must be made between a minority with a need and the majority which ends up paying for their need.

Needles for illegal drug use is what we are talking about here. Let that sink in before you decide for or against this proposition. The reasoning is sound, it will decrease the likelihood of a user contracting HIV, Hepatitis, and other health problems. So from a strictly public health viewpoint its a simple fix.

From an economic standpoint it is likewise a smart move to provide drug users with clean needles. The needles themselves are infinitely cheaper than prolonged medical care that includes a very expensive cocktail of drugs to stave off the advance of HIV. Let's face it, these drug users are not exactly the type of people with 401ks and private health insurance. Most will use the local emergency room and public health organizations which means you the taxpayer gets to foot the bill.

Politically the question boils down to your views as a liberal or conservative, humanist vs. realist, social services against small government. I identify very often with more moderate Republicans who want lower taxes, fewer social programs, and smaller government in general. Based on that I think providing people with needles is tacit approval for their drug abuse. Such a move is tantamount to legalizing heroin and other drugs that give the best high when injected into one's veins. Friends who are more liberal and humanist use the public health and economic justifications to provide users clean needles. They like me do agree with the idea that illegal drug use is bad. There is the real debate is when both sides agree the action is illegal but one side says bite the bullet and stop it while the other says its going to happen why not make it cheaper on us?

Here is my solution not that anyone asked, if you are in favor of buying drug users clean needles then by all means run down to the public health department and write them a check. If you are against such a plan then make your wishes clearly known to those in power to make such a decision to stop public funding. This is the part where well meaning people balk. Sure, they want to shed a tear for those poor unfortunate souls who are trapped by drug addiction. However, they want all of us to foot the bill instead of putting their money where their heart is.

"Well, I feel bad for them Matt, why shouldn't we make them less likely to contract some dread disease?" So, I turned the little white bug around and headed for the public health office. "Where are we going?" I smiled, "I am taking you to the public health office where they distribute clean needles to users, this way you can write them a check to back up your principled viewpoint." Shock and horror on their face, "Wait a minute, don't we already pay taxes to do that?" Again a knowing smile, "Nope, the Feds and state have cut off that funding because more people who think like me raised hell, this is your chance to do some good as you see it." Now blushing furiously and cutting me a look of murder, "Turn the car around smart-ass, I get your point."

That little episode seemed to really put the whole debate into perspective. Sure, when its something you don't think you miss like taxes lots of do-gooders want to jump on the band wagon. Yet, when it comes out of their own run and play money they get just as indignant as the rest of us who think funding someone's drug addiction makes about as much sense as feeding a neighbor's fat kid.

Learn more about this author, T. M. Beeker.
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