GORMLEY SHOWS COMPASSION & WISDOM

Senator Bill Gormley once again shows a willingness to stand against the most reactionary elements of his own party in announcing he will co-sponsor a Democrat bill to offer a needle exchange program for intravenous drug users. The recognition is that the exchange of clean needles as a health concern to fight the spread of HIV, hepatitis and other diseases was long over due in New Jersey.

Despite the fact that THE BITCH whitman's own health panel repeatedly recommended a needle exchange program, THE BITCH as a sop to the core racist bigots in the Republican Party repeatedly indicated she would veto any such proposal. Now, thanks to the leadership of Gormley and the Democratic control of the legislature and governor's office such legislation seems assured.

The Senator is to be congratulated for an openness and a willingness to reassess his previous opposition. As another Republican leader, Everett Dirksen admirably noted: I AM A MAN OF FIXED AND UNBENDING PRINCIPLES, THE FIRST OF WHICH IS TO BE FLEXIBLE AT ALL TIMES.