Democrats have long since proven that the more you subsidize something the more of that product you get, but it doesn’t stop them from pursuing what often turns out to be destructive policy decisions.
With homelessness and drug addiction exploding in Democrat-run cities, progressive politicians continue to push policies that only assure more of the same, be it guaranteed income in some places or support for those who abuse drugs.
Take New York City, for example. The city unveiled a street vending machine Monday to cater to drug users, according to the New York Post. The vending machine offers a variety of products, from free crack pipes and lip balm to Narcan for overdoses — they currently do not provide syringes, but Health and Mental Hygiene Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said they may be added later.
The machine is one of four that are expected to be placed in some of the city’s most drug-infested neighborhoods, according to the newspaper. Users will only need to enter their zip code to access the goods inside.
“Every three hours, we’re losing a New Yorker [to drugs]. And it looks like 2022 is on track to be our highest year ever in overdoses,’’ Vasan said at a press conference.
“We have a rising tide of fentanyl, and now we have other substances entering our drug supply, which is really putting us behind the eight ball,” he added, this being a reference to Xylazine, a veterinary drug known as “Tranq” or the “zombie drug.’’ This is the drug that often leaves the user in a bent-over, trance-like state, a drug that can result in a condition where a person’s flesh rots away.
More from the Post:
The machine looks like a typical snack vending contraption but is stacked with what health officials say are potential life-saving tools instead.
The available goods include the overdose-busting drug Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, drug-test strips that detect fentanyl and “Safer Smoking” kits complete with a heavy stem pipe, mouthpiece and lip balm that can be used to smoke crack and crystal meth.
There also are “Safer Sniffing’’ kits and random assorted items such as condoms, tampons, nicotine gum and first-aid packages.
Of course, it’s just a matter of time and a few complaints before candy bars and potato chips are included, after all, munchies are for real.
Vasan said the machines will cost $11,000, which will apparently be picked up by the taxpaying public.
“This is an important arrow in our quiver,’’ he said. “It’s not the be-all and end-all solution, but it’s an important tool that says to New Yorkers, ‘Hey, we are going to bring the tools that saves lives to you.’”
And draw more drug abusers?
Writers and editors can be contacted at [email protected] with feedback, tips, or corrections.
Tom Tillison grew up in Maryland before moving to Central Florida as a young teen. It is in the Sunshine State that he honed both his passion for politics and his writing skills. Tillison also contributes to BizPac Review.
Comment
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, profanity, vulgarity, doxing, or discourteous behavior. If a comment is spam, instead of replying to it please click the ∨ icon below and to the right of that comment. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain fruitful conversation.