Staten Island District Attorney, Michael McMahon, recently criticized Governor Kathy Hochul’s handling of the fentanyl crisis, highlighting her tendency to avoid addressing the most challenging issues. In the midst of this national crisis, hundreds of New Yorkers are losing their lives to overdoses, and the streets are plagued with unashamed addicts. Unfortunately, New York’s self-proclaimed experts, including public health officials, insist on implementing “harm reduction” strategies that not only prove to be ineffective but also perpetuate addiction.
Governor Hochul’s attempt to create an overdose prevention task force is nothing more than a farce. McMahon rightfully called her out for failing to include officials and family members who are personally affected by the crisis. It is even more concerning that law enforcement representatives were not considered. This farce comes a year after she vetoed a bill to establish a state task force dedicated to combating fentanyl, promising to create her own in due course. Unfortunately, Hochul’s task force lacks individuals with personal experiences of drug abuse.
McMahon aptly criticizes the governor by stating, “After months and months of empty promises, the governor has finally taken the groundbreaking step of instructing her own staff to simply do their jobs: discuss the issue among themselves, evaluate their own performance in dealing with the overdose crisis, and then provide recommendations to her.” He further explains that they will meet only a few times, conveniently disconnected from the pain and suffering experienced by Staten Islanders. The “public listening session” they plan to hold will be nothing more than a symbolic gesture.
While it is uncertain whether any task force would be a significant step forward, this particular one is destined to fail. It disregards the perspectives of those who have personally endured the devastating consequences of drug abuse: mothers, brothers, and frontline professionals who have experienced firsthand what strategies do not work. Additionally, the public health bureaucracy continues to pursue the same-old approach, ignoring the urgency of the situation.
The progressive “harm reduction” approach focuses on practicing drug use safely, rather than emphasizing the critical message of abstaining from drugs altogether, as they have the potential to ruin lives even if they do not result in death. Furthermore, cutting off the drug supply is crucial. McMahon astutely highlights that the task force’s limited meetings only serve to keep them detached from the pain and suffering faced by Staten Islanders.
Indeed, the logic of progressives ultimately leads them to advocate for drug legalization, dismissing the problem as if it merely requires more “support” for addicts. However, this approach misses the mark. While offering support is important, it is equally crucial to implement strict measures and consequences. New York, along with the rest of the nation, must actively fight against fentanyl and other dangerous substances instead of surrendering and accepting their presence.
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