Local Opinions on Marriage, Parking, Public Health and Gambling

-- Dick Bray, Springfield

Courage Is Needed on Needle Exchange

The Obama administration's budget dealt a serious blow to those who support syringe exchange programs to prevent the transmission of HIV, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases.

On the campaign trail, during the transition and in the White House, President Obama has expressed support for removing the federal ban prohibiting the use of federal funds for these programs. But he kept the ban in his budget despite research clearly showing that such programs work.

Addressing the personal and public dangers of injection drug use may not have wide political support, but doing so is an important health and human rights issue with serious public health ramifications. As supporters of disease prevention policy rooted in science rather than politics or ideology, we have waited too long for "change" that makes sense.

We have a bold and courageous leader in President Obama. Swift action driven by courage is needed now to remove this anachronistic ban.

-- Paola Barahona, Washington

The writer is senior global health policy advocate for Physicians for Human Rights and founding executive director of Prevention Works in Washington.

A Quick Stop at the D.C. DMV

I was apprehensive about going to the D.C. Department of Motor Vehicles' Brentwood Service Center last week, as I'd heard a lot of things about horrible experiences at DMV offices in the District. As a Virginia resident, I've encountered long wait times at my own state's DMV offices, but the process has greatly improved from years past. However, my son, a recent graduate of Howard University, still resides in the District, and he needed a temporary-resident parking permit.

Much to my surprise, it was just 30 minutes from the time we entered the building to the time we exited with parking permit in hand. Mind you, I did my prep work by browsing the DMV Web site to make sure I had the required documents, which is the key to a successful visit. The Brentwood DMV staff was courteous, knowledgeable and expeditious in carrying out its tasks.

The only setback was that one clerk proudly wore a Dallas Cowboys T-shirt. I guess you can't have everything.

-- Deborah Rogers, Ashburn