An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Drug Tests for Welfare Recipients
I think this is a very good idea, and one that should have been implemented years ago.
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Want government assistance? Just say no to drugs.Lawmakers in at least eight states want recipients of food stamps, unemployment benefits or welfare to submit to random drug testing.
The effort comes as more Americans turn to these safety nets to ride out the recession. Poverty and civil liberties advocates fear the strategy could backfire, discouraging some people from seeking financial aid and making already desperate situations worse.
Those in favor of the drug tests say they are motivated out of a concern for their constituents’ health and ability to put themselves on more solid financial footing once the economy rebounds. But proponents concede they also want to send a message: you don’t get something for nothing.
“Nobody’s being forced into these assistance programs,” said Craig Blair, a Republican in the West Viginia Legislature who has created a Web site — notwithmytaxdollars.com — that bears a bobble-headed likeness of himself advocating this position. “If so many jobs require random drug tests these days, why not these benefits?”
I agree. Years ago when I lived in a not so nice area of Chicago, I saw people selling their food stamps, trading them for drugs, you name it. Now I know that there are people, particularly these days, who legitimately need assistance. I don’t have a problem with that. But I don’t think it’s too much to ask that those who are taking taxpayer dollars pass a drug test. I would go one step further and demand proof of citizenship to anyone who is seeking assistance from the US government.
I thought it was a great idea 20 years ago, but no one ever listens to me.
Won’t happen though….it’s “discriminatory”. Pfft!
I am one who wouldn’t agree with probably 90% of your views. I would vote socialist if it were a party. However, I feel that those under the protection of the government should have restrictions placed upon them to prevent them from that position. If they are dirty on a drug test they could be denied a job. Anyone asking for income should have to prove they are not using their income on drugs and recreation. Some jobs do not require a drug test, I personally use marijuana recreation-ally, I have restrained my application process due to that restriction. Without income I haven’t been smoking pot. I have avoided pot intentionally because I know I can’t get a job while dirty. I haven’t applied for unemployment although I would vote socialist. I don’t partake in government programs but I solidly believe in them. I don’t think that anyone applying for unemployment or welfare should be allowed to use drugs. You should have to work for your drugs. I always have everyone else should.
Well, I’m glad a socialist would agree with some common sense, at least in one important area.
But I have to ask….if you would like to live in a socialist country, why don’t you move to one? There are several you could choose from…..the UK is moving in that direction in a very big way, and you wouldn’t really have to learn a new language.