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Mandatory Drug Testing Demonizes and Demoralizes

The assumption that people on public assistance use drugs at a higher rate than the general population is erroneous

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It is not that the government is assuming welfare recipients are drug users. If people receive welfare and do not abuse illegal substances, they should have nothing to worry about.

In the military, everyone takes random drug testing. We all receive a government paycheck. The military does not assume all of it's members abuse drugs.

Thomas St John of MI 9:26PM March 03, 2012

My company peforms random drug testing to keep your job...You must pass a drug test to get the job first.

Why is it so bad to expect someone recieving benefits from my labor(taxes) to recieve the same treatment??

Connie of MS 11:21AM February 16, 2012

The facts are here. Is there a growing drug problem? the answer is yes. Lets start in the work places first, it is very likely that drug use by the employed is more prevalent than the welfare recipient. Once we weed out the "coke heads", "pot heads", "chicken heads", and get the rid of "boy"; then and only then should we concentrate on the welfare recipient.

Isaac Morrison of NY 11:11AM February 16, 2012

The facts are here. Is there a growing drug problem? the answer is yes. Lets start in the work places first, it is very likely that drug use by the employed is more prevalent than the welfare recipient. Once we weed out the "coke heads", "pot heads", "chicken heads", and get the rid of "boy"; then and only then should we concentrate on the welfare recipient.

Isaac Morrison of NY 11:08AM February 16, 2012

Had to give you the down arrow. You drug test them all.

If you're not doing drugs there is nothing to worry about.

I get drug tested for the right to work and earn my money. Those getting my money for free should at the very least be drug tested.

I can't believe people continue to put their head in the sand on this issue.

Oh yeah...if you're on welfare, you shouldn't have a dog in this fight. You shouldn't be allowed to vote on it or even comment.

The system is so far gone "abuse" has become such a drastic understatement to even touch on the issues with it.

Having a good heart or good intentions doesn't justify the reality of the situation.

Cleaning up this mess should only help those deserving and using it the way it was intended.

Zachary Curtsinger of TX 9:29AM February 16, 2012

As a recovering alcoholic, and drug abuser, who has been around, between 15 years doing what I wanted, and 20 years doing what I needed to do, I think anything that brings our disease into focus is a blessing. I've known several people over the years that have been given the right, and the money to drink themselves to jail, insanity, and death. I am a Democratic voter who believes in civil rights, but find myself on the fence when it comes to certain subjects. Yes, I know, better than most, that alcoholism, is a disease, but enabling the alcoholic, or drug abuser, only feeds the disease. My employer stepped on my rights back in 1992, and that was the turning point of my life, There are many potentially great people out there who die, or kill innocent people, accidentally, or otherwise, destroy lives, every day, because people don't want to interfere with their rights.

Gary Saylor of OH 6:55AM February 16, 2012

I wonder how many "Occupiers" are getting welfare benefits who are admitting they are on drugs in press interviews? Would the ACLU have the same argument? Of course they would. Applying legal principles consistently to varying facts is an impediment to their cause of justice.

Dan of CA 3:04AM February 03, 2012

You have to take a drug test when you are going to be hire for a job right? Why not, when you are getting paid at taxpayers expenses for doing nothing.Liberals are very compassionate people, when someone else pay the bills.Hypocrites.

amitore locato of SC 9:25PM February 01, 2012

This is a bogous argument. No one is suggesting anything. Simply put, we want to make sure that our public dollars go for their intended purposes and not drug use. Many companies require drug testing as a condition of employment. Does that mean that they think applicants use more drugs than the general population? No! It just means that they don't want to hire a drug user. Why should we give money to drug users to use on drugs? Huh? Are you kidding me? That's not how I want my tax money used. Get real lady!

Jorge of FL 1:25PM February 01, 2012

I want to say this as nicely as I can. The bottom line is this: Many of us who work our tails off have struggled through the pits of addiction.

We, and I'm sure I can speak for many in recovery, would gladly support the immediate needs of those who are serious about getting sober. The government already has numerous short-, intermediate-, and long- term options available. I have worked with this population for many years and have found, sadly, that more often than not, they seek a few nights' rest & meals, assurance of the delivery of their check, and then they're on their way.

Annalee of TX 2:44AM January 18, 2012

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