Whoever wrote this one deserves a HUGE pat on the back!
Like most folks in this country, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test (with which I have no problem). What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. So, here is my Question: Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their ass - doing drugs, while I work. . . Can you imagine how much money each state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? I guess we could title that program, 'Urine or You're Out'.
Like most folks in this country, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as it sees fit. In order to get that paycheck in my case, I am required to pass a random urine test (with which I have no problem). What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my taxes to people who don't have to pass a urine test. So, here is my Question: Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to get a welfare check because I have to pass one to earn it for them? Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone sitting on their ass - doing drugs, while I work. . . Can you imagine how much money each state would save if people had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check? I guess we could title that program, 'Urine or You're Out'.
What a briiliant idea!
ReplyDeletePlus, just to be able to say Urine, You're Out, would be worth it!
Aren't they just taking the piss? :-)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE that idea!!! Super smart!
ReplyDeleteI've always said you had to take a drivers test to make sure you were a safe driver, why not be tested to have children.
ReplyDeleteIn the same vein this works wonderfully for having a piss test before you can get a govt. hand up. (Hugs)Indigo
Yeeeeeeeeees!!! So well said!!!! I also agree with Indigo!
ReplyDeleteSomewhere in my mind I remember a state (Wisconsin??) trying to do something like that. It makes sense ... you shouldn't be breaking the law and being a liability to the state and society in general and recieving help from the gov't.
ReplyDeleteIt makes loads of sense. In fact, enough sense to be part of someone's platform as they campaign for state representative in Indiana!!
Love it!!!
ReplyDeleteWell, there's the whole invasion of privacy issue...HOWEVER, as you stated, employers have the right to do random testing. Why shouldn't we have the right to make people get their shit together as we try to help them?
ReplyDeleteI used to work for Housing Works, an organization that provided services for homeless people living with HIV. And I must say that most of the clients that I dealt with are seriously ill. They would not have being able to pass a urine test. Drug addiction is an illness that affects many already ill people. Most of us that are lucky can show up to work even if we venture into some sort of recreational drug intake. This fellows that I met simply could not. It is not that I am advocating for anyone to look the other way when it comes to drugs, what I am saying is that if they do not get government support they will end up in jail, incapable of surviving either. I have one particular client that the night before graduating from an employment program that we used to run at HW, just when she was ready to start a new live as an independent women with her children. She went on a drug binge, and ended up, not only loosing her home, her job, but also her children.
ReplyDeleteSo I going to have take a different route in here. I also do not think that anyone should have to take a drug test. Again I can understand why companies have them, what it bathers me is that drug addiction is being looked as if it is a moral issue and not a health issue. If you get caught with traces of drugs in your body while at work, you have a health problem not a weak problem.
I think it should be mandatory for any govt assistance.
ReplyDeletebe well...
Ken, I like your idea, I'm big on personal responsibility. I think we would need to offer counseling and rehab for those that fail the test, which is going to need to be funded and I'm sure that isn't going to happen.
ReplyDeleteI also think we would have to use a three strikes rule to make this work. Addicts are chemically and physically dependent on a drug. That is hard to lick. Even people with strength would likely slip up once or twice.
Beth, I don't think privacy is a concern, because the test isn't mandatory. Unless you apply for government assistance, you don't have to take a test.
Indigo, I'm very much with you on the tests for having children. We'd likely have to have a socialist state or a dictatorship in order to enforce that. Personal rights are paramount in our legal culture.
Buco and kyle you are so siginificant
ReplyDeleteI agree with you 100 percent! Most of the people who don't have to take urine tests to get government money would have to study for the test anyway.
ReplyDeleteJimmy