It costs the state, taxpayers and time. I think they tried it before and like 90% of recipients passed?

Originally posted by Rockpuck

(and again, for the ignorant among us ... alcohol is NOT a controlled substance

Exactly.

IF the gov't really cared about your health.. Alcohol AND McDonald's would be illegal

Ron Paul put it best... IF you depend on the gov't for guidance, you have bigger issues.

Originally posted by Muttley2012

Originally posted by TomServo
In the end, the concept has the potential to improve the integrity of the welfare system. In the end, its a valid compromise between those who support and those who oppose.

To me, a valid compromise would be to require welfare recipients to do work for the state...pick up roadside trash, community improvement projects etc. and not require a drug test. It's a win/win scenario. No additional tax burden of the cost for the drug test AND the recipients are giving back in a tangible way.

Absolutely!! Star for that comment. My wife has an MPA and is going to save the world some day. Throughout our relationship, she has really opened my eyes to a lot of that left brain, poly sci, 'free tibet' nonsense (I jest). So I had the bright idea one day, to promote civil programs geared toward engaging welfare recipients (those who are able to work of course). I recognize that there are many on welfare for unavoidable circumstances. But, there are also a large number who are perfectly able to contribute part or full time labor to the community. This experience could even count toward 'work experience' for future attempts to get back into the labor community.

We work a lot with mentally retarded and ill adults. A surprising number of that demographic hold jobs, even as simple as making coat-hangers. Knowing some of them personally, and seeing what they can do, brings me to say (i know this will sound bad, but you would have to know them personally) there are necessary tasks out there that Anybody could do. I think the potential is there. Its just a missing connection that has not been explored yet (to my knowledge).

Originally posted by TomServo
I dont see your angle with this post. He broke the law and is paying the price. I dont see him asking me to foot his bill. There is the difference. Completely different from the sopa story. He is not on welfare, and he hasnt failed a drug test. I dont remember the welfare screening having anything to do with alcohol anyway...
Invalid point!

We will be footing the bill with our tax paying dollars that support him and his job, and being an elite will probably get off with a lighter sentence than anyone of us would

Originally posted by CALGARIAN
It costs the state, taxpayers and time. I think they tried it before and like 90% of recipients passed?

98% passed in Florida. So the Reeps implemented a program that cost money and added an additional level of bureaucracy, both of which they claim to be oh-so-against. All so they can deny a few worthless crackheads food and shelter.

The hypocrisy never stops.

Originally posted by Afterthought
OK, just so I'm understanding this.
If you have a job, especially an elected post, you're free to do whatever you want even if you choose to get behind the wheel intoxicated.
If you don't have a job, you're automatically considered a threat to society.

If you have a job, your judgement calls are excuseable and you'd NEVER touch any drugs.
If you don't have a job, you're never to be trusted and we'll always suspect that you're indulging in some illicit substance.

Well, since alcohol is legal and nobody has a problem with alcohol. everyone with a job can keep their licenses, but those on welfare should not be allowed to drive since they'll probably be driving drunk the first chance they get.

Am I on the right track here?

In the fantasy world these politicians want, EVERYONE should be drug tested.
In the real world, NOBODY should be drug tested because we are all innocent until proven guilty.

This politician has been proven guilty. Maybe we should install a breathalyzer machine in his vehicle so he has to blow before it will start.
Let's all stop assuming that everyone on welfare is guilty and has to prove their innocence. When and if they are caught with illicit substance(s) and/or driving drunk, then we should have to drug test them.

I had to quote this brilliant post because it addresses the issue without the government the blinders on. Its starting to become really absurd how everyday Americans excuse the wealthy and powerful for mistakes but will bring the hammer down on any poor individual purely based on ASSUMPTION. C'mon guys, we're better than that

This man needs to pay for his actions, and yes, they all need to be checked for drugs as well….BUT…

There are the free loaders who know how to take advantage of the system. There is an ILLEGAL family who lives down the road from us. While I struggle to make money for my family, they are living off the high hog. Don’t ask me how I know. I’ll just say that I have my ways. This is what they have…

1.$1100.00 in food stamps a month for 5 kids (mother pregnant again).
2.Medicaid.
3.HUD housing.
4.Pal grant checks for school loans.
5.3 different business names under their address. (All fake).
6.$40,000 Lexus.
7.$50,000 truck with $6,000 wheels and rims.

More people come in and out of their house than the local Wal-Mart. Police are there regularly for dog fights and rooster fights. All the illegal actions are blamed on the underage kids so the adults don’t receive jail time. System lenient on kids because they are minors. They only get probation. I live in Denver. A sanctuary city.

I will gladly take a drug test anytime. I have nothing to hide. If I have to get food stamps, than I understand that I would need to answer to the American people for those funds.

Again, this man needs to pay for his actions, but he should not be the focus. There are other low lives out there who are far worse than this guy...

A guy getting drunk on the taxpayer dime and breaking the law is totally different from a guy getting high on the taxpayer dime and breaking the law.

We should have drug testing for everyone in Congress. I mean they are supposed to be workin for us right. And why can't we choose what salary they get. Hell make them work for minimum wage the way the majority of the people they represent do. This is a case of "what's good for the geese..."