Should people have to pass a urine & drug test before they are eligible for any public assistance (food stamps, welfare, etc.)?
by 
100 percent pure... BEEF CHUCK
ANSWERS: 26
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Never. Apart from questions as to the accuracy and reliability of such tests, they are an infringement on a person's legal rights. Such tests are acceptable in only very limited circumstances. The rather cavalier attitudes towards such testing in the US is a disservice to its citizens.
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Why limit to to public assistance ? Why not require it for every member of the armed forces? Why not require a drug test for anyone who calls 911 for emergency services? Or everyone who testifies in court? or everyone who runs for public office? And while we are in the subject, why not require a mental health and IQ test for every judge? How about a breathalyser for all crew and passengers before any airline flight? Don't go opening any doors that will bite back or bankrupt the country.
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Absolutely!
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no why spend even more money-require them to work-is always something that needs doing if nothing else pick up litter--just my thoughts-smile and enjoy the night
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I'm voting yes !
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Damn right! If they are getting free money from the government, best to be sure that it is being spent on basic needs, not drugs! Keep in mind this is coming from a man who is intensely pro-legalization!
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yes, but random drug tests, not scheduled. anyone can pass a scheduled drug test.
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I would rather see them take educational tests. I would rather see them have to be getting some kind of skill, service or education. If they had to work to earn some kind of education or service to receive the benefits they may still do drugs, but as they raised their self-esteem from accomplishing something they might gradually see that the accomplishment is more rewarding. OK I am a dreamer but that is my 2cents!
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No. I refer to my previous answer on this topic. http://www.answerbag.com/a_view/1669914
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No. I think they should receive opportunities to learn things like how to budget, child care guidance, ways to learn how to have better self esteem, birth control advice, and compassion.
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Well, if people have to take a drug test to get a job to pay taxes that support those on welfare, I'm thinking it should be a damn good idea for welfate recipients to have to take a drug test to receive free money from those who have to be drug-free to earn the money to pay them.
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well i see reasons for it and against it first for it i dont want to support drug addicts with my tax money but then again just because you do drugs doesnt mean you do them all the time (a lot of people just use them occasionaly to relax or party like most people use alcohol) and it doesnt mean that you pay for them either (ive never paid for drugs in my life but i have used some including marijuana and cocain (the coke was accidental i wasnt aware that it was in the marijuana) and some halucinogens but i have never paid a penny or whored myself out in any way to get them) perhaps you should just have to take one each time you go to collect and the results of that test should determine if you get paid that month/week/however amount of time or they could just stick to food stamps i dont believe drug dealers really accept those
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Sounds OK, but make it random. If you're caught, it becomes monthly.
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Yes, but as previously stated they should be random. If you need assistance and you are a drug user. Then maybe you don't need the tax payers money!
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what a fabulous idea! and i agree with those comments that suggest educational testing and work requirements too! why not have all of that? it shouldn't be so easy to get free money.......and if drugs are a problem then no money at all! those that really need/deserve the money wouldn't have a problem following the requirements...
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The entire welfare system needs to be reworked. It's a system designed to keep you there for life. I know because I was on it for a short period of time. Years back when my son was little, 10 years ago, I was receiving welfare. I wasn't a moocher. I took advantage of the classes that they offered and got a job. The minute I got a job at $6.50/hour I was told that I now made too much money to receive benefits of any kind. What they need to do is: 1. Yes, have mandatory drug testing. If they can afford drugs, even alcohol, then they shouldn't be on welfare. 2. Change the poverty level. In NY the poverty level for a 4 person family is about 17.5k a year before taxes. 3. Offer better work training programs and allow for people to go to college or certification programs to assure that they don't return to welfare. 4. Have an on the job training program to work off their benefits. This will do a couple of things. ~Get them experience and ~cut back on costs for over paid file clerks at the social services office. There are other things that need to be fixed, but these are the few that I could think of off the top of my head.
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Should this idea be presented to a Congressmen or Senator? Shold this be a new Federal Law that apply to all the states?
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yes they should ive never thought about it but really goods idea, randomly off course
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I think it's a great idea, and have often thought about it. I was on assistance a couple times, but only because I didn't have any other choice at the time. My caseworker used me as an example all the time because I took advantage of their programs and was taking classes so I could get myself on my feet. It amazed me when I had to go into the office how many women were in there with leather coats and tons of gold jewelry and their hair and nails professionally done. Welfare is supposed to be a helping hand when needed, not a lifestyle.
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no only because i think the goverment is ruling the peaple its getting to the stage where u cant do nothing.but the best laugh is you watch the goverment on telly .they are sleeping and there alcholic drink is by the side of them . and nothing of inportant matters that need to be done .u should go to a poor country where you see children dying.and the goverment is doing that to there peaple.i wonder if u would donate some money to a country that needs it. please aswer back.
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I though i just asked this question. The answers are the same. What gives??
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I think so
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no because the stamps are for the kids not for the pertness
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No. Way too cruel.
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Yes,but I believe that we all have the right to live our lives,but not on the cost of the tax payer,just the truly needed should be helped,the people on drugs should be put in a place that can help them,their are Kiddies at fourteen on the streets on drugs and alcohol,they need to be helped,no more helping them to buy the stuff,help them to get off it,the children that take the stuff could one day be dealers,my friend died from drugs,so I know a bit about it!
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random, like pop up at the house at 3 am and piss in a cup. if you are living off of public money you shouldn't have the right to do drugs on taxpayer dollar, and there is only 1 way to prevent that. Drug tests, or hell cut it all together. Full time job, or students should get help, but if you are able bodied, you can do what everyone else who supporsts themselves, does, find a way.
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