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rsande2 
LSU Fan
Member since Jan 2006
3423 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 9:27 am to Patrick O Rly)
quote:
Think again.
ok, still think it is a good idea, next.....
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bamafan1001 
Alabama Fan
Member since Jun 2011
623 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 9:27 am to Patrick O Rly)
quote:
quote:
I think this is a good idea.
Think again.
Intelligent rebuttal...
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Duke 
New Orleans Saints Fan
Gonzales, La
Member since Jan 2008
13517 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 9:30 am to Tigah in the ATL)
quote:
another step in our o so effective war on drugs.
Yep.
Local governments are stretched as it is, so doing it randomly would be practically impossible. So it would be on a schedule, and a lot of drugs can clear your system in days. Florida tried it and the percentages they caught were small IIRC. It's just a waste of money at this point.
It's part of the problem with the war on drugs. We approach drug use as a criminal problem, when it would probably be more effective to look at it from a public health/safety perspective.
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buddhavista
Member since Jul 2012
3543 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 9:31 am to baytiger)
quote:
Is cost savings the only concern
Pretty much. We need our entitlements to cost less, not more.
I tend to agree with this. I have no issue with the concept, but if it costs more than it saves it should be ditched.
I guess the conservatives who like to run gov't like a business, don't know much about business.
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Homesick Tiger
LSU Fan
Greenbrier, AR
Member since Nov 2006
10154 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 9:31 am to rsande2)
quote:
rsande2
I was talking about the principle part of your question as in, do you think it right to be tested period, no matter who is doing it.
Maybe we agree with different insights on the subject. You say tomato, I say ketchup. 
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Godfather1
LSU Fan
Home Sweet Home SE Louisiana
Member since Oct 2006
26227 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 9:33 am to ChemE in the OP)
quote:
Are there any other ways of dampening cartel profits and reducing violence?
Not when our own DOJ is running free guns to them, there isn't.
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ChemE in the OP
LSU Fan
The Flats
Member since Apr 2011
2425 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 9:34 am to Duke)
quote:
Local governments are stretched as it is, so doing it randomly would be practically impossible. So it would be on a schedule, and a lot of drugs can clear your system in days. Florida tried it and the percentages they caught were small IIRC. It's just a waste of money at this point.
Not to mention the narrative of a bunch of welfare recipients sitting around doing drugs and living the good life is completely false.
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TK421
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2011
5126 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 9:34 am to baytiger)
quote:
Is cost savings the only concern
quote:
Pretty much. We need our entitlements to cost less, not more.
The real question we should be asking is what is the point of welfare/unemployment to begin with. If the purpose of these programs is a stopgap to prevent people from becoming destitute, making sure they are not doing things that prevent them from ever gaining employment should be looked on as a good thing.
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bluestem75
LSU Fan
Dallas, TX
Member since Oct 2007
261 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 9:38 am to speckledtrout)
quote:
So if you don't want your kid to starve then DON'T DO DRUGS!
Unfortunately, addiction doesn't work that way. Addicts can't just turn it on and turn it off.
However, addicts DO need to be pushed to a place where things are so unbearable that they will WANT to quit. Drug testing them and tying their benefits to the results could actually get them to that place where they hit rock bottom and start to seek some help. The more an addict is enabled, the more likely it is he will use.
Those who oppose drug testing actually support the enabling of drug users and, therefore, push them closer to death rather than recovery.
This post was edited on 11/14 at 9:42 am
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Willie Stroker
LSU Fan
Houston...ish
Member since Sep 2008
4321 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:06 am to Bmath)
quote:
If I had to be drug tested for my job, then I don't see a problem with drug testing welfare recipients.
Why are you drug tested for your job? Is it because of a safety issue? Liability of your employer if your judgment is impaired?
I'm pretty sure such concerns don't apply to welfare recipients.
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rsande2
LSU Fan
Member since Jan 2006
3423 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:07 am to Homesick Tiger)
quote:
I was talking about the principle part of your question as in, do you think it right to be tested period, no matter who is doing it.
Gotcha
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WinnPtiger
LSU Fan
Fort Worth/BR Golf Board
Member since Mar 2011
1575 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:10 am to Tigah in the ATL)
quote:
another step in our o so effective war on drugs.
Hooray big government!
As far as I'm concerned, this is something that should be dealt with at the state level. If that's "big government" then so be it.
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Duke
New Orleans Saints Fan
Gonzales, La
Member since Jan 2008
13517 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:12 am to ChemE in the OP)
quote:
Not to mention the narrative of a bunch of welfare recipients sitting around doing drugs and living the good life is completely false.
No doubt. Of course there are free riders, but the perception of the number of them has always seemed overblown. Plus, it's so easy to get a good job with a felony for drug possession on your record.
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Kickadawgitfeelsgood
Lafayette LA
Member since Nov 2005
7225 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:13 am to WinnPtiger)
Texas needs to ask Florida how well it works.
How do you cut out 2% of welfare takers and still lose money?
Ya Texas!
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ashy larry
LSU Fan
Marcy Projects
Member since Mar 2010
3274 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:19 am to TheHiddenFlask)
quote:
The sociological effect of drug testing for welfare and unemployment could be an incredible positive.
I agree that the long term effects of testing could be positive. however, in the short term it seems like this would be very expensive. What is the motive here? If it is to really help the people on welfare, then spend the money and do it right. If it is being done to prove a point, then it could be a failure.
As someone else pointed out a large portion of welfare is for the kids, not the parent. So what happens when a single mom tests positive for weed? Do you deny the benefits to the kid? Does the state take custody of the kid? I don't have any numbers to back this up, but I would have to think it would be more expensive for the state to take custody of the kids and place them with another family member or foster home. The article in the OP says 23 other states have something similar. I am curious how they handle these situations.
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mmcgrath
LSU Fan
New Jersey
Member since Feb 2010
2159 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:22 am to rsande2)
quote:
My question is can a state take this sort of action on a federal program? Also, for those on the left, I will assume you would be against this, what is your reasoning for that stance?
I would be for it if a failed drug test resulted in someone going through rehab (outpatient or inpatient) to receive benefits, not just dropping people off completely. And the cost for the test should a) come from a separate allotment from the state, not federal welfare dollars and b) should be paid by the state and not the recipient.
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Archie Bengal Bunker 
Florida State Fan
UWF Fan
Member since Jun 2008
14045 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:27 am to rsande2)
Did you know that all people on welfare are leeches and drug abusers...
quote:
Of the 4,086 applicants who scheduled drug tests while the law was enforced, 108 people, or 2.6 percent, failed, most often testing positive for marijuana. About 40 people scheduled tests but canceled them, according to the Department of Children and Families, which oversees Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, known as the TANF program.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/courts/florida-didnt-save-money-by-drug-testing-welfare-recipients-data-shows/1225721
Man, and most were abusing Marijuana, the devil's harvest..
This post was edited on 11/14 at 10:30 am
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Archie Bengal Bunker
Florida State Fan
UWF Fan
Member since Jun 2008
14045 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:30 am to rsande2)
quote:
Is cost savings the only concern, does the principle of the matter not bother you?
Here's the deal, if it is going to be a public health issue, then treat it as one. Instead of removal of benefits, test two see who uses, and then require a treatment plan in order to stay on benefits.
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rsande2
LSU Fan
Member since Jan 2006
3423 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:31 am to mmcgrath)
quote:
I would be for it if a failed drug test resulted in someone going through rehab (outpatient or inpatient) to receive benefits, not just dropping people off completely.
Ok who pays for it though?
quote:
And the cost for the test should a) come from a separate allotment from the state, not federal welfare dollars and b) should be paid by the state and not the recipient.
Where from exactly and why?
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Ace Midnight
LSU Fan
Ball, LA - Home, Sweet Home
Member since Dec 2006
14883 posts
| re: Texas to begin drug testing for welfare/unemployment benefits (Posted on 11/14/12 at 10:40 am to Bmath)
quote:
So it is a civil liberty to get stoned on illegal drugs? Hmmm
They will argue discriminatory intent, discriminatory effect or invasion of privacy (drug testing is somewhat invasive).
I'm all for it. I would vote for it. If my brothers and sisters in arms have to be tested, EVERBODY should be tested, especially if they're applying for federal benefits - student loans, Pell Grants, EIC, food stamps any and all of it.
I'm not going to go so far as drug testing as a requirement to vote, but I think you should have to take one before a driver's license examination or any other government licensure tha impacts the safety of others.
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