Pubdate: Wed, 22 Mar 2000 Source: Australian, The (Australia) Copyright: News Limited 2000 Contact: http://www.theaustralian.com.au/ Author: Bill Muehlenberg Note: Headline supplied by newshawk DRUG TESTS FOR POLITICIANS THE reaction — especially by politicians — to the call for random drug tests among our public servants (20/3) speaks volumes. Given that such tests are quick and harmless, why the resistance? If our politicians are living drug-free lives, such tests should present no problem. All the talk of "invasion of privacy" is beside the point. If an elected representative is using illicit drugs, the public has a right to know. And if he or she is not, they should be quite eager to let this be known. Just as a chain-smoking politician may be influenced on his or her vote on legislation relating to tobacco, or a porn-viewing politician may be influenced on his/her vote on legislation relating to X-rated videos, surely a drug-taking politician may be influenced on his/her vote of legislation regarding the drug debate. BILL MUEHLENBERG, National Secretary, Australian Family Association, North Melbourne - --- MAP posted-by: Don Beck