Pubdate: Fri, 28 Oct 2011
Source: St. Petersburg Times (FL)
Copyright: 2011 Wayne Parlow
Contact: http://www.sptimes.com/letters/
Website: http://www.tampabay.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/419
Author: Wayne Parlow

TESTING IS APPROPRIATE

Federal Judge Mary Scriven has blocked drug testing as a condition of 
receiving welfare payments. She says that it violates the Fourth 
Amendment regarding searches.

What is the financial difference between Florida's Legislature 
gambling that a major hurricane will not wreak havoc on our economy 
and expanded casino gambling? None.

If a major hurricane strikes Florida, the wreckage is there for all 
to see, and ers will be assessed because Florida's hurricane 
insurance program is underfunded.

Casino gambling eats away at the income and assets of a person or 
family who cannot resist the lure of making a quick buck. Then 
Florida taxpayers eat the losses when losers seek free medWhat about 
mandatory testing when you apply for a job, even if there is no 
probable cause? Is that legal? What about random drug testing in 
police departments nationwide? Such tests have been upheld in the 
courts for years.

I see nothing wrong with someone being required to take a drug test 
as a condition for welfare payments. Many people who use drugs have 
dropped off the welfare rolls because they know they will not pass 
the test. I say keep it going.

Wayne Parlow, Ridge Manor
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom