Should a drug test be required when people apply for foodstamps?

1. 71

   danielleantoszposted 14 years ago

   Should a drug test be required when people apply for foodstamps?

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2. 82

   Credence2posted 14 years ago

   No, that is tyranny and fascism peeking. Typical rightwing viewpoint is that you don't want nanny government interfering with your lives, but it is ok, if it is just 'those guys" We are innocent until proven guilty, since when is "being poor" a crime?
   
   Good question

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3. 72

   Reality Bytesposted 14 years ago

   It would be fair considering that many people that are gainfully employed are required to pass a drug test to remain employed.

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4. 83

   J.S.Matthewposted 14 years ago

   No, because children and other vulnerable people will be the victims of circumstance by other people's actions. I know that there is a lot of abuse within this program, but unless there is an obvious reason for a person to be drug tested, I think it's an overall bad idea. I don't think that babies should be refused food because a parent smokes pot. If the case is more severe, then a department of families or child services should be consulted so that they can insure the safety of the child or person who really needs the program. That's what I think!
   
   JSMatthew~

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5. 81

   Wayne Brownposted 14 years ago

   Maybe children and other people will be affect but you have to stop and consider the fact that the person getting the food stamps may elect to spend the money on drugs...if that is the case, then the children and other people are still the victims and our efforts have failed except for providing drugs to an addict.  Let's use our heads here.  WB

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6. 69

   onegoodwomanposted 14 years ago

   I  support this idea.........
   
   Many people do need help, and this is an undeniable fact.  Many abuse the aid, this too, is undeniable!
   
   
   I have to take a urine test, undergo a crimmanal background check, and a credit check..................just to WORK and earn my keep.
   
   Yes, there should be some limits and ceilings as to what our tax dollars fund.
   
   It is not outrageous or inhumane, to expect someone who is asking for state or federal aid, to do likewise.  Taxpayers should not be feeding, housing or in anyway supplementing the cost of living for drug abusers, illegals, or those who may choose to work the system.
   
   
   I expect that such testing would weed out 3/4 of the recepients........far more than enough required to fund the intial testing.
   
   I also suggest that ONLY legal citizens be entitled to such benefits.
   
   The SSA has gone broke, attempting to aid, those who do not qualify for 'retirement' benefits.
   
   
   I have personally heard women say,  " when this next baby comes, I will get a bigger apartment", or " more food stamps".
   
   The poor should be fed.........but the dependancy on the goodwill of others should be stopped!
   
   Test them..............it is a small price to pay to feed  your hungry........I did it.

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7. 61

   cooldadposted 14 years ago

   Personally, I don't have a problem with this.  But I do have a problem with marijuana being included in the test.  I think they should only be tested for hard drugs and narcotics.  I think if marijuana were removed from the test, this issue would die down.  If someone is receiving government funds, they should be subjected to whatever guidelines are deemed necessary.
   I don't think people on food stamps or welfare should be out buying crack instead of groceries.

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8. 60

   nightwork4posted 14 years ago

   yes it should be required. one person said that kids will be victims of circumstances by other people's actions. well, if your a dope head who lives off food stamps, then the kids are already victims.

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9. 0

   nikashi_designsposted 14 years ago

   Without a really great answer to this tricky question. My immediate response would be to say YES, drug test should be one of the requirements. Part of my job requirement was to give a complete physical and drug test. In today's society this is a normal and reasonable request.
   
   On the flipside, some of the Food stamp applications may be denied and innocent children will suffer.  Also, the added major expense of drug test would cause havoc on our already struggling economy. The average cost of drug test is $48 per person, plus the cost of qualified staff to administer it. Additional paperwork and we are talking about $100 per person. Multiply that by 43 million applications. That is major money. These numbers were taken from SNAP which is what they call the food program.
   
   Excellent question, one to really think about, what would be the solution?

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10. 60

    reg420posted 13 years ago

    Really now people,
    I can't believe some of you. The primary reason people (human beings) apply for Food stamps is because they are hungry. Never mind how they got there, they and their family needs food.
    I personally think they should exclude fat people, but we know that will never happen even as we have 15 million citzens over 500 pounds.
    
    The exclusions of large sections of culture from employment pool, gives smokers, alcoholics, felons, sex offenders, non English speaking, drug users, marijuana smokers little or no chance for a job. It seems reasonable and why not include the bald, ugly, over weight, bearded, tattooed, long hairs, and those with speech impediments or accents. In total some two dozen reasons to say that you are not qualified to work any job anywhere any time again.
    
    Now companies are actually saying don't apply unless you already have a job.
    
    The problem here is that corporate America has declared more than half of Americans unemployable, which makes some people are hungry even if they are fat or tattooed or have a small garden of marijuana plants.
    
    Ronald Gascon Candidate U S President 2012
    http://webstation19.8k.com/jonpol.htm

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