Solution, or more problems?
A short time ago the state of Florida passed two interesting laws: People receiving welfare must pass a drug test in order to receive that welfare; and that “government” employees (I presume state employees) must submit to random drug tests.
Given our laws concerning drugs, my initial thought was that this is good.
But the more I think about it, the more I wonder whether being right is more complex and expensive than can be afforded.
And this not only includes the possible savings less the cost of administration, but the resultant costs to other states and the psyche of the country.
Admittedly, I detest the concept of any form of welfare that does not require payback. I will not accept the argument that they buy things with money and that helps the economy.
As far as I can see, if God, in her wisdom, snapped her fingers and all the welfare recipients were to disappear, the country would be better off. On the other hand, all of those people who really think that all people are created equal, will come up with some ways to keep non-productive people living no matter what. Florida is either very wise, or unwisely dumb.
And that is where I begin to wonder. Again, admittedly, I think the country should treat marijuana in the same way it does alcohol and tobacco and I suspect it will be before long. The problem is just too costly and too unimportant. With Florida, I don”t see people who have drug problems staying in Florida. Big problem for neighboring states!
On the other hand, can you imagine Floridians letting drug non-passers starve? And how about emergency room treatment? Beyond that, how will Florida handle the expenses of the suits that the NAACP and the ACLU will bring?
It will surely be interesting to see what happens because eventually it will affect all states and all of us.
Guthrie “Guff” Worth
Lakeport
