I'm frustrated with DH. It's been hot this week, but he still hasn't put the AC units in downstairs. The heat is making me puff up so today dd and I are just watching cartoons upstairs where the ac is. It was already 80* inside by 10am. It didn't get that warm yesterday until almost 6pm.
I think marijuana should be legalized and regulated like alcohol. I also think it should not be frowned upon to have a drink (or two) at work. Sometimes if I had a glass of wine with lunch I'd be more productive, more happy, and better to be around. Responsible drinking without your judgement being affected should be allowed. I am more mentally affected by a can of mountain dew than a glass of wine.
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested and I don't understand the resistance against needing an ID to vote.
Devil's advocate: Who is going to pay for the drug testing? I doubt any medical provider will do it for free and I highly doubt you'll get any money from someone who is in need for government assistance in the first place. So that leaves taxpayers? Either way, your money is headed in that direction and somehow I think the cost of paying for drug testing will outweigh the cost of abusers.
And hi from a former lurker that thought should be more involved
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested and I don't understand the resistance against needing an ID to vote.
Devil's advocate: Who is going to pay for the drug testing? I doubt any medical provider will do it for free and I highly doubt you'll get any money from someone who is in need for government assistance in the first place. So that leaves taxpayers? Either way, your money is headed in that direction and somehow I think the cost of paying for drug testing will outweigh the cost of abusers.
And hi from a former lurker that thought should be more involved
As a tax payer I would be happy to pay for the tests. I'd rather pay for the tests than to pay benefits to some bum just sucking off the system.
Even if your taxes go up because of it? Wouldn't you rather that money go somewhere else? Granted I don't know if that is the case, but I'd rather see my money go to education than to drug test an entire segment of the population.
I think marijuana should be legalized and regulated like alcohol. I also think it should not be frowned upon to have a drink (or two) at work. Sometimes if I had a glass of wine with lunch I'd be more productive, more happy, and better to be around. Responsible drinking without your judgement being affected should be allowed. I am more mentally affected by a can of mountain dew than a glass of wine.
+1 on the marijuana.
I think the alcohol depends on your profession/situation. When I was younger and working in an office we had an hour lunch. I worked in the city, walked everywhere and would often go out with my coworker friends and have a drink or two at lunch and function perfectly fine all afternoon. Now as a school counselor I would have to drive to a restaurant and back and work with kids all afternoon and it just doesn't sound as appealing. But totally for those who want to do it being able to.
Even if your taxes go up because of it? Wouldn't you rather that money go somewhere else? Granted I don't know if that is the case, but I'd rather see my money go to education than to drug test an entire segment of the population.
I'm not very educated on this topic but I'm sure that the people the tests weed out would end up reducing the costs of the benefits. We might be able to increase the benefits to really help those in need.
also we pump so much money into the education system. I've read that the US spends more pER child than any other nation. I don't think our education system stinks bc of funding.
"But in Tennessee, where drug testing was enacted for welfare recipients last month, only one person in the 800 who applied for help tested positive. In Florida, during the four months the state tested for drug use, only 2.6% of applicants tested positive. Meanwhile, Florida has an illegal drug use rate of 8%, meaning far fewer people on services are using drugs than their better-off counterparts. The drug testing cost taxpayers more money than it saved, and was ruled unconstitutional last year." -- article by Time
Totally agree on public education, I have plenty more opinions on that. I was more thinking education when anyone applies for government assistance. Obviously there is a reason they are there, so maybe help to learn a new trade, etc.
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested.
Here is my deal with this. Why does one type of govt assistance need drug testing and not the others? I mean, granny gets free health care (Medicare) AND income (Social Security) which is way more than any SNAP program. Shouldn't the elderly have to be tested? Or little Timmy gets free grade school education, should he be tested for drugs? What about Mr. Small Business who gets a govt backed loan, and reduced property taxes for development, shouldn't he be drug tested? There is almost a demonization of the people that are on public assistance programs. I agree there is fraud that should be rooted out, but why are these people held to a different standard?
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested.
Here is my deal with this. Why does one type of govt assistance need drug testing and not the others? I mean, granny gets free health care (Medicare) AND income (Social Security) which is way more than any SNAP program. Shouldn't the elderly have to be tested? Or little Timmy gets free grade school education, should he be tested for drugs? What about Mr. Small Business who gets a govt backed loan, and reduced property taxes for development, shouldn't he be drug tested? There is almost a demonization of the people that are on public assistance programs. I agree there is fraud that should be rooted out, but why are these people held to a different standard?
Granny and the elderly more worked hard her entire life to get those benefits. They paid into the system. Investing in little timmy's education helps him stay off the public tab. Mr small business is borrowing money but investing his time and efforts into the American economy and will be required to take care of his obligations.
people in public assistance aren't going to pay it back they aren't investing in their communities or anything like it. So that assistance should be demonized.
So because I was laid off in 2008 and went on unemployment for 3 months until I found another job, I should be treated as if my rights don't matter? That I was a strain on a system? There are good people that need help, I hope that one day you don't fall on hard times and find yourself in need...
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested.
Here is my deal with this. Why does one type of govt assistance need drug testing and not the others? I mean, granny gets free health care (Medicare) AND income (Social Security) which is way more than any SNAP program. Shouldn't the elderly have to be tested? Or little Timmy gets free grade school education, should he be tested for drugs? What about Mr. Small Business who gets a govt backed loan, and reduced property taxes for development, shouldn't he be drug tested? There is almost a demonization of the people that are on public assistance programs. I agree there is fraud that should be rooted out, but why are these people held to a different standard?
Granny and the elderly more worked hard her entire life to get those benefits. They paid into the system. Investing in little timmy's education helps him stay off the public tab. Mr small business is borrowing money but investing his time and efforts into the American economy and will be required to take care of his obligations.
people in public assistance aren't going to pay it back they aren't investing in their communities or anything like it. So that assistance should be demonized.
Well that last statement really says it all. People who need financial help should be demonized. I just spent the last year utilizing Obamacare and NJ public assistance while I interned for free full time in order to finish my graduate degree. Now hopefully I can get a job in the field of school counseling and contribute back to my community
I'm lucky and have a stable support system, many out there aren't as fortunate and will have to use public benefits longer. Sure there are certain people who abuse the system (wealthy people do this too!) but qualifying everyone who uses public assistance as less than and assuming they are people who won't contribute to a community/humanity in some way is the mindset that is wrong with this country.
So because I was laid off in 2008 and went on unemployment for 3 months until I found another job, I should be treated as if my rights don't matter? That I was a strain on a system? There are good people that need help, I hope that one day you don't fall on hard times and find yourself in need...
You have to take drug tests to get a job. I don't hear people crying that's in violation of rights.
and if I do fall on hard times, I will gladly pee in a cup for assistance.
So because I was laid off in 2008 and went on unemployment for 3 months until I found another job, I should be treated as if my rights don't matter? That I was a strain on a system? There are good people that need help, I hope that one day you don't fall on hard times and find yourself in need...
You have to take drug tests to get a job. I don't hear people crying that's in violation of rights.
and if I do fall on hard times, I will gladly pee in a cup for assistance.
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested.
Here is my deal with this. Why does one type of govt assistance need drug testing and not the others? I mean, granny gets free health care (Medicare) AND income (Social Security) which is way more than any SNAP program. Shouldn't the elderly have to be tested? Or little Timmy gets free grade school education, should he be tested for drugs? What about Mr. Small Business who gets a govt backed loan, and reduced property taxes for development, shouldn't he be drug tested? There is almost a demonization of the people that are on public assistance programs. I agree there is fraud that should be rooted out, but why are these people held to a different standard?
Granny and the elderly more worked hard her entire life to get those benefits. They paid into the system. Investing in little timmy's education helps him stay off the public tab. Mr small business is borrowing money but investing his time and efforts into the American economy and will be required to take care of his obligations.
people in public assistance aren't going to pay it back they aren't investing in their communities or anything like it. So that assistance should be demonized.
Well that last statement really says it all. People who need financial help should be demonized. I just spent the last year utilizing Obamacare and NJ public assistance while I interned for free full time in order to finish my graduate degree. Now hopefully I can get a job in the field of school counseling and contribute back to my community
I'm lucky and have a stable support system, many out there aren't as fortunate and will have to use public benefits longer. Sure there are certain people who abuse the system (wealthy people do this too!) but qualifying everyone who uses public assistance as less than and assuming they are people who won't contribute to a community/humanity in some way is the mindset that is wrong with this country.
I don't believe all abuse it, but I don't see why people are opposed to making the system tighter so those who do, can't? It makes no sense to me.
We jump through hoops to get jobs, so just a simple test to get assistance makes people go crazy??
The "tests" they tried only tested certain areas where drug use is low and incomes are high. There are so many more factors that need to be implemented before we can actually see if it works or not.
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested.
Here is my deal with this. Why does one type of govt assistance need drug testing and not the others? I mean, granny gets free health care (Medicare) AND income (Social Security) which is way more than any SNAP program. Shouldn't the elderly have to be tested? Or little Timmy gets free grade school education, should he be tested for drugs? What about Mr. Small Business who gets a govt backed loan, and reduced property taxes for development, shouldn't he be drug tested? There is almost a demonization of the people that are on public assistance programs. I agree there is fraud that should be rooted out, but why are these people held to a different standard?
Granny and the elderly more worked hard her entire life to get those benefits. They paid into the system. Investing in little timmy's education helps him stay off the public tab. Mr small business is borrowing money but investing his time and efforts into the American economy and will be required to take care of his obligations.
people in public assistance aren't going to pay it back they aren't investing in their communities or anything like it. So that assistance should be demonized.
Well that last statement really says it all. People who need financial help should be demonized. I just spent the last year utilizing Obamacare and NJ public assistance while I interned for free full time in order to finish my graduate degree. Now hopefully I can get a job in the field of school counseling and contribute back to my community
I'm lucky and have a stable support system, many out there aren't as fortunate and will have to use public benefits longer. Sure there are certain people who abuse the system (wealthy people do this too!) but qualifying everyone who uses public assistance as less than and assuming they are people who won't contribute to a community/humanity in some way is the mindset that is wrong with this country.
I don't believe all abuse it, but I don't see why people are opposed to making the system tighter so those who do, can't? It makes no sense to me.
We jump through hoops to get jobs, so just a simple test to get assistance makes people go crazy??
The "tests" they tried only tested certain areas where drug use is low and incomes are high. There are so many more factors that need to be implemented before we can actually see if it works or not.
I'm not ruling out a tighter system. I'm not sure that drug testing is the way to achieve this? But I assure you there are plenty of hoops to jump through to get public assistance. I spent months collecting and submitting paperwork/going to in person evaluations to determine my eligibility. So these programs aren't just handouts for anyone that doesn't feel like working.
So because I was laid off in 2008 and went on unemployment for 3 months until I found another job, I should be treated as if my rights don't matter? That I was a strain on a system? There are good people that need help, I hope that one day you don't fall on hard times and find yourself in need...
That escalated quickly. All I'm saying is that you should be drug tested.
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested.
Here is my deal with this. Why does one type of govt assistance need drug testing and not the others? I mean, granny gets free health care (Medicare) AND income (Social Security) which is way more than any SNAP program. Shouldn't the elderly have to be tested? Or little Timmy gets free grade school education, should he be tested for drugs? What about Mr. Small Business who gets a govt backed loan, and reduced property taxes for development, shouldn't he be drug tested? There is almost a demonization of the people that are on public assistance programs. I agree there is fraud that should be rooted out, but why are these people held to a different standard?
Granny and the elderly more worked hard her entire life to get those benefits. They paid into the system. Investing in little timmy's education helps him stay off the public tab. Mr small business is borrowing money but investing his time and efforts into the American economy and will be required to take care of his obligations.
people in public assistance aren't going to pay it back they aren't investing in their communities or anything like it. So that assistance should be demonized.
Well that last statement really says it all. People who need financial help should be demonized. I just spent the last year utilizing Obamacare and NJ public assistance while I interned for free full time in order to finish my graduate degree. Now hopefully I can get a job in the field of school counseling and contribute back to my community
I'm lucky and have a stable support system, many out there aren't as fortunate and will have to use public benefits longer. Sure there are certain people who abuse the system (wealthy people do this too!) but qualifying everyone who uses public assistance as less than and assuming they are people who won't contribute to a community/humanity in some way is the mindset that is wrong with this country.
Your response/ interpretation of what I said speaks volumes. I said the assistance- I didn't say the people. Yes, living off of public assistance shouldn't be something people want to do. It should be difficult, it should require hoops. Why do I have to take drug tests and jump through hoops at my job so that others can qualify for "free money". I'm not saying we shouldn't have or offer assistance to those in need, we absolutely should.
So because I was laid off in 2008 and went on unemployment for 3 months until I found another job, I should be treated as if my rights don't matter? That I was a strain on a system? There are good people that need help, I hope that one day you don't fall on hard times and find yourself in need...
That escalated quickly. All I'm saying is that you should be drug tested.
But drug testing doesn't work and it costs you/us/taxpayers more money... I agree with rooting out abusers, but this isn't the way.
I was trying to articulate that just because some people need help doesn't warrant the word "demonized". I apologize if it came off differently!
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested.
Here is my deal with this. Why does one type of govt assistance need drug testing and not the others? I mean, granny gets free health care (Medicare) AND income (Social Security) which is way more than any SNAP program. Shouldn't the elderly have to be tested? Or little Timmy gets free grade school education, should he be tested for drugs? What about Mr. Small Business who gets a govt backed loan, and reduced property taxes for development, shouldn't he be drug tested? There is almost a demonization of the people that are on public assistance programs. I agree there is fraud that should be rooted out, but why are these people held to a different standard?
Granny and the elderly more worked hard her entire life to get those benefits. They paid into the system. Investing in little timmy's education helps him stay off the public tab. Mr small business is borrowing money but investing his time and efforts into the American economy and will be required to take care of his obligations.
people in public assistance aren't going to pay it back they aren't investing in their communities or anything like it. So that assistance should be demonized.
Well that last statement really says it all. People who need financial help should be demonized. I just spent the last year utilizing Obamacare and NJ public assistance while I interned for free full time in order to finish my graduate degree. Now hopefully I can get a job in the field of school counseling and contribute back to my community
I'm lucky and have a stable support system, many out there aren't as fortunate and will have to use public benefits longer. Sure there are certain people who abuse the system (wealthy people do this too!) but qualifying everyone who uses public assistance as less than and assuming they are people who won't contribute to a community/humanity in some way is the mindset that is wrong with this country.
Your response/ interpretation of what I said speaks volumes. I said the assistance- I didn't say the people. Yes, living off of public assistance shouldn't be something people want to do. It should be difficult, it should require hoops. Why do I have to take drug tests and jump through hoops at my job so that others can qualify for "free money". I'm not saying we shouldn't have or offer assistance to those in need, we absolutely should.
Yes, people shouldn't want to be on public assistance. But they shouldn't be shamed for it, which is what demonzing it does.
I agree there should be hoops to jump through, but don't believe drug testing is warranted. Not every job requires you to take a drug test. I've taken one in my life (to work at target as a teenager) and while in the corporate world wasn't asked to do anything like that. My fiancé is a teacher and has never been asked for a drug test either. So, it's certainly not a requirement to be able to work. There is so much more to public assistance than "free money" and as a former and soon to be again full time working tax payer, I don't see contributing to those programs, regardless of who is using them, as something I shouldn't have to do.
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested.
Here is my deal with this. Why does one type of govt assistance need drug testing and not the others? I mean, granny gets free health care (Medicare) AND income (Social Security) which is way more than any SNAP program. Shouldn't the elderly have to be tested? Or little Timmy gets free grade school education, should he be tested for drugs? What about Mr. Small Business who gets a govt backed loan, and reduced property taxes for development, shouldn't he be drug tested? There is almost a demonization of the people that are on public assistance programs. I agree there is fraud that should be rooted out, but why are these people held to a different standard?
Granny and the elderly more worked hard her entire life to get those benefits. They paid into the system. Investing in little timmy's education helps him stay off the public tab. Mr small business is borrowing money but investing his time and efforts into the American economy and will be required to take care of his obligations.
people in public assistance aren't going to pay it back they aren't investing in their communities or anything like it. So that assistance should be demonized.
Well that last statement really says it all. People who need financial help should be demonized. I just spent the last year utilizing Obamacare and NJ public assistance while I interned for free full time in order to finish my graduate degree. Now hopefully I can get a job in the field of school counseling and contribute back to my community
I'm lucky and have a stable support system, many out there aren't as fortunate and will have to use public benefits longer. Sure there are certain people who abuse the system (wealthy people do this too!) but qualifying everyone who uses public assistance as less than and assuming they are people who won't contribute to a community/humanity in some way is the mindset that is wrong with this country.
Your response/ interpretation of what I said speaks volumes. I said the assistance- I didn't say the people. Yes, living off of public assistance shouldn't be something people want to do. It should be difficult, it should require hoops. Why do I have to take drug tests and jump through hoops at my job so that others can qualify for "free money". I'm not saying we shouldn't have or offer assistance to those in need, we absolutely should.
Yes, people shouldn't want to be on public assistance. But they shouldn't be shamed for it, which is what demonzing it does.
I agree there should be hoops to jump through, but don't believe drug testing is warranted. Not every job requires you to take a drug test. I've taken one in my life (to work at target as a teenager) and while in the corporate world wasn't asked to do anything like that. My fiancé is a teacher and has never been asked for a drug test either. So, it's certainly not a requirement to be able to work.
It's a requirement for a lot of jobs. If it wasn't places like Concentra would be non existent also- if you get hurt at work and need to file workers comp you better believe you're gonna take a drug test.
I'll start it off. I believe that anyone on govt assistance should be drug tested.
Here is my deal with this. Why does one type of govt assistance need drug testing and not the others? I mean, granny gets free health care (Medicare) AND income (Social Security) which is way more than any SNAP program. Shouldn't the elderly have to be tested? Or little Timmy gets free grade school education, should he be tested for drugs? What about Mr. Small Business who gets a govt backed loan, and reduced property taxes for development, shouldn't he be drug tested? There is almost a demonization of the people that are on public assistance programs. I agree there is fraud that should be rooted out, but why are these people held to a different standard?
Granny and the elderly more worked hard her entire life to get those benefits. They paid into the system. Investing in little timmy's education helps him stay off the public tab. Mr small business is borrowing money but investing his time and efforts into the American economy and will be required to take care of his obligations.
people in public assistance aren't going to pay it back they aren't investing in their communities or anything like it. So that assistance should be demonized.
Well that last statement really says it all. People who need financial help should be demonized. I just spent the last year utilizing Obamacare and NJ public assistance while I interned for free full time in order to finish my graduate degree. Now hopefully I can get a job in the field of school counseling and contribute back to my community
I'm lucky and have a stable support system, many out there aren't as fortunate and will have to use public benefits longer. Sure there are certain people who abuse the system (wealthy people do this too!) but qualifying everyone who uses public assistance as less than and assuming they are people who won't contribute to a community/humanity in some way is the mindset that is wrong with this country.
Your response/ interpretation of what I said speaks volumes. I said the assistance- I didn't say the people. Yes, living off of public assistance shouldn't be something people want to do. It should be difficult, it should require hoops. Why do I have to take drug tests and jump through hoops at my job so that others can qualify for "free money". I'm not saying we shouldn't have or offer assistance to those in need, we absolutely should.
Yes, people shouldn't want to be on public assistance. But they shouldn't be shamed for it, which is what demonzing it does.
I agree there should be hoops to jump through, but don't believe drug testing is warranted. Not every job requires you to take a drug test. I've taken one in my life (to work at target as a teenager) and while in the corporate world wasn't asked to do anything like that. My fiancé is a teacher and has never been asked for a drug test either. So, it's certainly not a requirement to be able to work.
It's a requirement for a lot of jobs. If it wasn't places like Concentra would be non existent also- if you get hurt at work and need to file workers comp you better believe you're gonna take a drug test.
Just saying- a lot doesn't mean all. I'm sorry that some people find that to be something they need to do to work for some companies, but it doesn't work as an argument for why people needing public assistance should have to. Regardless, I would absolutely submit to one in either situation
I work hard for my money and the government takes it from me at an absurd rate. I don't want any % of it (even if a small %) going to drug users or other forms of system abuse. That said, I'm always happy to help a person/family in need of aid to get back on their feet. Just pee in the cup and put your ego aside. I would do it! No shame there. Ever seen the movie Cinderella Man? Generations before us would have done anything just to keep the lights on during the Great Depression. My DH has been on unemployment a couple of times after layoffs! There is no shame in seeking assistance nor is there shame in taking a drug test as a qualification. I had to pee in a cup for previous employers before I received their money. I didn't feel demonized.
I've been on assistance before a few times. Mostly as a kid. My dad was in construction and so is dh and anyone who works in that Field knows It's feast or famine. But I know my parents would have gladly peed in a cup to feed us as kids. That's when we were on it, when we really were down to no food. If we got to that point now I would pee in a cup, do a blood test- whatever just so my kids wouldn't starve. We're lucky we've never been to that point as parents, but right before dd we had some rough patches and dh barely worked and I don't make enough for us to survive. People who truely need help will spend all day waiting in line, doing paperwork, whatever it takes to feed their babies or get them to the dr. The people who do drugs would throw a fit and it would weed them out.
So because I was laid off in 2008 and went on unemployment for 3 months until I found another job, I should be treated as if my rights don't matter? That I was a strain on a system? There are good people that need help, I hope that one day you don't fall on hard times and find yourself in need...
I can be randomly asked to take a drug test by my employer as well, so I don't get that argument.
I have no problem going through any processes put in place if I am recieving assistance from other tax payers/the government. Just my two cents.
If someone already said this, sorry to repeat. I just had to skip down to reply when I read the comment.
I don't think drug testing should be required. If someone needs help for any reason they should have access to it (in a perfect utopian society of course). I would rather offer assistance and have it go to a drug user than be the cause of anyone suffering from hunger or illness.
I don't think drug testing should be required. If someone needs help for any reason they should have access to it (in a perfect utopian society of course). I would rather offer assistance and have it go to a drug user than be the cause of anyone suffering from hunger or illness.
This makes absolutely no sense. The cause of hunger would be on them, not the tax payers requiring a drug test. If you have money for drugs, you have money for food. If you ask for assistance you have to stop PAYING for drugs to get it.
So because I was laid off in 2008 and went on unemployment for 3 months until I found another job, I should be treated as if my rights don't matter? That I was a strain on a system? There are good people that need help, I hope that one day you don't fall on hard times and find yourself in need...
I can be randomly asked to take a drug test by my employer as well, so I don't get that argument.
I have no problem going through any processes put in place if I am recieving assistance from other tax payers/the government. Just my two cents.
If someone already said this, sorry to repeat. I just had to skip down to reply when I read the comment.
I'm not against the idea of drug testing to receive benefits, except that the data seems to show that it isn't actually a real problem that costs taxpayers tons of money. It would probably cost more to implement than it saves. Also, these people still need our help. So we should maybe offer rehab instead of no help.
I'm not against the idea of drug testing to receive benefits, except that the data seems to show that it isn't actually a real problem that costs taxpayers tons of money. It would probably cost more to implement than it saves. Also, these people still need our help. So we should maybe offer rehab instead of no help.
My issue with voter ID being "racist" is that you need an ID for everything. A job, to cash a check, they even ask for your ID to go on a tour of an apartment complex... you need it for everything. So I just don't get it. Everyone needs an ID... Btw I didn't read the article right now because I'm supposed to be working and it looked long, but I still don't think it would convince me that it's racist. I will later. I am not for or against voter ID, I just don't understand how so many people 18+ could do much of anything without an ID.
Eta: I completely forgot half of my point. If anything, I feel like it would be prejudiced towards anyone with a low income who does not have easy access to a DMV, which could be people from any backround.
My actual confession is that I thought I was in UO this whole time (because of the topics). And got really confused when I clicked back and then on FFFC and was having some major de ja vu all over again.
I'm not against the idea of drug testing to receive benefits, except that the data seems to show that it isn't actually a real problem that costs taxpayers tons of money. It would probably cost more to implement than it saves. Also, these people still need our help. So we should maybe offer rehab instead of no help.
I agree with all of this and will also add that no one here has noted that addiction is an illness. And more and more research is showing that substance abuse addictions show increasing correlations to people with depression and/or anxiety who don't have access to mental health care.
I don't think taking food from people who have already been failed by the system in so many other ways is the solution. I don't think that children should go without food benefits because their parents use.
Re: FFFC
ETA that's my FFFC.
I also think it should not be frowned upon to have a drink (or two) at work. Sometimes if I had a glass of wine with lunch I'd be more productive, more happy, and better to be around. Responsible drinking without your judgement being affected should be allowed. I am more mentally affected by a can of mountain dew than a glass of wine.
And hi from a former lurker that thought should be more involved
+1 on the marijuana.
I think the alcohol depends on your profession/situation. When I was younger and working in an office we had an hour lunch. I worked in the city, walked everywhere and would often go out with my coworker friends and have a drink or two at lunch and function perfectly fine all afternoon. Now as a school counselor I would have to drive to a restaurant and back and work with kids all afternoon and it just doesn't sound as appealing. But totally for those who want to do it being able to.
also we pump so much money into the education system. I've read that the US spends more pER child than any other nation. I don't think our education system stinks bc of funding.
Totally agree on public education, I have plenty more opinions on that. I was more thinking education when anyone applies for government assistance. Obviously there is a reason they are there, so maybe help to learn a new trade, etc.
I think it would be a good idea to help get people on assistance into trade schools.
people in public assistance aren't going to
pay it back they aren't investing in their communities or anything like it. So that assistance should be demonized.
I'm lucky and have a stable support system, many out there aren't as fortunate and will have to use public benefits longer. Sure there are certain people who abuse the system (wealthy people do this too!) but qualifying everyone who uses public assistance as less than and assuming they are people who won't contribute to a community/humanity in some way is the mindset that is wrong with this country.
and if I do fall on hard times, I will gladly pee in a cup for assistance.
But there is a difference between a private company requiring drug testing for their employees. Their money, their prerogative.
We jump through hoops to get jobs, so just a simple test to get assistance makes people go crazy??
The "tests" they tried only tested certain areas where drug use is low and incomes are high. There are so many more factors that need to be implemented before we can actually see if it works or not.
I'm not ruling out a tighter system. I'm not sure that drug testing is the way to achieve this? But I assure you there are plenty of hoops to jump through to get public assistance. I spent months collecting and submitting paperwork/going to in person evaluations to determine my eligibility. So these programs aren't just handouts for anyone that doesn't feel like working.
Your response/ interpretation of what I said speaks volumes. I said the assistance- I didn't say the people. Yes, living off of public assistance shouldn't be something people want to do. It should be difficult, it should require hoops. Why do I have to take drug tests and jump through hoops at my job so that others can qualify for "free money". I'm not saying we shouldn't have or offer assistance to those in need, we absolutely should.
I was trying to articulate that just because some people need help doesn't warrant the word "demonized". I apologize if it came off differently!
I agree there should be hoops to jump through, but don't believe drug testing is warranted. Not every job requires you to take a drug test. I've taken one in my life (to work at target as a teenager) and while in the corporate world wasn't asked to do anything like that. My fiancé is a teacher and has never been asked for a drug test either. So, it's certainly not a requirement to be able to work. There is so much more to public assistance than "free money" and as a former and soon to be again full time working tax payer, I don't see contributing to those programs, regardless of who is using them, as something I shouldn't have to do.
People who truely need help will spend all day waiting in line, doing paperwork, whatever it takes to feed their babies or get them to the dr.
The people who do drugs would throw a fit and it would weed them out.
I have no problem going through any processes put in place if I am recieving assistance from other tax payers/the government. Just my two cents.
If someone already said this, sorry to repeat. I just had to skip down to reply when I read the comment.
How would it ever be everyone else's fault???
Re: voter ID laws: they also "solve" a problem that doesn't exist, and most are designed to be racist. https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/public-safety/appeals-court-strikes-down-north-carolinas-voter-id-law/2016/07/29/810b5844-4f72-11e6-aa14-e0c1087f7583_story.html
Btw I didn't read the article right now because I'm supposed to be working and it looked long, but I still don't think it would convince me that it's racist. I will later. I am not for or against voter ID, I just don't understand how so many people 18+ could do much of anything without an ID.
Eta: I completely forgot half of my point. If anything, I feel like it would be prejudiced towards anyone with a low income who does not have easy access to a DMV, which could be people from any backround.
I don't think taking food from people who have already been failed by the system in so many other ways is the solution. I don't think that children should go without food benefits because their parents use.
DS1 - 7/2011, DD 12/2012, DS2 - 4/2014, MMC - 12/2015