It is an unfortunate reality for about 4 million Americans who are unable to support their families regardless of their best efforts.

Turning to the government for money keep heads above water is not a wanted choice, but necessary for survival.

Recipients already have to go through signing very tedious paperwork and uncomfortable interviews.

Now they must further prove themselves and prove that they are not in fact a criminal or a dope fiend.

Yes, times are hard and legislators are coming up with cheap politics to make cuts to the budget, but why turn to drug testing the poor?

Drug tests alone are a little costly, $42, and potential welfare  recipients will have to pay this fee out of their own pocket.
That $42 could be used to buy groceries for the week or basic necessities for the family.

Not to mention the government would have to pay a lab to run these tests.

It just starts to all add up.

Drug testing the poor will supposedly stop some welfare recipients from using their welfare checks to support their drug habits.

While it is true that drugs are common among poor people, but to accuse people of being on drugs solely because they are asking their government to help make ends meet is not right.

A man can file for assistance because he ruined his life due to his gambling addiction.  He tests negative for drugs, so he is able to spend the checks he receives correctly?

Not likely. That man spent his money on the ponies and not on dope.

Alcohol is legal and rarely tested for, but by testing negative for drugs, the money an alcoholic receives can easily fuel their addiction.

The Fourth Amendment protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures, along with requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.

With manditory drug screening a person applying for welfare benifits is in essence giving up their right to probable cause.

Going to our government for help should not be the same as telling them to take our rights from us.

Turning addicts away, further making them unable to support their families, is wrong.

Turning away the people who need the most help is wrong.

What good is our system if it allows these people go homeless?