Drug testing for public assistance - Essay Example

Drug Testing for Public Assistance Introduction Drug testing for public assistance is one of the social issues being debated recently by the public due to the differences in opinion regarding the said action. There are two sides to the issue. The aim of the paper is to present a personal view regarding the matter and the reasons for having the said opinion. On one side, people who advocate the notion argue that it is just fair and rational since people asking for assistance are also citizen of the nation, thus, they must have duties toward the taxpayer. If the people who hold jobs are undertaking random drug tests then they should not be any different (Sachteleben 1). On the other hand, the people who oppose the said notion are addressing the fact that the random drug testing is ‘scientifically and medically’ illogical. Aside from the fact that it was expressed to be ‘fiscally irresponsible’ (American Civil Liberties Union 1). Opinions on the Opposing Sides of the Issue On a personal note, both side present reasonable conjecture regarding the issue although as a citizen, I am in favor of the implementation of drug testing. There are different points that can be presented regarding the said point of view. Thus, the discussion is aimed to present the reasons for agreeing with the advocates of the issue and the reasons for disagreeing with the critics. One point is related to the fact that every citizen of the nation has his or her own responsibilities toward the community. Due to that fact that these people are in need of public assistance, on the basis of different reasons such as the lack of income sources, following the rules set up by the authorities can be considered as their duty. This view is even strengthened by the fact that the funds for public assistance are coming from the taxes of the citizen with stable source of income (Sachteleben 1). Another point that can be presented in favor of the drug testing is the fact that even the employees and workers who are screened for their jobs are being required to have drug test. This means that the said procedure is not meant to separate the group of people who needs public assistance from other groups in the community. For that matter, critics of the notion cannot use the reason that there is maltreatment or unjust regard towards the said group (Sachteleben 1). One of the most important reasons behind the proposition is the fact that drug addiction requires treatment. In a society wherein one of the most influential causes of disintegration is drug addition, the said action is ultimately aimed to lessen its effect in the community. Targeting the sector that needs public assistance in the community is important since they are the ones who lack the resources for even the most basic needs in life such as food, shelter and clothing. Upon presentation of the main reasons for advocating the drug testing for public assistance, it is important to also consider the reasons why critics are against the notion. This is to be able to explain a personal point of view each reasons. Based on the discussion of ACLU, who is one of the most substantial critics of the implantation of drug testing for public assistance, there are different reasons for their view. One of the said reasons is that, both in the scientific and medical points of view, the implementation of the action is illogical. One reason is that being a welfare recipient does not increase the possibility of using drugs (American Civil Liberties Union 1). On a personal note, this is where the reasoning that it every citizen of the nation should be treated fairly, thus, when workers and employees are being tested for drug use, then it is also just to have the welfare recipients to have the tests. Another reason given is that the stigma of the imposed drug testing would affect the welfare recipient far greater than the benefits it can bring about (American Civil Liberties Union 1). This point of view can be opposed by the fact that the main objective of drug testing is to help the people overcome addition and that again every citizen are needed to be treated fairly, regardless of the kind of life they are having. Other reasons presented by the critics are related to the price of the drug testing and the effects on children (American Civil Liberties Union 1). The price of drug testing can be expensive and considered futile in the fight for drug abuse in the society. This is true but the problem cannot be limited to the members of the society who requires public support and assistance. With regards to the effect on the children, on a personal note, can be one of the reasons that can sway the opinion of the advocates. This can be attributed to the fact that even innocent children can be caught in cases wherein their parents can be found out to be using drugs. This is due to the fact that they are apprehended and also the children are denied of health care. In this case, this aspect of the issue is needed to be given attention to prevent adverse effects in the life of the children. Conclusion Based on the study undertaken regarding the issue, it is on a personal note that drug testing for public assistance is generally favorable on the basis of positive points. Attention is needed to be given though to prevent negative effects to the children that can be affected in the issue. Works Cited: American Civil Liberties Union. “Drug Testing of Public Assistance Recipients as a Condition of Eligibility.” Sachteleben, Marilisa Kinney. “Random Mandatory Drug Testing for Welfare and Public Assistance Recipients.” Associated Content Website. 4 February 2010. Read More