Maine Democrat submits bill to drug-test welfare recipients

[davidthegnome]

41. Despicable

I remember when this was discussed in regards to Florida. I had a fairly short debate (short because they all eventually told me to shut up about it before they became very "angry" with my ignorance) with two of my sisters and my girlfriend at the time. Basically, they told me that anyone who is using their welfare money to buy drugs should absolutely lose it. They seemed to have this mental image of welfare families buying an xbox, a new television, paying for vacations with their "Huge" government checks. It's also definitely worth noting that none of the above had ever received federal assistance of any sort, so their ideas of how the system work are opinions based on... well, whatever they think the "terrible, lazy people" on welfare are doing.

Both sisters I argued with are democrats, and registered voters who actually vote. I can see them gleefully voting yes to test welfare recipients for drugs. They would argue that catching even just one or two people that abuse the system would make it worth it. Why? It would satisfy their anger, their disgust with people that they see as less than them, people they believe don't work as hard, don't try as hard, haven't earned the right to... well, even to survive, apparently.

To say that this makes me angry is an understatement. I don't know how otherwise intelligent people are somehow continuing to buy this nonsense that welfare recipients are all lazy, don't work, do lots of drugs... spend tax payer dollars primarily on booze, cigarettes, or leisure items. Numerous studies indicate that welfare recipients are few in number in comparison to the overall population. Numerous studies indicate that the vast, vast majority eventually no longer rely upon the system. Numerous studies indicate as well, that the vast majority of those who receive federal assistance also work and do not rely on the assistance for more than half of their income.

Realistically, I think a lot of those on the other side of this debate are aware of this. Somehow their anger, their fury, their resentment for those who receive any sort of assistance is just... toxic. Has the right framed this issue so well that intelligent people not only believe the lie, but are ready to grab their torches and pitchforks in support of it?

This Paulette Beaudoin is proposing legislation that is moronic, counter-productive and just bizarre. All of these people who are so angry should try to apply for TANF. Let them meet the social workers of this system they rant about. Let them face the humiliation, the sneers, the condescending attitudes and the outright hatred from people who think they are somehow superior. If they are still angry afterwards, I suspect it will be for a different reason.

Yes, let's drug test her - and any idiot that ever proposes this kind of legislation without having even a semi-adequate understanding of how the system works. Without having even a little knowledge of those who rely upon it.

Ugh.