I see that Florida, Kentucky, and Missouri have passed regulation requiring drug testing for people applying for welfare. It's generated quite the buzz on FB, which is where I keep up on current events (who wants to watch smirky Rachel Maddow or crazypants Bill O'Reilly?).
Why the excitement? We're not so obsessed with people playing by the rules. It's not a battle from the War On Drugs, unless those who test positive will be referred for federally funded drug counseling. Although it might create additional jobs for urine analysts, it's won't stimulate the economy because new regulations generate cost.
There is the notion that people on welfare are drug addicts, or mentally ill, or illegal immigrants, or just plain lazy. Guess what? Children make up the largest segment of welfare recipients. Then why the FB post, urging people to spread the good news? It's because whenever the economy goes south we get grumpy and frustrated and we want someone to blame. Children won't fight back.
Go ahead and drug test welfare applicants. It won't affect me personally; I don't spend time worrying that the marginalized members of our society are playing by the rules. I'm more concerned about the wealthiest segment of the population cheating our economy. That definitely affects my day to day life.
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