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Drug testing the poor is tough love

I have a few thoughts regarding the June 7 opinion piece on religious leaders’ rejection of drug-testing.

We not only have a drug problem but a negative attitude among many towards working and living within your means. There are many government programs intended to help people who are down on their luck, but if you listen to what is happening around you, you know these programs are being abused.

Single mothers receiving assistance are continuing to have children. In today’s world everyone is well aware of preventing pregnancies. Certainly people who cannot afford the children they already have should be held accountable to not have more and should not be given additional benefits. But that’s what is happening – more children more money. It has become a way of life and it does not benefit the children.

The drug-testing plan is a similar government program that should be looked at realistically. Support and treatment for drug addiction is not enough.

Company managers are fed up with what they have to put up with. There are jobs available, good well paying jobs but they have a hard time finding someone to fill them. They are willing to train them as long as they are willing to show up for work on a regular basis. Applicants are told not to take the physical if they know they will not pass the drug test because they cannot be hired if they fail the test and the company has to pay for it. They don’t care. They still take the physical. If a person who has already been working for the company develops a drug problem the company will pay for rehab to help the employee fight the habit. Once out of rehab it happens again and again.

I am a religious person, but I also believe in tough love. There is a very fine line between compassion and enabling. I don’t believe these religious leaders have researched the situation well enough to give their advice.

Recently in the news I’ve heard that Christianity is on the decline. With this in mind my recommendation is for these religious leaders to sweep in front of their own door.

Lola Schroeder
Fremont

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