Letter to the Editor

Test welfare recipients for drugs

To the editor:I am writing about a growing concern in this country. Individuals who work in many different jobs in the United States are subject to random drug testing. My son-in-law has been in the U.S. Army for almost 32 years and has been required to undergo random drug testing several times a year.

As a taxpayer supporting many welfare recipients, why are welfare recipients not required to undergo random drug testing before receiving their welfare checks?

This practice seems backward. If an individual who works and pays taxes must undergo random testing, why don't lawmakers insist that welfare recipients undergo the same testing? If welfare recipients are not willing to undergo testing, they should not get handouts from taxpayers. In addition, any welfare recipient who tests positive for illegal drug use should be denied welfare benefits.

There ought to be a law.

JOHN M. ADAMS, Jackson