Drug testing for welfare recipients?

The idea of random drug testing for welfare recipients is nothing new. Discussions along these lines have played in the background for quite some time. But now at least eight states -- including Missouri -- are considering measures that would tie food stamps, unemployment benefits or welfare to random drug testing.

You can easily imagine where the battle lines are drawn on the discussion. One legislative sponsor of a random drug testing measure says that "if so many jobs require random drug tests these days, why not these benefits?" Civil liberty advocates warn that the idea could discourage people from seeking financial aid.

My position on this issue has never wavered.

From a philosophical standpoint, I strongly support random drug testing for those who receive direct taxpayer assistance. If my tax dollars are going to support someone else, then should I not have the desire to want the recipients to abide by the law?

But my practical side says the issue is more about emotions and has little chance for universal passage. If a mother tests positive for drugs and her children suffer because of no food stamps, then what have we accomplished? Does the state remove those children from the home and, if so, then where will we find ourselves?

At the very least, I like the discussion. There needs to be some honest and frank dialogue about the responsibility of those who live primarily from taxes earned by others.

This is the point in the column where I regretfully accept that you cannot and will not mandate personal responsibility. So don't write me letters. I get it!

As the economy puts more strain on households of all income levels, people begin to question government spending. Now that's a discussion that is sorely missing in this country. We talk endlessly about where we need to spend and rarely about where we need to question government spending.

But back to the subject at hand.

As of December, 31.7 million American received food stamps. At the same time, 3.8 million receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families payments. Unemployment benefits go to another 5.4 million.

Realistically, drug testing -- even sporadic and random -- is impractical. And I doubt there is the political stomach for such a move.

As all Americans feel the pressure of a stagnant economy, don't be surprised if this discussion continues to grow in the coming months. Americans are a compassionate and charitable people. But if your hard-earned taxes are helping to support someone who ignores the laws of society, then expect a backlash in some form.