February 2nd, 2012

So I've had this debate several times in the Topics/Debates group I'm in on Facebook. I've had several people, including my older Sister, repeatedly try to counter my response to the question posed to the group in the same fashion. It's frustrating, because I feel that they are wrong. Yet no matter how many times I dismantle my reasons as to why I think they're wrong they just repeat themselves, and that is not how a debate is run. So, I'd like to know if you guys agree with me, and if you don't I'd like to know why you do not agree with me.

First I'll give the question asked. Then I'll tell you my opinion on it, as well as the reasons I feel that way, and then I'll give you their argument as to why they feel I'm wrong. Written in their own words, then post my response to their argument against mine, and finish with their response to me. I won't need to post more as their argument never changes. Then I'd like for you all to post your opinions in the comments, and please try to explain why you feel the way you do.

Question: Do you think that people applying for Government funded (tax payer funded) social programs (Food Stamps, Welfare, etc.) should be required to take a drug test?

My response: Yes I do. I know/am related to several people who have abused the system to pay their way while they abused drugs. I do not like those people, and I feel drug testing would be a way to prevent that. I don't feel it will prevent it entirely. There's no way to entirely prevent drug users from passing drug tests, but making them a requirement does help keep some drug users from risking getting caught.

Their response to me: Drug testing is a violation of the 4th Amendment, and I don't see how it would be effective at all as drug users know how to avoid failing a drug test.

My response: It's not a violation of the 4th Amendment at all. When you apply for something you become subject to the rules, regulations, and requirements of the thing you are applying for. In order to qualify for any Social Service Program you have to meet their requirements, and abide by their rules. If you don't then you lose your benefits.

Adding a drug test as part of the application process would just be an extension of their rules, regulations, and requirements. It would be perfectly legal, and not at all a violation of the 4th Amendment as that extends to illegal search & seizure. An applicant can refuse to take the drug test, and thereby cancel their application. They don't have to take the drug test at all. If they want the benefits they are applying for, however, they will have to. There's nothing illegal or wrong with that.

Their responses to me no matter what else I say: It's a violation of the 4th Amendment as it's illegal search & seizure. They have no reason to suspect the person applying for benefits is a drug user, and by requiring a drug test they are breaking their 4th Amendment rights.

Please, weigh in on this.

Willow