12-05-2013, 09:52 AM
It would be easier and make more sense to drug test Congresspersons than welfare recipients, as a criteria for getting/keeping their jobs (as opposed to a criteria for disqualifying people from getting assistance designed to help unemployed people meet their basic needs). Plus, there are very few Congresspersons vs. a ton of welfare recipients.
I've never liked the idea of any employer monitoring what people do off the job. If they're doing their jobs while on the clock, that's enough for me. But, a lot of employers require drug testing and representing a state is pretty serious business. So, I understand why the majority of the public supports congressional testing (and there are probably some elected officials who are in fact high behind the desk).
I can imagine a number of elected Congresspersons failing drug tests and doing the whole public apology / rehab gig, necessitating emergency elections to fill unexpected gaps, holding up key votes, etc... Maybe testing would deter drug abusers from seeking office or inspire incumbents to get help before being busted. If it improves their performance over the long run, is it worth it? IDK. But, hard to imagine that such a proposal would be passed by Congress in any case.
I've never liked the idea of any employer monitoring what people do off the job. If they're doing their jobs while on the clock, that's enough for me. But, a lot of employers require drug testing and representing a state is pretty serious business. So, I understand why the majority of the public supports congressional testing (and there are probably some elected officials who are in fact high behind the desk).
I can imagine a number of elected Congresspersons failing drug tests and doing the whole public apology / rehab gig, necessitating emergency elections to fill unexpected gaps, holding up key votes, etc... Maybe testing would deter drug abusers from seeking office or inspire incumbents to get help before being busted. If it improves their performance over the long run, is it worth it? IDK. But, hard to imagine that such a proposal would be passed by Congress in any case.