Jerry Corbin – 3/18/07

This page was last updated on March 18, 2007.

Drug tests and handouts; Jerry Corbin; Beaver County Times; March 18, 2007.

Below is a detailed critique of the subject letter.

“Most of us have become apathetic about the so-called war on drugs. It would appear to be another empty government promise.

“After spending billions to stop drugs from entering the United States, there is no victory in sight. Drugs are readily available on any street corner and easily obtained in our schools and prisons. Clearly, the war on drugs is lost.

“Illegal drug use finances an underworld of crime that affects each and every one of us. Many drug users have to steal $300 a day to support their habit. As taxpayers we struggle to work and earn a living. The government taxes us and distributes the revenue as it sees fit - public assistance, housing, shelters, welfare, grants, etc.

“If an individual or a major corporation wishes to take advantage of some government handout, the least they can do is prove that they are not subverting our laws. Why should those who benefit from our labor not have to take a drug test to be on the receiving end?

“From welfare recipients to CEOs who receive corporate welfare, let’s test all those who take government money or get government aid.

“If you’re on welfare and you are spending taxpayer money to get high, you should be kicked off welfare. Then, you will not be using taxpayer money to finance crime.

“If you’re a CEO and your company gets federal money in the form of tax breaks or grants, you and your employees should have to take a drug test or forego the government handout.

“What’s good for the goose is good for the gander. Let’s fight this war like we mean it.”

[RWC] Here are two points Mr. Corbin apparently didn’t consider.

First, quit the handouts period regardless of drug usage. I don’t care if someone is using drugs or not, he’s not entitled to a piece of my income/wealth.

Second, why do we have a war on drugs? Why not legalize drugs just like alcohol? Just as eliminating Prohibition mostly eliminated the illegal alcohol trade, legalizing drugs would most eliminate the illegal drug trade.