Interview

Billy, a project manager for a large company, I told him I was doing a blog on drug testing welfare recipients. I picked him because his view was different than mine. I didn’t tell him my view however, until after.

Is drug testing welfare recipients a problem you think is important? Why/ Why not?

Yes, because our tax dollars pay for people to receive welfare, if they are abusing drugs they should not receive welfare.

Do you think others in our community think this is an important problem? why/ why not?

Well, with the way the economy is we need to save money where ever we can.

Do you think it is a violation of human rights to drug test welfare recipients?

No, so many people abuse the system. We should drug test them because our tax dollars should not pay for people to abuse drugs.

Do you know of any evidence that people who are on welfare abuse drugs?

Well I know it is an issue that many are talking about. On the articles I’ve read they say that those on welfare abuse drugs.

Everyone?

Well no, not everyone, but many.

What if there was no evidence that people who are on welfare abuse drugs, should they be drug tested then? I guess if there was no evidence that they were more likely to abuse drugs, maybe not. I know that I don’t want to help those who don’t help themselves. My tax dollars shouldn’t have to go to people who don’t want to better their lives.

How do you pick and choose who you help?

I don’t know. Good question

What do you think would be the advantage to drug testing welfare recipients?

It will save the tax payers money and prevent people from abusing the system

What would a disadvantage be?

Well if there aren’t many people abusing drugs than that could be a waste of money

If there wasn’t proof that people on welfare abused drugs should they still pass laws to drug test them?

I think it’s about saving money. If there is no proof and it might cost more money to drug test them then they shouldn’t do it.

Do you think it’s about human rights?

No, I think if you get help from tax payers’ money than you should be checked to make sure you aren’t abusing the system.

I found it interesting that, this man who is always up to date on current events, didn't know where his information came from. He felt that the facts were welfare recipients are more likely to abuse drugs and therefore should be drug tested.  He could not tell me specifically how he knew that except that he read about it. After I interviewed him I told what I found out and he seemed very surprised. I think that many people are misinformed about this issue.