Is Drug Testing Welfare Recipients a Violation of Human Rights?

 
The statistics state that the most amount of money you can make and still receive welfare, as in cash monthly, is 1,000. Anything more than that and you do not qualify. These statistics also show that whites are more likely to be on welfare, more likely than any other population of people. I think for many, this statistic may come as a surprise. The reason is people have a perception that those on welfare are more likely to be of ethnic origin and apparently more likely to abuse drugs. I have found no statistical evidence to prove this.

Throughout my research on drug testing welfare recipients, I have been unable to find any information to prove those on welfare are more likely to abuse drugs. The problem with drug testing welfare recipients is it goes against human rights. There must be evidence that this population of people are more likely to abuse drugs and use their welfare money to obtain them. Statistics in Florida actually have proven otherwise. The statistics, after the law to drug test welfare recipients has gone into effect, has proven that those on welfare are actually less likely to abuse drugs.

The question remains: Is drug testing welfare recipients a violation of human rights?

Republicans argue that welfare recipients are using their welfare money to buy drugs. They feel that tax money should not be used to help those who abuse the system. The hope is that by drug testing welfare recipients tax payers will save money. Given the state most Americans are in who will argue with saving money from those who are abusing the system. Americans may even be in a position to make unethical decisions based on the fact so many are in hardships.

A quote from an article I read.

"Welfare applicants in Florida are less likely than Americans in general to use drugs, the Associated Press reports. The state compiled the figures as part of a new state law that requires drug tests for welfare applicants." According to the article Florida Welfare Applicants Less Likely Than General Population to Use Drugs.

Heather's View:
I have read through many articles and in each one the same statement keeps popping up. There is no evidence that those on welfare are more likely to abuse drugs. If this is the case, the action to pursue this notion is not only a huge waste of time but also money. Ironically, the reason republicans are pushing for this drug testing is to save money.

I feel that this is unethical to test a population of people simply because there are ignorant views about them. Since when is it ethical to target a population of people with no statistical evidence to back it up? There are many views that people on welfare abuse the system, that those on welfare are mostly Hispanic or black. This information is incorrect. It’s easy to blame a population of people for the reason this country is in debt. Unfortunately, welfare is not the reason.

Welfare is put into place because we are a nation that provides the opportunity to better ourselves. I believe in helping those less fortunate. People living on welfare don't live lavish lives. They are still struggling day to day to make ends meet. Our obligation, I feel, as a country is to make sure every child has an equal opportunity to be whatever they want to be. They have the right to have food and shelter. That is the role of welfare.