Van Hollen: Republican Drug Tests For Unemployment Insurance Are ‘Insulting’

[cal04]

Van Hollen: Republican Drug Tests For Unemployment Insurance Are ‘Insulting’

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) rebuked House Republicans yesterday for suggesting the government require drug tests of individuals seeking unemployment insurance, calling such proposals “insulting” and a “red herring” in the unemployment crisis:

VAN HOLLEN: I think the drug testing thing is a red herring. The reality is that people are not out of work because they have substance abuse problems, people are out of work because there are four people looking for every job that’s available in America.

We’re willing to look at reforms, but the Republican rhetoric has been insulting to a whole lot of working Americans who lost their jobs through no fault of their own… I have to say, this Republican effort to kind of blame people who lost jobs through no fault of their own shows a total insensitivity to the stories that we’re hearing from districts around the country. Frankly I think the American people are hearing that tone and they’re not very appreciative, because they know that everybody, but for the grace of God, could also be in that position.

Watch it:

http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2011/12/26/395290/van-hollen-republican-drug-tests-for-unemployment-insurance-are-insulting/

[tooeyeten]

1. Let's IQ test Republican electorate n/t

[southernyankeebelle]

2. Since corporations are people to then why when corporations are getting tax deduction big time then

they should be drug tested to.

[newspeak]

35. my thoughts exactly!

any corporation or bank that gets taxpayers' money, the board should be drug tested.

[Bill USA]

45. Right! and all executive officers. this should be attached as an amendment!

[Andy823]

5. Is there a test for stupid?

If so I think the majority of republicans would test positive, especially anyone who would vote for one of the clowns they have running for the nomination this year!

[tooeyeten]

6. Think so

voting Republican is a guarantee to cost the voter his job, his income, his future.

[B Calm]

21. My dad always said,

anybody who works for a paycheck and votes republican, do so for their boss' entertainment!

[SmittynMo]

25. I love it.

You hit it on the head. Excellent point.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

3. Let's drug test Congress.

[tooeyeten]

7. Drug test every elected Republican

or is that too harsh?

[tonybgood]

27. I have a better idea!!!

Let's vote these Republicans out of office!!! Then, they'll be unemployed and we can drug test them!!!

[whopis01]

41. lol - awesome n/t

[tooeyeten]

49. that'll work! n/t

[AlbertCat]

64. Let's drug test Congress.

Be sure to test for the 3 martini lunch!

[Mopar151]

4. They are only good for the drug testers

Test kits are +/-, $30.00 each, cost of administering a test by a "clinic" - about $100. I'm assuming that the tests in question would be similar to the FAA standard I went thru backalong.

[newspeak]

37. yeah, just like in florida

I was wondering how many repug congresscritters were going to profit.

[wandy]

51. No doubt rhe repubs have allready found a way to profit.

Add that to the 'holyer than tho' attidue, and you have a lovley way to decrease the debt, at +/- $30.00 a pop, at taxpayer expence.

[treestar]

8. Good for him

A point that needs to be made.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

9. Drug Testing is getting way out of hand

I can understand why you would need to do it for a few jobs involving public transportation/public safety but outside of that, there's no need for drug testing for any job- let alone receipt of public benefits IMHO.

[Moonwalk]

30. Well, You and Van Holden are missing what Repukes are trying to appeal to with this....

...er, idea. They actually aren't saying that those who lost their jobs did so because of drugs. What they're appealing to is what George Bernard Shaw joked about--the desire of those subsidizing (or who feel like they're forced to subsidize) the poor to categorize the poor into "deserving" and "undeserving."

So what's really being proposed here by republicans is that there be a program to "weed out" the "undeserving poor" (those who will spend the money on drugs) so that only the "deserving" poor get the unemployment benefits. That's not the real aim, of course. From past experience and successes, Republicans know that they have only to imply that some will waste this money on illicit purposes (the drug-addicted welfare queen scenario)--to make people afraid and angry and want to stop their tax dollars going to such programs, period.

This is, alas, a very successful ploy that has worked for the republicans in the past. It does a number of things for them: first, it casts democrats as bleeding heart liberals who get suckered out of money by sob stories. And the money they waste is that of the taxpayers. So it tries to keep republicans cast in the role of the fiscally responsible, not like those Democrats. Second, it delays. Republicans use such delaying tactics in hopes that the thing will die, or not be voted on till they have power to defeat it--and if this "fear" tactic works with voters, republicans will get that power. More Tea Partiers will appear demanding tax dollars not go to welfare queens. Third, it is also what Van Holden calls it: a red herring. Republicans always use this trick when they're in trouble. "Look, Gays! Abortion! Flag Burning!"

This is, indeed, another distraction. But we need to understand how it works on those it's being used on. Otherwise we can't counter it.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

38. I agree with your post 100%

I have actually said many of the same things in an article I recently wrote about plans to introduce drug testing for welfare recipients in this upcoming legislative session here in Indiana (along with "right-to-work" ). It's another ploy to get people all fired up about something trivial and are, regrettably, likely to succeed in passing no matter what statistics you throw out there because the thought of even a single drug user getting any kind of public welfare gets people so worked up that they are ready to form a lynch mob to go after them. Anyway, who wouldn't naturally be against something like that? I know I don't like the idea of people using drugs while receiving public benefits, committing fraud, etc. personally but people like us whom don't live a Fox News/hate-radio web of confusion know that such problems are not massive and/or widespread enough to warrant the kind of *solutions* that Republicans always seem to be keen on proposing to "deal" with them.

[maggiesfarmer]

67. "subsidize" or "subdivide"? n/t

[MMJjestic]

10. Can we drug test the oil company CEO's they get subsidies from the government

Also defense contractors and how about farmers too. If we are going to do one group let's do them all.

[coalition_unwilling]

11. Hear, hear. - n/t

[snappyturtle]

15. I think testing the mentioned groups is

a stellar idea...after all, these folks get more 'handouts' from the government
than the unemployed!

[OneTenthofOnePercent]

63. For the record, defense contractors ARE required to undergo drug screening.

In additoin to a number of medical inoculations, physicals, and other screening processes... drug testing is certainly done.

[AlbertCat]

65. Also defense contractors and how about farmers too

Don't forget churches and their employees..... and their companies' employees.

[undeterred]

12. As if those of us living on unemployment insurance could AFFORD illegal drugs...

If you can't afford COBRA or your needed prescriptions, are you really out throwing money away on illegal drugs? Really?

[Shoe Horn]

17. I think that's their point.

Well, that and 'Divide and Conquer'.

Also, 'Welfare Queen'.

Effin idiots, they are.

[CoffeeCat]

13. This is your banker on drugs...

Wow, drug test people who have lost their jobs. Really now?

I'd much rather drug test the bankers who bribed our politicians to get deregulated, then sold millions
of risky mortgages, then rolled those worthless mortgages into securities--that ended up on all of the
bank balance sheets----and ultimately imploded the entire housing market and decimated world economy.

Let's drug test those reckless, kamikaze bankers who nearly obliterated the world with their destructive,
wrecking-ball behavior that nearly brought down the world's financial system.

I mean seriously---we're still feeling the effects of the damage these bankers inflicted.

And "We The People" had to clean up their mess WITH OUR MONEY.

I think we deserve to know what in the hell they were smoking or snorting that led to such mayhem and catastrophe!

My guess--they were all snorting drain cleaner and inhaling gasoline fumes from their yachts while smoking crack cocaine and
drinking valium milkshakes. We would know for sure, if they'd just submit to these much-needed tests.

These bankers went all Lindsay Lohan on America and we need accountability.

So after these in-denial, high-on-stupid bankers pee in a cup--maybe then we can start drug testing the average
Joes and Janes who have been laid off in this terrible economy.

[cstanleytech]

14. Lets random drug test senators and those in congress first!!

[dotymed]

16. Lets drug test Congress.

I guarantee you that they have a higher access to drugs than poor Americans.

We must make this our American Spring, we are running out of time.

[JHB]

18. Drug test stockholders...

...for the endorphin rush they get when the price of their stocks goes up at news of layoffs.

[B Calm]

19. The employee pays something like 92% of

his/hers own unemployment compensation when they're working and the employer only pays like 8% into the fund, so you're god damn right it's an insult!

What really pisses me off too is how much power the employer has when your job is terminated on whether you receive unemployment benefits or not. We're talking about money that you paid in!!

[B Calm]

52. Drug testing to get your own money back. . .

Egads, what if I ever decide to cash in my 401K?

[madrchsod]

20. 99.9% of new hires get drug tested

99.9% of temps get drug tested.

so the right wing wants to set up a new level of drug testing that will make drug testing companies 100`s of millions of dollars.

i guess that`s the right wings answer to job creation.

[mrmpa]

60. I can't wait till I get a job offer.........

then all for naught when I take the pissing test & test positive for vicodin; which is a legal prescription for 2 a day as needed for the pain caused by an injury that occurred at my last employer's work place.

[RoccoR5955]

22. Just another payback to Big Pharma

who makes these test kits. They have to pay back their corporate masters, after all.

[SHRED]

23. "Guilty until proven innocent"

Another aspect of Fascism.

--

[SmittynMo]

24. I don't doubt what they want.

Every year, another law (from the government) is instituted to take something away from us. Now they want us to pee in a cup as a prerequisite to collecting unemployment? With all the stupid ass laws they have instituted in the past several years, I think it's time we drug test all government employees. They must be on something to think this is going to change anything. Unless they is a motive here, as some have indicated.

Is it to line the pockets of drug testing? Very possible. Is it to control drugs in America? We all know that's a lost cause. Is it to control the unemployed from spending money on drugs? Maybe, but it wont work. This money is from a benefit already paid for from prior employment. I'm sure they passed a drug test to get that job, didn't they? Is is a way to cut unemployment benefits? Most likely. They are trying to put a bandaid on the system, and destroy what is in place. Once their benefits run out, they will ultimately have to find a job and pass another drug test for employment. And what if they test positive. No benefits until they pass, right? Well, who is going to pay for rehab? This law is not going to fix anything. I'm not for it or against it. I'm just pointing out that the government is just trying another stupid, ignorant way to control your life.

[nineteen50]

26. Lets test all government employees especially cogressman

and definitely all candidates and anyone receiving subsidies gov’t. contracts and write-offs. Shit lets just test everyone that why we will be practicing equal treatment under the law.

[geckosfeet]

28. What is it with rebubes and drug testing?

That and rights for fetuses.

Out of work adults however, have no right to privacy and must be drug tested because, they are out of work and not a fetus.

Oh my, to be an out of work non-fetus in this country is to be a member of the underclass. Stained with the scarlet mark of unemployment because you made the foolish decision to leave fetushood before having assured yourself of full employment for life.

[xxqqqzme]

29. too bad there was no drug test for

those two slackers elected in '10, trying to take their oath of office in front of the television. Talk about stoner behavior.....

[waddirum]

31. Nothing goes better with unemployment

than a little herb to ease the mind and dissipate the stress.

Fuck... why don't they also take away Monday Night Football and beer? The lazy bums don't deserve those pleasures either.

[The Last Democrat]

32. Cogressman should be

drug tested before they get there paycheck.

[Uncle Joe]

33. This is the same MO the Republicans used in focussing on voter reform instead of election reform.

"Republican presidential candidates such as Newt Gingrich and Rick Perry have also endorsed drug testing for recipients of federal aid, but this is an invented problem that does not need a solution. Van Hollen was correct that there are four unemployed job seekers for every available job, suggesting the real reason unemployment benefits are needed is unemployment, not some fabricated reality where government benefits are supporting drug dependencies. Mandatory drug testing could create complications for employers and additional delays for job seekers but would do little to put more Americans back to work."

In both cases it has more to do with disenfranchising the people so as to enable Republicans to power than in doing what is best for the nation.

Thanks for the thread, cal.

[spanone]

34. well, if you're unemployed, you obviously can afford to be a drug addict...

and my dear republican friends, how do you pay for all the drug testing?

[LiberalLovinLug]

40. the guilty will pay for it.

They'll work it off in a poor house if they have to.

[anarch]

36. why stop with the unemployed? drug test everybody*

*except rich people...they should be exempt from all laws, and not have to pay any taxes at all, so that they can focus on creating jobs.

[LiberalLovinLug]

39. More Big Government ideas from Repukes

Republicans are the new Stalinists.

The want to wiretap us
Decide who we sleep with or marry.
What religion we should practice.
and now drug testing

I cannot understand how any traditional "small" government old school republican can not be ashamed and embarrassed about his/her modern day version.

[CarmanK]

42. Good for VAN HOLLEN, he is from MD is young and has a good head on his shoulders.

The american people can rely on VAN HOLLEN to fight for their interests. He is not a corporate BOT, nor is he a shill for special interests.

[LastLiberal in PalmSprings]

43. And how much is it going to cost to perform all those tests?

This is a valid question, since studies show there is very little drug use among people on unemployment. If you're unemployed, it's because you're out of a job, not because you're sitting around stoned.

This is like the "voter fraud" issue, which uses a non-existent problem to mask the real goal, which disenfranchisement of large groups of voters who would tend to vote for Democrats. It's going to cost millions of dollars to set up and millions of dollars to administer during each election -- yet the Repugs keep crying about how little there is to spend on schools, firemen, policemen, etc.

Are people finally catching on that the GOP could care less about anyone whose net worth is less than $1 million?

[lefthandedlefty]

44. Why not drug test polititions

I bet the biggest part of them would fail.

[Boston_Chemist]

46. Let's drug test the Police for steroid and methamphetamine use.

This is where drug testing is actually needed

[Bill USA]

47. recommended!

[deucemagnet]

48. What this is really about

is who will get the contract to do the drug testing.

[WHEN CRABS ROAR]

50. So let me get this straight, this proposal is coming from the side of

the asle that wants smaller government and they want to create a huge program to drug test the unemployed.
Hmm.

[itsnotaboutu]

53. No..

Lets drug test the Congress, they are on the public dole.

[fascisthunter]

54. How about we drug test all politicans

or anyone who intends on running for government. Better yet, how about a psychological screening to root out the sociopaths.

[Icicle]

55. Money and Vindictiveness

Didn't Rick Scott (TeaBag-FL), who is a former health care executive, propose this same scheme, and then it was revealed that he may have had an alterior motive i.e. providing business for his buddies who are in the drug testing business?

[Skittles]

56. NO

LET'S DRUG TEST THE BASTARDS TO STARTED SENSELESS WARS, ENDORSED TORTURE, CRASHED THE ECONOMY, ETC.

[CarrieLynne]

57. so which one of them is getting money from drug testing companies?

I swear....republicans are the ferenghi....dont do anything unless theres profit in it lol

[Doc Holliday]

58. They are also

like Tellarites. They do not argue for a reason...they simply argue.

[lib2DaBone]

59. pRick Scott in Florida already passed this law.

It's only a red meat issue to reward his Teabag-Scum-Buckets who elected him.

And you have to go to a pRick Scott owned clinic to get the drug test.. cha-ching...

[Hulk]

61. Let the Party of Hypocrites lead the way....

Right after you, repugs! Let's drug test you ass holes first...THEN we'll worry about the unfortunate unemployed.

[FlaGatorJD]

62. Watch P-Rick Scott squirm when he's asked to pee in the cup!

Yea, our Fraudster Gov down here in Flor-i-duh was way ahead on this issue.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/12/07/rick-scott-asked-to-pee_n_1135141.html

[Stratosgc]

66. Let us drug test the GOP.

Their ideas are so stupid and they change positions daily they must be on something.

[evilhime]

68. Insulting

My husband was laid off this fall, ten months before retirement/medicare eligibility. He has cancer (fortunately it's seems to be a slow grower) but is active and wanted to keep working. What drug test would they have HIM take? Filthy buggers!

[The Last Democrat]

69. what good for the goose

is good for the gander.

[Taitertots]

70. There are products that allow drug users to pass drug tests

What do they think will happen?

[tedbear]

71. Tedbear

What about drug testing Perry and Newt - although I know drug addicts smarter that most Republicans - Perry makes me wonder though. Too bad it is too late to test "W"!!!

Maybe just drug and IQ test everyone running for any office!