LIFESTYLE TESTING

From the very first "drug test" to the present, the very nature of the
methods used for "screening" reduce these "tests" to nothing more than
"lifestyle testing." Furthermore, only certain lifestyles result in a
"failure" of these tests. It's not about public safety or employee safety
and it is not about identifying true real-time impairment of employees
before their shift begins ­ it's about fear, control and oppression.

My former employer blatantly practiced "random enforcement of their random
lifestyle testing policy" depending on who you were and how important you
were to the company. I quit my management position after 10 years for that
reason alone.

Moreover, the most popular methods of testing (urine, blood and hair) do
not measure true, "real time" impairment. They only measure
non-psychoactive metabolites that can be present days or weeks after the
effects of substances have subsided. ("Soft" drugs remain "visible" longer
than "hard" drugs ­ prompting people to use the more damaging, addictive
and deadly substances ­ like alcohol ­ to avoid detection.)

What we have is a flawed system whereby a majority of impaired people
aren't detected until after they have hurt or killed someone else or
themselves. However, many unimpaired individuals involved in accidents are
fired/prosecuted because they "tested" positive for something that took
place days or weeks ago. Meanwhile, those who would have other individuals
submit to the tests claim, "it may not be a fair or effective test but it
is all we have." This excuse/dilemma will no longer hold water.

Saliva testing will prove to be cheaper (probably a great deal cheaper as
currently used methods can average $60 and up per test). Those truly
interested in the "bottom line" will have the chance to prove it. Saliva
testing will be simpler (it can be performed by almost anyone with chain of
custody problems being next to nil). Saliva testing will be much less time
consuming (it can be administered on site ­ before and even after a shift ­
instead of having to drive people to the "clinic").

Most importantly, saliva testing will measure and indicate, without a
doubt, what employers, insurers and others in "authority" say they
fervently require and want: true, current, real time, up to the minute
impairment of individuals.

The media need to keep this story in the news and publicize the efficacy
and popularity of this new technology as it develops in order to expose
those who are justifiably concerned for the safety and well-being of
individuals and societies. Then, those who use current methods merely as
instruments of intimidation, punishment, control, fear and terror against
one's lifestyle will be exposed for what they are and what they have chosen.

Whereas we must choose between living in a free society or a drug free
society-it will be obvious that they have chosen the latter while betraying
and forsaking the former.

MARK HONTS, Fort Worth, Texas