OPINION - THE REGISTER'S READERS SAY

Liberties prized in Iowa?

Our state motto is: "Our liberties we prize, and our rights we will
maintain." I'd like to suggest that our Republican-dominated state Senate
and our governor read these words. They may also want to read the Fourth
Amendment to the Constitution. It seems to me that they've chosen to ignore
these things that protect the rights of all people. I would also like to
thank Republican Senator Jack Rife and all of our Democratic senators for
standing up for the rights of the working people of this state.

- -- Charles Danner,
326 N. Maple, Carroll.
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Hooray for Ed Fallon for providing our legislators with an opportunity to
actually experience the consequences of their actions. It's called
accountability and they avoid it at all costs. I am refering to the random
drug testing travesty the legislators just passed. Once again, they have
caved in to the self-serving demands of "influential" (monied) corporations
and blatantly violated the rights of all workers in Iowa. We are left
holding the specimen cup. Big Business has been steadily and effectively
seizing control of almost every aspect of our lives for years. Random drug
testing is a major assault. It is a total invasion of our privacy, it's
personally demeaning and demoralizing and erodes our self respect. Our own
integrity is questioned and stripped away. Big Brother is looming closer and
closer. What will be next? I can envision "random home inspections" for
employees in our future. They will be checking for any pilfered office
supplies along with anything else they have deemed inappropriate. If our
legislators can so casually cast aside employee rights because random drug
testing in the workplace is a "necessity," then it is time to demand the
same privilege. After all we are the employers of our elected officials.

- -- Karen Higgins,
340 S.E. Marion, Des Moines.

Times change

The Fourth Amendment to the constitution was ratified in 1791. I'm sure
that 207 years ago these men had no idea of the hazardous chemicals and
dangerous equipment we work with today. I feel my Constitutional rights are
being violated if I have to work beside someone strung out on drugs and
alcohol. After more than 50 years of working in the construction field, I
have seen some horrible accidents caused by drug- and alcohol-related
problems. My hat is off to the employers that demand drug tests in the
workplace. Those among you who feel you are being violated should start your
own businesses and hire all the druggies and alcoholics you can and see how
long you last.

- -- Wendell Hobert,
604 S. Jackson St., Charles City