'NO DRUGS, NO PROBLEM'

I wish to reply to Tiffany Hughes' Dec. 12 letter concerning drug
testing for welfare applicants. She is of the opinion that if the
state did this it would lose money. She writes, "If California were
to require everyone to submit to a drug test, the state would
actually lose money overall." Her strawman scenario assumes that all
Californians would be tested for drug use. I know times are tough,
but I don't think all Californians are going to be drug tested.

She tries to support her position by citing this study or that study
- - which proves what? Without providing specifics of each study - who
was it conducted by, what was the sample size, etc., etc. - the
results are nothing but worthless information. I can conduct my own
study and produce my desired results.

Ms. Hughes takes the obligatory shot at conservatives for being
obstructionists who want to deny help for those who need it most. She
does say some employers require drug tests. She also writes that a
potential employee can apply for jobs that do not require testing. I
say that should be the standard for those who apply for welfare. No
drugs, no problem. Use drugs, go find a job elsewhere.

David L. Gothrow Sr.

Arboga