If military applicants have to take drug tests, and if people applying to work at McDonalds have to take drug tests, then why don’t individuals who want taxpayer-funded livelihoods have to do the same?

Apparently a majority of Americans see things the same way. A newly-released poll finds 53% of Americans say welfare applicants should be tested for illegal drug use before receiving taxpayer assistance.

In fact, there’s even wider agreement in similar cases. 13% want random drug testing for applicants. Another 29% want drug testing if there’s reasonable suspicion that the applicant is using drugs.

Florida recently enacted legislation that requires adults applying for welfare to undergo drug screening. Governor Rick Scott defends the legislation by saying it’s, “unfair for Florida taxpayers to subsidize drug addiction”.

And he’s right. If you can afford illegal drugs, why can’t you afford food? At that point you’ve made a choice to prioritize drugs over food. Which is fine, but don’t expect taxpayers to pickup the tab.

Turning back to the poll, 35% want current recipients to undergo drug testing if suspicion of drug usage exists. Another 31% support random drug testing for current recipients, and 29% want regular drug testing of all current recipients.

A super-majority of 70% say recipients should have benefits cut-off if said recipients are found to be using illegal drugs. Just 15% want the government to continue subsidizing illegal drug habits. 15% aren’t sure.