Pubdate: Wed, 15 Jun 2011 Source: Ledger, The (Lakeland, FL) Copyright: 2011 The Ledger Contact: http://www.theledger.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/795 Author: Amy Sell Related: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v11/n386/a09.html MEASURE IS WASTED EFFORT I do not object to drug testing TANF [Temporary Assistance for Needy Families] applicants on a privacy-based theory. I only disapprove of the this measure as a wasted effort to keep taxpayers' money out of the hands of drug addicts. With the prevalence of substance abuse among all demographics, from the senator's son to the farmer's daughter, it is conceivable that we support someone's habit with every dollar we pay for goods and services ranging from Los Cubanitos sandwich platters to handmade Amish fireplaces. If Gov. Rick Scott's measure does, in fact, contribute to anyone's recovery from addiction, I would praise his ability to accomplish a goal that has evaded most social welfare professionals. AMY SELL Lakeland - --- MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.