Fla. welfare applicants less likely to use drugs; HIaasen proposes testing politicians

[The Straight Story]

Fla. welfare applicants less likely to use drugs; HIaasen proposes testing politicians

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Preliminary figures on a new Florida law requiring drug tests for welfare applicants show that they are less likely than other people to use drugs, not more. One famous Floridian suggests that it's the people who came up with the law who should be submitting specimens.

Columnist and best-selling author Carl Hiaasen offered to pay for drug testing for all 160 members of the Florida Legislature in what he called "a patriotic whiz-fest." Several of the law's supporters say they're on board.

"There is a certain public interest in going after hypocrisy," Hiaasen said Tuesday, two days after he made his proposal in a Miami Herald column.

"Folks that are applying for DCF (Department of Children and Families) money normally wouldn't be standing in that line, and on top of that humiliation they now get to pee in a cup so they can get grocery money for their kids," Hiaasen told The Associated Press in an interview at his Vero Beach home.

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/fla-welfare-applicants-less-likely-to-use-drugs-1882854.html

[hedgehog]

1. I'll drink to that!

[peace frog]

2. I heart Carl Hiaasen

He's a Florida treasure right alongside Alan Grayson. Pity there are so damn few of them.

[Enthusiast]

3. I love Carl Hiaasen!

I have read all his books.

[FSogol]

4. K&R. Check out Hiiasen's novels if you haven't read his work. n/t

[formercia]

5. I read Team Rodent a few Weeks ago.

He's good. We need more Journalists like him.

[AmBlue]

6. Brilliant!!

Carl's the bomb..

[woo me with science]

7. K&R

The demonization of the poor is an important step in justifying the austerity movement and the restructuring of our society into elite and impoverished tiers.

I had never heard of Hiassen, but I am now a fan.

[qb]

8. Carl Hiaasen rocks! And his mystery novels are a riot.

I :loveya: Carl Hiaasen