Welfare?

A lot has been made of Michigan lottery winners who have remained on welfare rolls.  Winning $1000 isn't going to make anyone rich.  My problem with welfare recipients and the lottery isn't winnings, no matter how little or how much.  I guess I wonder why someone is on welfare if he or she can afford to purchase lottery tickets.  One letter-to-the-editor made the claim that this welfare recipient (the letter writer) had every bit as much right to the American Dream, that is, to reach it by winning the lottery as the next person.  Well, not exactly.  If that person is buying lottery tickets with other people's money, then that's a problem.  Welfare is for food, clothing, and other necessities.  I think even tobacco and alcohol should be on the list of no-buys.

I don't know how it started (I must have missed the article in the newspaper), but apparently there is another discussion of drug tests for welfare recipients.  OK, that's fine with me.  Again, someone on welfare shouldn't be buying drugs.  That said, what's fair for the goose is fair for the gander (Dictionary.com's word for today).  If companies get government bailouts, subsidies, etc., then the CEOs and other top-level management should also take drug tests.  If the CEO refuses, then the board of director has a choice--replace him/her with someone who will take a test or not take the federal handout.

For that matter, those responsible for passing welfare laws including drug testing as a prerequisite, that is, our elected officials, should also be willing to take drug tests.  After all, they are taking our money, too.  And, with some of the dumb programs and policies they enact, maybe we should see what drug of choice some of them are using!!!!!!