| Topic: |
Politics > Politics-USA |
| User: |
"Paul J. Berg" |
| Date: |
19 Jan 2007 10:55:14 AM |
| Object: |
Drug Testing for Legislators |
From The (Portland) Oregonian - Friday, January 19, 2007
The question comes up every two years when the Oregon Legislature gets
down to business: "What are those people smokin'?"
Rhetorical? Maybe not. At least one lawmaker wants an answer. And not
just about his House and Senate colleagues.
Rep. Wayne Krieger, R-Gold Beach, has introduced a bill that would
require twice-yearly drug testing for all legislators as well as the
governor, state treasurer, secretary of state and all other statewide
elected officials -- even the chief justice of the state Supreme Court.
Krieger's not messing around. Refusing to take the test would be
regarded as an admission that the official has taken a controlled
substance illegally, under House Bill 2306. Anyone who fails the test
would be given the choice of getting treatment or seeing the results
made public.
Krieger says he decided to go forward with his proposal after listening
to fellow legislators' pious talk about winching down on ethics rules
and banning gifts from lobbyists. What's worse, he asks, accepting an
$11 plaque from an interest group or passing laws while schwacked?
"It seems to me," Krieger says, "that state officials should be more
than willing to stand up and say, 'When I'm doing the people's business,
I'm doing it with a clear mind and not under the influence of any drug.'
"
A former state police trooper, Krieger says he doesn't have any insider
information about politicians toking in the restrooms or snorting in
their offices. He says it's more about accountability and fairness.
Thousands of workers in Oregon must submit to drug tests to get hired or
keep their jobs.
Furthermore, he spent quite a bit of time during the last session
working on a set of anti-meth bills. He learned enough about the drug to
know that people you would never suspect can get caught in its addictive
spiral.
"To imply that we're above it all is ridiculous," Krieger says.
In past decades, alcoholism was a big problem among legislators, he
says. More recently -- and more to the point -- former Rep. Kelley
Wirth, D-Corvallis, had to resign in 2005 after she was arrested for
having a small amount of methamphetamine in her car.
Wirth eventually pleaded guilty to drug possession. Krieger says that's
not why he offered his bill but says a willingness by elected officials
to undergo drug testing could help boost their sagging credibility in
the eyes of the public.
So, given all that, what are the chances of the bill going anywhere?
Somewhere between zero and absolute zero.
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. Rep. Greg
Macpherson, D-Lake Oswego, takes a dim view of it. The Legislature is
aiming for an end-of-June adjournment and needs to use its time
"pragmatically," he says.
"If there's some evidence that the chief justice or the state treasurer
is taking a controlled substance, then we can look at whether this is a
good solution,"
Macpherson said. "We should focus our time on real issues, not invented
or imagined ones."
Reaction among those to whom the bill would apply was muted. Gov. Ted
Kulongoski's spokeswoman said the governor would be "interested to hear
the floor debate" on the bill. Secretary of State Bill Bradbury said
through a spokeswoman that he has no opinion on the bill but would
comply if it became law.
"I'm OK with being tested," said Susan Castillo, state schools
superintendent. "My question would be, why?"
------------------------------------------------------
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| User: "Bill Shatzer" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
20 Jan 2007 12:47:50 AM |
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Paul J. Berg wrote:
-snip-
Do you Truly believe that a political candidate would have such an
issue?
Yes, I do. Considering the members of Congress (Nay, Foley, Kennedy,
etc.) who have lately blamed their bad behavior on substance abuse, who
knows what you will find among candidates for the state legislature who
face far less scrutinizing than incumbent members of Congress.
Ney and Folley blamed their problems on alcohol abuse while Kennedy
claimed it was prescription medications - though alcohol was likely
involved as well in his incident.
Dunno just how you think drug testing is going to catch or deter either
- both alcohol and prescription medications are legal and problems arise
only when they are used inappropriately.
Dunno that there's a test which will detect either alcohol or
prescription medications after the fact and even if there were, so what?
So they have a beer after work once in a while or they're taking their
prescribed medications.
None of your suggested examples of Foley, Ney, or Kennedy would seem to
be in the least affected by any sort of testing regimen.
Peace and justice,
.
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| User: "Larry Scratch" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
20 Jan 2007 08:50:33 AM |
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Don Homuth wrote:
On 19 Jan 2007 17:22:14 -0800, "Spread Eagle®"
<redsky@virtualhosts.net> wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
A one-time test doesn't do much.
You'd be surprised at the number of people out there who lack the
self-control to refrain from consuming drugs even when they have full
prior notice of a mere one-time test and their getting a job depends on
it. So the test successfully filters out these worst of the worst. It
does that much.
Do you Truly believe that a political candidate would have such an
issue?
You lefties sure want to accuse Bush. Yes I do you forget the Chicago
Mayor willie awhile back?
--
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a
nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan
http://www.highvolumemedia.com/thebullhorn/WarOnTerror/ClintonsFailures/
\"POLITICIANS & DIAPERS NEED TO BE
CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON\"
.
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| User: "Curt" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
21 Jan 2007 08:24:54 PM |
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"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:vLednVoZZMGnsS_YnZ2dnUVZ_tvinZ2d@comcast.com...
Don Homuth wrote:
On 19 Jan 2007 17:22:14 -0800, "Spread Eagle®"
<redsky@virtualhosts.net> wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
A one-time test doesn't do much.
You'd be surprised at the number of people out there who lack the
self-control to refrain from consuming drugs even when they have full
prior notice of a mere one-time test and their getting a job depends on
it. So the test successfully filters out these worst of the worst. It
does that much.
Do you Truly believe that a political candidate would have such an
issue?
You lefties sure want to accuse Bush. Yes I do you forget the Chicago
Mayor willie awhile back?
I thought that was DC. Or maybe that was a different guy.
Curt
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| User: "Ermine Todd III" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
22 Jan 2007 09:36:46 AM |
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"Curt" <cje@hevanet.com> wrote in message
news:12r87tvmnkho6a0@corp.supernews.com...
"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:vLednVoZZMGnsS_YnZ2dnUVZ_tvinZ2d@comcast.com...
Don Homuth wrote:
On 19 Jan 2007 17:22:14 -0800, "Spread Eagle®"
<redsky@virtualhosts.net> wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
A one-time test doesn't do much.
You'd be surprised at the number of people out there who lack the
self-control to refrain from consuming drugs even when they have full
prior notice of a mere one-time test and their getting a job depends
on
it. So the test successfully filters out these worst of the worst.
It
does that much.
Do you Truly believe that a political candidate would have such an
issue?
You lefties sure want to accuse Bush. Yes I do you forget the Chicago
Mayor willie awhile back?
I thought that was DC. Or maybe that was a different guy.
It was - as in most of what passes for Scratch's information, he gets the
facts wrong and can't even get the propaganda in the talking points right.
Seriously, I doubt it is even possible for Scratch to respond rationally to
logic and facts - he is so wrapped up in his dogma and belief that his mind
is closed to any other consideration.
.
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| User: "Larry Scratch" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
22 Jan 2007 11:20:31 PM |
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Curt wrote:
"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:vLednVoZZMGnsS_YnZ2dnUVZ_tvinZ2d@comcast.com...
Don Homuth wrote:
On 19 Jan 2007 17:22:14 -0800, "Spread Eagle®"
<redsky@virtualhosts.net> wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
A one-time test doesn't do much.
You'd be surprised at the number of people out there who lack the
self-control to refrain from consuming drugs even when they have full
prior notice of a mere one-time test and their getting a job depends on
it. So the test successfully filters out these worst of the worst. It
does that much.
Do you Truly believe that a political candidate would have such an
issue?
You lefties sure want to accuse Bush. Yes I do you forget the Chicago
Mayor willie awhile back?
I thought that was DC. Or maybe that was a different guy.
Curt
Been awhile. Maybe it was D.C. but you do remember the sting it sounds like.
--
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a
nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan
http://www.highvolumemedia.com/thebullhorn/WarOnTerror/ClintonsFailures/
\"POLITICIANS & DIAPERS NEED TO BE
CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON\"
.
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| User: "Curt" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
23 Jan 2007 02:07:13 PM |
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"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:BaCdnYK3iN-8BijYnZ2dnUVZ_ujinZ2d@comcast.com...
Curt wrote:
"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:vLednVoZZMGnsS_YnZ2dnUVZ_tvinZ2d@comcast.com...
Don Homuth wrote:
On 19 Jan 2007 17:22:14 -0800, "Spread Eagle®"
<redsky@virtualhosts.net> wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
A one-time test doesn't do much.
You'd be surprised at the number of people out there who lack the
self-control to refrain from consuming drugs even when they have full
prior notice of a mere one-time test and their getting a job depends
on
it. So the test successfully filters out these worst of the worst.
It
does that much.
Do you Truly believe that a political candidate would have such an
issue?
You lefties sure want to accuse Bush. Yes I do you forget the Chicago
Mayor willie awhile back?
I thought that was DC. Or maybe that was a different guy.
Curt
Been awhile. Maybe it was D.C. but you do remember the sting it sounds
like.
Yeah. "***** set me up." Hahahaha.. you know, DC kept on electing that guy
even after he got out of jail?
Sheesh.
Curt
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| User: "Larry Scratch" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
23 Jan 2007 10:46:59 PM |
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Curt wrote:
"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:BaCdnYK3iN-8BijYnZ2dnUVZ_ujinZ2d@comcast.com...
Curt wrote:
"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:vLednVoZZMGnsS_YnZ2dnUVZ_tvinZ2d@comcast.com...
Don Homuth wrote:
On 19 Jan 2007 17:22:14 -0800, "Spread Eagle®"
<redsky@virtualhosts.net> wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
A one-time test doesn't do much.
You'd be surprised at the number of people out there who lack the
self-control to refrain from consuming drugs even when they have full
prior notice of a mere one-time test and their getting a job depends
on
it. So the test successfully filters out these worst of the worst.
It
does that much.
Do you Truly believe that a political candidate would have such an
issue?
You lefties sure want to accuse Bush. Yes I do you forget the Chicago
Mayor willie awhile back?
I thought that was DC. Or maybe that was a different guy.
Curt
Been awhile. Maybe it was D.C. but you do remember the sting it sounds
like.
Yeah. "***** set me up." Hahahaha.. you know, DC kept on electing that guy
even after he got out of jail?
Sheesh.
Curt
I don't care if it is left or right. If he is s politician caught that
way he should never have the right to run for any public office again.
--
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a
nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan
http://www.highvolumemedia.com/thebullhorn/WarOnTerror/ClintonsFailures/
\"POLITICIANS & DIAPERS NEED TO BE
CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON\"
.
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| User: "Curt" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
24 Jan 2007 03:08:07 PM |
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"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:45ydnUqxDcNYeSvYnZ2dnUVZ_tDinZ2d@comcast.com...
Curt wrote:
Been awhile. Maybe it was D.C. but you do remember the sting it sounds
like.
Yeah. "***** set me up." Hahahaha.. you know, DC kept on electing that
guy
even after he got out of jail?
Sheesh.
Curt
I don't care if it is left or right. If he is s politician caught that
way he should never have the right to run for any public office again.
I dunno about that. People should be able to have whatever leaders they
prefer, maybe. Obviously, the good people of DC didn't think what he did was
all that bad. Was it a felony? I think felonies will keep you from being a
senator or something, but apparently not mayor of DC.
Curt
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| User: "Bill Shatzer" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
24 Jan 2007 05:24:48 PM |
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Curt wrote:
-snip-
I dunno about that. People should be able to have whatever leaders they
prefer, maybe. Obviously, the good people of DC didn't think what he did was
all that bad. Was it a felony? I think felonies will keep you from being a
senator or something, but apparently not mayor of DC.
The only things which can keep a person from being a senator are being
less than 30 years of age, being a citizen less than nine years, or not
being a resident of the state from which they are elected.
Oh, and the now somewhat arcane provision under Section 3 of the 14th
amendment 'bout engaging in insurrection or rebellion after having sworn
to support the constitution. But most of the southern seccessionists are
dead now.
Other than that, iffen a state wants to elect an ex-felon, they're free
to do so.
Peace and justice,
.
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| User: "Ermine Todd III" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
20 Jan 2007 11:58:25 AM |
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"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:vLednVoZZMGnsS_YnZ2dnUVZ_tvinZ2d@comcast.com...
Don Homuth wrote:
On 19 Jan 2007 17:22:14 -0800, "Spread Eagle®"
<redsky@virtualhosts.net> wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
A one-time test doesn't do much.
You'd be surprised at the number of people out there who lack the
self-control to refrain from consuming drugs even when they have full
prior notice of a mere one-time test and their getting a job depends on
it. So the test successfully filters out these worst of the worst. It
does that much.
Do you Truly believe that a political candidate would have such an
issue?
You lefties sure want to accuse Bush. Yes I do you forget the Chicago
Mayor willie awhile back?
So you are admitting that Bush is and has been a drug abuser? Given your
perspective, you wouldn't mind that Bush should be the first one publically
tested and required to reveal the results of all his previous drug tests -
including the ones resulting in his removal from flight status and wasting
of the million dollars of taxpayer funds spent on his training.
--
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a
nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan: an adulterous, hypocritical, lying,
treasonous enemy of democracy.
.
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| User: "Bill Shatzer" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
19 Jan 2007 10:54:22 PM |
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Don Homuth wrote:
On 19 Jan 2007 17:22:14 -0800, "Spread Eagle®"
<redsky@virtualhosts.net> wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
A one-time test doesn't do much.
You'd be surprised at the number of people out there who lack the
self-control to refrain from consuming drugs even when they have full
prior notice of a mere one-time test and their getting a job depends on
it. So the test successfully filters out these worst of the worst. It
does that much.
Do you Truly believe that a political candidate would have such an
issue?
Some libertarian candidates might.
Peace and justice,
.
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| User: "lein" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
19 Jan 2007 07:09:15 PM |
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Don Homuth wrote:
On Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:56:16 -0800, (Paul J. Berg)
wrote:
~
Some employers have individuals take a pre-employment drug test. The
voters should have candidates take drug tests prior to the election, the
results being published in the voters pamphlet.
A one-time test doesn't do much.
And it's no as if they won't have warning. It would be better if they
required a canidate list their last 10 years of political party
affiliation in the voter pamphlet.
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| User: "Don Homuth" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
19 Jan 2007 07:19:44 PM |
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On 19 Jan 2007 17:09:15 -0800, "lein" <boomer_the_cat@my-deja.com>
wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
On Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:56:16 -0800, (Paul J. Berg)
wrote:
~
Some employers have individuals take a pre-employment drug test. The
voters should have candidates take drug tests prior to the election, the
results being published in the voters pamphlet.
A one-time test doesn't do much.
And it's no as if they won't have warning. It would be better if they
required a canidate list their last 10 years of political party
affiliation in the voter pamphlet.
Why would that be Better, lein?
Why not the Lifetime affiliation?
Or just the last month?
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| User: "Paul J. Berg" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
19 Jan 2007 07:26:17 PM |
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Don Homuth wrote:
On Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:56:16 -0800, (Paul J. Berg)
wrote:
~
Some employers have individuals take a pre-employment drug test. The
voters should have candidates take drug tests prior to the election, the
results being published in the voters pamphlet.
A one-time test doesn't do much.
I would have the drug test be voluntary for candidates for public
office.
Regardless of the drug test results, if a candidate took a drug test,
they would not be subject to drug testing during the term of office for
which they were elected. Why? If the voters elected a known drug user
to public office, what purpose would be served by testing them again in
office?
.
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| User: "Larry Scratch" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
20 Jan 2007 08:48:44 AM |
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Don Homuth wrote:
On Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:56:16 -0800, (Paul J. Berg)
wrote:
~
Some employers have individuals take a pre-employment drug test. The
voters should have candidates take drug tests prior to the election, the
results being published in the voters pamphlet.
A one-time test doesn't do much.
Indeed! So your plan is since one time don't do much, do nothing. Oh now
there's a great plan. The idea homu is, it is a start. But then what
would I expect from the socialist types.
--
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a
nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan
http://www.highvolumemedia.com/thebullhorn/WarOnTerror/ClintonsFailures/
\"POLITICIANS & DIAPERS NEED TO BE
CHANGED OFTEN AND FOR THE SAME REASON\"
.
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| User: "Ermine Todd III" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
20 Jan 2007 12:01:59 PM |
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"Larry (Scratch)" <Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote in message
news:vLednVsZZMFTti_YnZ2dnUVZ_tunnZ2d@comcast.com...
Don Homuth wrote:
On Fri, 19 Jan 2007 15:56:16 -0800, (Paul J. Berg)
wrote:
Some employers have individuals take a pre-employment drug test. The
voters should have candidates take drug tests prior to the election, the
results being published in the voters pamphlet.
A one-time test doesn't do much.
Indeed! So your plan is since one time don't do much, do nothing. Oh now
there's a great plan. The idea homu is, it is a start. But then what would
I expect from the socialist types.
So let's start with Bush and get his tests public - how many antipsychotics
and other dangerous drugs do you think would show up in the tests? Of
course, with druggie limpbaugh as your hero, it's no wonder you don't think
this would be a problem.
"If we ever forget that we're one nation under God, then we will be a
nation gone under." - Ronald Reagan: an adulterous, hypocritical, lying,
treasonous enemy of democracy.
.
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| User: "Don Homuth" |
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| Title: Re: Drug Testing for Legislators |
20 Jan 2007 10:12:13 AM |
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On Sat, 20 Jan 2007 06:48:44 -0800, "Larry (Scratch)"
<Scratch@Tigard.OR.com> wrote:
Don Homuth wrote:
A one-time test doesn't do much.
Indeed! So your plan is since one time don't do much, do nothing. Oh now
there's a great plan. The idea homu is, it is a start.
It changes nothing, other than to waste money. As we are now aware,
not doing enough to matter (for example, in Iraq) enough to accomplish
your objective is a huge waste of time and effort.
But then what
would I expect from the socialist types.
When it is not necessary to do anything, then it is necessary to do
nothing.
And this one is a Cure for which there is no known disease.
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