HW1

Well, here we are! Another blog, meant this time for my IFSC 2200 class, Ethics in the Profession. The posts here will relate to that class, so if you were expecting otherwise... nope.

My first presentation is today, and tbh, I'm excited about the topic I chose for the Morality, Ethics and Law section. I'm going to talk about bills being passed to make drug testing mandatory for anyone wanting to receive wellfare or unemployment. I hope we'll have a few different viewpoints so we can get some more ideas thrown in there.

Now for the actual homework part:


1.) Topic for my project

I sometimes fear for our country. Not for it's well being in foreign affairs, or for it's domestic economy, but for the core ideals of our nation. The main issue I see come under fire is freedom of religion, and while I don't think my rights have been taken, I feel like some groups are really pushing the limits.

I've seen court cases where one's religion can be used against them, especially in child custody cases [The Wild Hunt]. I've seen hate groups rally to make their religion the only tolerated religion [40 Days Over DC]. I'm sure we've all seen the Westburrow Baptist Church rally against homosexuality, other religions, and the freedom to explore these that our country gives us (ironically using the same freedoms to protest).

I'll probably write this in report form, but the idea of a short story is quite appealing as well. I have time, so I'll probably bounce a few ideas around in my head.


2.) Presentation 1 Notes

Two articles I'm using as sources in class:
USA Today - States seek to link public assistance, drug testing [1]
ACLU - Drug Testing of Public Assistance Recipients as a Condition of Eligibility [2]

The main issue here is that 27 states are all planning to introduce a bill to make it mandatory to be drug tested before receiving public assistance. In some states, this is limited to unemployment, while in others, wellfare is also included.

Some states, like Texas, plan to deny those who fail the test's benefits. [1] Other states, like Massachusetts, plan on making those who fail attend rehab. [1]

Some groups believe this is a violation of our 4th Amendment rights against unreasonable search an seizures. [2] The same article also states that wellfare recipients are just as likely as non recipients to use drugs, as shown in studies. [2]

Personally, I think that's irrelevant. The point of this bill isn't to reveal how many citizens are using drugs, but rather to make sure funds are given to those who need it. I don't think any law maker wants tax-payer dollars being used to buy drugs, and that's what happens about 10% of the time now [2]. This search is also not unreasonable. One is not required to receive wellfare or unemployment, so it's not as if we're forcing citizens to submit to random screenings. I think this is a very fair and valid bill.

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*Edits may be made to update notes. On 9/9/11, the post will be finalized, and no edits made.*