Regarding the American (Florida) removal of unemployment assistance for drug users. G May’s enthusiasm for his Christian philosophical advocacy of “Kick them when they are down,”, instead of offering a helping hand up, would be laudable if it was remotely productive. It is demonstrably not.
A serious argument in favour of removing health care for people with tobacco and alcohol related sicknesses can be made, especially when they want treatment but will not give up their addiction, but no case can be made for removal of unemployment compensation. I fail to see the equation of unemployment benefits in relation to drug use. The overwhelming majority of drug users are actually gainfully employed, leading normal lives, eg, cocaine, marijuana, tobacco, and alcohol users, and yes, even the harder drugs.
Can one seriously withdraw care, both health and financial, from the “Alcoholic” on dialysis treatment with liver and kidney problems, or the removal of the wheelchair, or oxygen bottle, from the tobacco user who has lost lung capacity, or his legs from gangrene? If not, why differentiate with the illicit drug users? It would certainly free those items for use by those legally invalided by God’s will.
I have none of the forgoing addictions but still am no advocate for G May’s holier than thou attitude of: “If they won’t conform to my ideals then they must be ostracised from society”. Peculiar way of showing a better direction to life.
Tom Edgar
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