Politicians and Drug Testing
Many politicians have admitted to drug use in their past. However, it seems that some are actually using drugs while in office. This raises the questions as to whether or not politicians should be required to submit to drug testing.
The huge show that Toronto Mayor Tom Ford has made with the discovery of his cocaine abuse use while in office has many people wondering. Congressman Trey Radel has also been charged with cocaine possession. The Florida Republican was sentenced to one year of probation. Some are concerned that others that they may have elected to office are participating in illegal drug use.
Fox news reports that, “Toronto, a city of 2.7 million people, has been abuzz with the Ford melodrama since May, when news outlets reported that he had been caught on video smoking crack cocaine. Recently released court documents show the mayor became the subject of a police investigation after those reports surfaced. Ford, who denied there was any incriminating video, now acknowledges the reports were accurate.”
At Central Michigan University a column was recently posted by Tyler Langley. Langley points out that many are experiencing concern regarding drug use and politicians. He poses the question as to whether or not politicians should be forced to participate in drug testing and concludes that, yes, they should be tested. His argument is interesting. He indicates, “The concept of letting Americans decide the fate of their elected officials should always be the norm. The problem with this, however, is that a politician who has been elected can easily use drugs without the knowledge reaching the public. This unknown use could end up having drastic effects. This is why drug testing is needed for American politicians. Although it should ultimately be up for the American people to decide whether a politician stays or goes when a re-election is due, it is within the right of all voters to know if the people representing them are using drugs.”
The debate about politicians and drug testing is an interesting one and may change some of the policies in place regarding politicians. The public needs to trust and depend on public officials and having politicians engage in drug testing in lieu of recent events may allow people to feel safe and secure