Should Mandatory Drug Tests be Required for Welfare Check Recipients?

Ok, we have all seen the email that has been going around for quite some time:

Subject: Urine test

Like a lot of folks in this state, I have a job. I work, they pay me. I pay
my taxes and the government distributes my taxes as they see fit. In order
to get that paycheck. I am required to pass a random urine test, which I
have no problem with.

What I do have a problem with is the distribution of my tax money to people who
don't have to pass a urine test. Shouldn't one have to pass a urine test to
get a welfare check, because I have to pass one to earn it for them?

Please understand, I have no problem with helping people get back on their
feet. I do, on the other hand, have a problem with helping someone to simply sit on
their ass. Could you imagine how much money the state would save if people
had to pass a urine test to get a public assistance check?

Pass it on, if you agree."

I can agree that every job I have ever been at, I have had to take a drug test before starting the job to ensure that I am not a drug user. I have no problem taking this test since I know that there will be no issue of my passing the test or not.

I look at this email and I have to think to myself, how come a large portion of the money that I "give away" to taxes is given to those who are not required to pass a drug test? I guess this never crossed my mind until I had a discussion with some close friends about this issue just this past week.

The Associated Press wrote about this topic in January when legislation was discussed in Kentucky.

So the question remains, why shouldn't someone be asked to pass a simple drug test in order to get a welfare check? I don't have any issues at all with the government or others helping people get help or especially finding a job. In fact, I wish that I could spend more of my time helping people find work. I think this would be a contribution to society that I could feel good about, while helping others at the same time.

What I do have a problem with is the possibility that my taxes might be helping someone out who spends all day sitting on their couch, abusing drugs, and not looking for work while I spend 8-11 hours a day at work so that I can support my wife and two kids. Yes, life isn't fair but we all have to work together to make the best of it.

I do want to make it VERY clear that I do not believe that all people who are given welfare checks are drug users. This is not true at all! I know that when I was younger, our family struggled through difficult circumstances and we were given hand outs from others who knew that we were in need.

Unfortunately, there is a percentage of recipients who abuse the system and are making it more difficult for those who truly are in need of the check because they are not able to find, or are qualified, for a job. The question does remain though, imagine how much money the government could save by instituting these drug tests?

Thoughts?

Girl Scouts Growing Marijuana? Pot Bust in Indiana

Hey, at least we finally know why those girl scout cookies are so addicting and taste so good!

The Associated Press is reporting that according to court documents and a girl scout official, police have found thousands of marijuana plants being grown in a remote part of a Girl Scout camp in Indiana.

From the article:

Police found the hidden marijuana farm with plants in various stages of cultivation in a wooded swampy area of Kosciusko County, according to documents filed Monday in U.S. District Court in South Bend. Some of the plants were growing on land belonging to a local resident, while the bulk - about 5,000 plants - were growing on camp land. State troopers in an airplane spotted the plots.

Can't trust those girl scouts anymore I guess!!! :)

The House that Josh Built: Home Run Derby Thoughts...

They may have to change the name of the new stadium in the Bronx to: The House that Josh Built. 28 home runs in the first round. 3 home runs over 500 feet. Josh Hamilton may be the one that everyone is talking about today but don't forget that it was Justin Morneau who took home the trophy. (By the way, please check my posting yesterday and you'll see who correctly predicted the finals and the winner).

Morneau may have won but the story coming out of Yankee Stadium was Hamilton's record shattering first round. At one point, Hamilton homered on 13 consecutive swings! Hamilton finished with 13 more home runs than Morneau and led Morneau 32-17 after the first two rounds. But rules state that the participants start even in the final round. But no one will soon forget the amazing display which was put on by "The Natural".

From the article:

In between his many first-round drives, Hamilton signed autographs for players' kids and clowned around with teammates. Former A's outfielder Milton Bradley, now with Texas, mopped Hamilton's brow and adjusted his cap after one blast, and another time, Bradley came to Hamilton with a camera, and snapped the two of them together at the plate.

In a true measure of his accomplishment, the crowd of 53,716 chanted, "Hamilton, Hamilton," with increasing volume as he battered balls around the stadium, hitting three more than 500 feet. One was measured at 518.

According to published reports, in 2006, when Hamilton had just completed a partial season of Single-A ball in the Tampa Bay Rays' farm system, he said he had a dream that he was being interviewed after the Home Run Derby in New York. At the time, he had no idea Yankee Stadium would be hosting it or that he would be ever be a featured participant.

Hamilton hit 19 home runs with Cincinnati last season and then was traded to Texas in a deal that brought the Reds pitcher Edinson Volquez. I'd say this was a pretty good trade for both sides with the seasons that each are having so far.

Here's a List of Past Winners of the Home Run Derby:

Year	Player	Team	HR	SIte
2007	Vladimir Guerrero	L.A. (AL)	17	AT&T Park, San Fransico
2006	Ryan Howard	Phil.	23	PNC Park, Pittsburgh
2005	Bobby Abreu	Phil.	41	Comerica Park, Detroit
2004	Miguel Tejada	Balt.	27	Minute Maid Park, Houston
2003	Garret Anderson	Ana.	22	U.S. Cellular Field, Chicago
2002	Jason Giambi	Yanks	24	Miller Park, Milwaukee
2001	Luis Gonzalez	Ariz.	16	Safeco Field, Seattle
2000	Sammy Sosa	Chi. (NL)	26	Turner Field, Atlanta
1999	Ken Griffey, Jr.	Sea.	16	Fenway Park, Boston
1998	Ken Griffey, Jr.	Sea.	19	Coors Field, Denver
1997	Tino Martinez	Yanks	16	Jacobs Field, Cleveland
1996	Barry Bonds	S.F.	17	Veterans Stadium, Philadelphia
1995	Frank Thomas	Chi. (AL)	15	The Ballpark in Arlington, Texas
1994	Ken Griffey, Jr.	Sea.	7	Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh
1993	Juan González	Texas	7	Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore
1992	Mark McGwire	Oak.	12	Jack Murphy Stadium, San Diego
1991	Cal Ripken, Jr.	Balt.	12	SkyDome, Toronto
1990	Ryne Sandberg	Chi. (NL)	3	Wrigley Field, Chicago
1989	Eric Davis	Cin.	3	Anaheim Stadium, Anaheim
1988	Rained out			Riverfront Stadium, Cincinnati
1987	Andre Dawson	Chi. (NL)	4	Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum Oak.
1986	Darryl Strawberry	Mets	4	Houston Astrodome
	(tie) Wally Joyner	Calif.	4
1985	Dave Parker	Cin.	6	Humphrey Metrodome, Minneapolis

It's Home Run Derby Day!! (And No AROD???)

One of the best aspects of All Star week is the annual Home Run Derby (4 p.m. PT, tonight on ESPN). With the All Star Game being played at Yankee Stadium this year, with that short porch in right field, it could be a great show this year.

Last year's champion, Vladamir Guerrero, won't be participating but there are 8 top stars who will be taking a crack at winning this year's event. Here's a list of those who will be playing this year:

Lance Berkman
Chase Utley
Ryan Braun
Evan Longoria
Dan Uggla
Grady Sizemore
Justin Morneau
Josh Hamilton

This should be a good one. I don't really believe that there is a favorite in this year's event and it should be wide open. The man who should be the favorite is Alex Rodriguez but he has chosen not to play. I'm not sure why he would choose not to participate in this year's event. It is the final season of Yankee Stadium, he's arguably the best player on the Yankees and he would draw a ratings bonanza.

From ESPN:

According to a source with knowledge of the Derby's inner workings, baseball wanted A-Rod to do more than just take a few hacks in this Derby. It wanted him to be the centerpiece of this Derby. And why not? This is his town. Those are his No. 4 train riders hanging out in those bleachers. And this is a historic week in the life of Yankee Stadium -- a ballpark whose very existence stands as a testimonial to the power of the long ball.

A-Rod told The New York Times last month that he didn't want to take part in this Derby because "it sets your swing back about three weeks." But we'd like to know exactly what he bases that on.

Whatever, A-Rod. If it really hurts your swing that much, how come you hit four homers in the first four games after the break when you last played in 2002.This is something you should do for baseball and for the fans. Baseball needs more good stories, rather than bad.

As for my pick: I think it will come down to the Natural Josh Hamilton and Justin Morneau for this year's title with Morneau winning. I have to go with Morneau in the finals but don't be surprised if Sizemore or Braun show up in their place. Thoughts anyone? Let me know your predictions!!!

Look Out World, Here Come Desk Rage

You knew it was bound to happen. It appears that "desk rage" is taking over the American workplace. I don't see it much in the public relations field, but I can say that when I was in retail, you could see the anger in my co-workers.

From Reuters:

Nearly half of U.S. workers in America report yelling and verbal abuse on the job, with roughly a quarter saying it has driven them to tears, research has shown.

Other research showed one-sixth of workers reported anger at work has led to property damage, while a tenth reported physical violence and fear their workplace might not be safe.

Desk rage extends across industry and class lines, from top white-collar jobs to gritty blue-collar work, and companies pay dearly in terms of lost productivity, sagging morale and higher absenteeism.

It's amazing to think how prevalent this is in our society but with tough economic times and societal changes, I guess this is to be expected. What ever happened to road rage! Thoughts?

Underdogs Longoria, Hart Selected to All Star Game by Fans

Fan voting is over and the underdogs have prevailed. It was announced yesterday that Tampa Bay Rays 3B Evan Longoria and Milwaukee Brewers Outfielder Corey Hart have been selected by the fans to play in the 2008 All Star Game at Yankee Stadium next Tuesday.

Longoria beat out Jason Giambi and Jermaine Dye in the American League while Hart was voted over bigger name stars David Wright and Carlos Lee.

From the Associated Press:

Longoria received 9 million votes for the AL spot and was followed by Jermaine Dye of the Chicago White Sox, Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees, Brian Roberts of Baltimore and Jose Guillen of Kansas City.

Hart got 8 million votes and was followed by the New York Mets' David Wright, Philadelphia's Pat Burrell, San Francisco's Aaron Rowand and Houston's Carlos Lee.

Major League Baseball said a record 47.8 million votes were cast, more than double last year's 23.1 million.

As much as I love Corey Hart, I'm very surprised to see David Wright and Carlos Lee left off the roster. Both Wright and Lee are having great seasons and should be included in this year's lineup. It makes it fair to allow a player from every team play, but at the cost of leaving a much better player off the roster, it kind of defeats the purpose of the "All Star" game. Thoughts?

***UPDATE***

Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurdle, also manager of the National League All Star team, has announced that David Wright will replace injured Alfonso Soriano on the team.

Man Dies From Too Much Work

No joke. According to the Associated Press, a 45 year old man in Japan has died from working too many hours.

From the article:

The man who died was aged 45 and had been under severe pressure as the lead engineer in developing a hybrid version of Toyota's blockbuster Camry line, said Mikio Mizuno, the lawyer representing his wife. The man's identity is being withheld at the request of his family, who continue to live in Toyota City where the company is based.

In the two months up to his death, the man averaged more than 80 hours of overtime per month, according to Mizuno.

He regularly worked nights and weekends, was frequently sent abroad and was grappling with shipping a model for the pivotal North American International Auto Show in Detroit when he died of ischemic heart disease in January 2006. The man's daughter found his body at their home the day before he was to leave for the United States.

Talk about no work/life balance!!

Senate Passes Wiretapping Bill: Phone Companies Given Immunity

The New York Times is reporting that the Senate gave final approval today to broaden government spy powers and providing immunity for the phone companies that took part in secret wiretapping.

From the article:

The plan, approved by a vote of 69 to 28, marked one of Mr. Bush’s most hard-won legislative victories in a Democratic-led Congress where he has had little success of late. Both houses, controlled by Democrats, approved what amounted to the biggest restructuring of federal surveillance law in 30 years, giving the government more latitude to eavesdrop on targets abroad and at home who are suspected of links to terrorism.

The surveillance plan, which Mr. Bush is expected to sign into law quickly, was the product of months of negotiations between the White House and Democratic and Republican leaders, earning the grudging support of some leading Democrats.

Interestingly enough, Hillary Clinton voted no on this bill whereas Barack Obama voted yes. John McCain is jumping on this opportunity as he is claiming that Obama is once again flip-flopping on an issue.

I'm still not convinced that wiretapping is a good idea. Yes, I want our nation to be safe from terrorist threats, but doesn't this go just a little too far? Thoughts?

Stripper Claims She Slept With Alex Rodriguez

Well, at least we now know what that huge Yankee contract pays for!!!

Fox News is reporting that Candice Houlihan, a former Boston stripper, has come forward saying that she slept with "A-Rod" twice during a Yankee/Red Sox series in the summer of 2004.

It appears that the two met on the night when Rodriguez was ejected from a game in which he brawled with Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek. Reports say that following the game, the two met up at the Ritz-Carlton hotel, matched shots and then proceeded to his room where they had sex and talked all night.

From the article:

"He introduced himself, asked me who I was, and if I wanted to meet up for drinks later. I was like, 'Hell, yeah!'"

Then she and A-Rod, 32, went back to his suite at the Ritz Carlton hotel and had sex, she says.

Houlihan, a source told the paper, felt guilty when she found out Cynthia Rodriguez, 35, was pregnant with the couple's first child.

"She realized his wife was having a baby, so that put a damper on any thoughts she had," the source said.

But they got together again three months later, according to Houlihan.

This latest allegation comes on the heals of Rodriguez's recent divorce announcement and rumors of an affair with Madonna.

Things just seem to keep getting worse for Rodriguez, but if these allegations prove to be true, he'll have no one to blame but himself.

Warriors to Sign Corey Maggette

Well, just a week after losing Baron Davis to the Los Angeles Clippers, it seems the Golden State Warriors have taken a player back from them in signing Corey Maggette to a five-year contract worth approximately $50 million, according to the Associated Press.

From the article:

The person, speaking on condition of anonymity because the deal can’t be announced until Wednesday at the earliest, confirmed Maggette will leave the Los Angeles Clippers for a lucrative long-term deal with the fast-paced Warriors, who outbid several suitors for the former Duke star.

Maggette, a 6-foot-6 swingman who led Los Angeles in scoring last season, should fit splendidly into Golden State coach Don Nelson’s pell-mell style of play. He averaged 22.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists last season for the moribund Clippers, finishing slightly off his career highs in all three categories.

With Baron Davis' departure, the Warriors had salary cap room available to add a high-scoring player to help fill the void left by Davis and Michael Pietrus, who is expected to sign with the Orlando Magic today. Maggette has been a Clipper since 2000, but he and teammate Elton Brand opted out of the final years of their contracts this week. Brand is expected to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers as early as today.

I think that the signing of Maggette will benefit the Warriors greatly as losing Davis was an enormous blow to the team's offense. Hopefully the Warriors will continue to look for another free agent to fill the final holes which have been made in the offseason. With a lineup of Maggette, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington, the Warriors still have the fire power to contend in the Western Conference, but need another player or two to find themselves in the upper echelon.