Tag: Government Assistance.

  • Editorial Cartoon: Welfare Drug Test

    Editorial Cartoon: Welfare Drug Testing Today’s editorial cartoon is inspired by the noise coming out around some states and even the federal government trying to put laws in place that would require anyone requesting government assistance first pass a drug test. (source).   I don’t believe those who don’t pass shouldn’t get benefits but rather have 90 days to enroll in a drug treatment program and then pass the test at completion and be subject to additional screenings. Yet, people are up in arms saying it violates the Fourth Amendment against unnecessary search and seizure.  The ACLU has been successful in halting Florida’s program using this same argument.  Personally I think the war on drugs is a complete failure, however much like my cartoon implies if I wanted to be hired by the government or a business I would have to be subjected to random drug testing.  In face, just yesterday I heard about a hospital that no longer will hire anyone that smokes or has even been using a smoking cessation treatment in the last 90 days.  And they plan to do hair tests.  Why are my rights as an employee somehow less than someone seeking government assistance? In response to the judge’s ruling in Florida the ACLU put out a statement saying in part: “Last month in federal court in Orlando, the Governor’s attorneys pushed the startling proposition that some Floridians – namely poor families asking for temporary government assistance – were not protected by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution. Judge Scriven rightfully tossed out that notion and the arguments made to support it. “Governor Scott is sadly confused about conservative principles.  No true conservative would defend a program that allows government to conduct intrusive, privacy-violating searches on people who are not suspected of any wrongdoing, but who are simply applicants for government services.

    If  we put up TSA intrusive searches when flying in the name of safety, why aren’t we OK with someone having to pee in a cup to get some money?

  • Editorial Cartoon: Occupy Need Jobs Now

    Editorial Cartoon Occupy Wall Street by Bearman Cartoons

    So I am sure this editorial cartoon may ruffle some feathers.  If you are new here first let me explain and also remember I was the guy that was praised for my last cartoon.

    There were two situations in the last few weeks that prompted this.

    The first was someone I was talking to who refused to continue looking for a job.  She said that she earns just as much money on government assitance as she does with the jobs she had been offered (even though several included benefits and a path to making more money)

    The second I actually feel for.  His company closed and has been looking for months.  He had his mind set on getting the same salary he was earning before and has passed up several opportunities because it meant a significant drop in what his salary was.  The problem is he is so loyal to the companies he works for that he knows he isn’t the type to keep looking once he lands somewhere.   So instead of taking a job again that he could earn some money, he keeps holding out and making none.

    Times are tough and I know many people are hurting because of lack of jobs.  I am very grateful for everything I have.  But I have told my wife, I am not above going back to cleaning toilets (my very first job) if it meant adding even the slightest to the household.  My dad worked a full time job and several part time jobs.  We didn’t eat dinner most nights until 8PM when he came home.

    Want a job in an industry you prefer.  One suggestion.  Volunteer.  Volunteer for a trade organization or even a company you are interested in just to learn, get new marketable skills, and get connections.  When they see your value, they will come after you.   If I didn’t volunteer at various times in my life I would not have the job I have or have even met my wife.

    So am I off on this one?  C’mon don’t hold punches.

    UPDATE

    Forgot to add this gem of fan art I got from Tony at Mental Pills.  It is his rat character Cedric trying to bring down the man wearing my I am the 1% design.  Why he put Cedric  in a baby onesie, I am not sure..haha

    Tony McGurk Cedric Rat Fan Art 1 percent