Pubdate: Thu, 26 Apr 2007
Source: Maui News, The (HI)
Copyright: 2007 The Maui News
Contact:  http://www.mauinews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2259
Author: Bob Underwood

RANDOM DRUG-TESTING AN INVASION OF PRIVACY

In her current contract offer to the public school teachers of 
Hawaii, Gov. Linda Lingle is requiring that all public school 
teachers submit to random drug testing in exchange for a pay increase.

First of all, there is no epidemic of public school teachers using or 
selling illegal drugs. Period. The thought of any state worker 
interacting with children while under the influence of drugs or 
alcohol is abhorrent to any sane person.

If we assume that there is a small fraction of all state workers 
using or promoting the sale of illegal drugs, then why is Gov. Lingle 
singling out Hawaii's public school teachers for mandatory random drug testing?

If the public school teachers of Hawaii ratify the contract as it 
stands, they will gain a temporary monetary reward and in return will 
give up a priceless commodity, their Fourth Amendment, Bill of Rights 
constitutional protection from unreasonable search and seizure.

Gov. Lingle's contract offer to the public school teachers of Hawaii 
is typical of the Bush/Rove style of conservative Republican politics 
that she endorses. If she really cared about weeding out drug users 
from state jobs, she could easily do so with the processes currently 
in place, but since the media loves scandal, Gov. Lingle is using 
this teacher contract to force teachers to wear the scarlet "D."

Teachers, wake up, don't ratify.

Bob Underwood

Kaunakakai
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MAP posted-by: Elaine