Editor, The Herald:

I strongly disagree with your editorial of Feb. 17, 2012 regarding drug testing for welfare recipients. I agree with your assertion that urine testing is a search. You cite the Fourth Amendment of our Constitution and the intent of the Founding Fathers to justify your objection to drug screening before one may receive welfare.

Perhaps, the issue is semantics. Many of us consider terms such as “welfare”, “program”, and “free clinic” synonymous with taxpayer's money. As my father said many times, “when you get somethin' for nothin', some one else gets nothin' for somethin'.” Welfare is a privilege, not a right. A safety net to provide temporary assistance and relief is acceptable, but to hand out taxpayer funds unconditionally to drug abusers is irresponsible.

The Founding Fathers were much better stewards of the people's money than present day elected officials and bureaucrats. Recently, banks, automobile manufacturers, and insurance companies were bailed out with billions of taxpayer dollars. Many of there executives subsequently received hefty bonuses; that was also irresponsible. Receiving government funds must require accountability, whether it's for food and shelter, to prop up a failing bank, or build a highway.

Charles T. Sowers, Jr.

Farmville