Should Kids be Drug-Tested?

Currently a policy is in consideration in Goshen County regarding drug testing of students in extracurricular activities. The usual cries come forth: it is unjust to treat students as criminals unless they pee in a cup. It is a violation of Fourth Amendment rights. It is cruel to do this to the students least likely to engage in drugs.

But is it? It seems to me that we once again facing the dilemma of what to do when general moral breakdown means abandoning the current rules for either no rules at all, or even harsher, more invasive rules. People don't seem to realize that this drug-testing policy wouldn't be in consideration if drug use wasn't already a problem, both among students involved in extracurricular activities, and those who are not. The problem has to be addressed somehow, and if students are willing to use drugs, the only fair way to go about this is by random drug tests. It seems to be a case of a few miscreants ruining the party for everyone, but there's two things to say to that.

First, it is a matter of solidarity. It is fair and just to treat all students like this because students are isolated beings that happen to congregate at the same place. There are social interactions involved both with students at school and the families outside of school. If we are so lazy about dealing with our neighbors--too afraid of confrontation to speak out against drug use and terrible conditions--then we reap the rewards of our cowardice. It isn't just that the druggies at school ruin it for everyone--everyone ruins it for everyone.

Of course, people will deny that, but gosh, isn't it nice when I can say I can do whatever I want and everyone else can roast in Hell for all I care? People should realize that our lack of involvement with each other is another one of those things that is causing dissolution in our society.

Second, getting irate over drug-testing is an overreaction. Peeing in a cup really isn't any big deal. It can be an annoyance (especially if you have to super-hydrate yourself just manage, and then suffer peeing every 30 minutes for the next few hours), but that's all it is. I think there's a definite problem when a student says that random drug testing would make him reconsider joining sports. Is this a matter of too much pride, or this a matter of hiding drug use?

Amazing how that wouldn't even be a consideration if we were more responsible as a society about drug abuse.