Connect with us

'PARTY OF VALUES?'

‘Hypocrisy and Sedition’: Gaetz Slammed for Pushing Drug Testing of Welfare Recipients Amid Allegation He Took Ecstasy

Published

on

One of the many stunning accusations news reports are revealing is that U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) not only paid women for sex, but according to The New York Times, allegedly used the illegal hallucinogenic drug ecstasy to fuel those encounters. On social media some are criticizing and mocking the Florida Republican for massive hypocrisy, given that a decade ago he was strongly promoting legislation to drug test welfare recipients.

In 2011 Gaetz was a Florida state representative making a name for himself – which was not too hard to do given his father was a Florida state senator from 2006-2016. Gaetz was pushing for people who use welfare to be tested for illegal drug use, which Business Insider is also reporting today, despite studies proving those who use welfare are statistically less-likely to use drugs.

For example, in 2014 Tennessee enacted a drug testing law for welfare recipients. In its first month it tested 808 people. One tested positive for drug use.

Gaetz insisted that applying for welfare is voluntary, so it’s only fair he implied, that applicants should be tested for the presence of illegal drugs.

He even said he was “Proud to be a co-sponsor!” of the legislation, which then-Governor Rick Scott, a Republican who is now a U.S. Senator, signed into law.

On social media people are angry and outraged at what they see as hypocrisy:

 

 

Image by Gage Skidmore via Flickr and a CC license

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment
 
 

Enjoy this piece?

… then let us make a small request. The New Civil Rights Movement depends on readers like you to meet our ongoing expenses and continue producing quality progressive journalism. Three Silicon Valley giants consume 70 percent of all online advertising dollars, so we need your help to continue doing what we do.

NCRM is independent. You won’t find mainstream media bias here. From unflinching coverage of religious extremism, to spotlighting efforts to roll back our rights, NCRM continues to speak truth to power. America needs independent voices like NCRM to be sure no one is forgotten.

Every reader contribution, whatever the amount, makes a tremendous difference. Help ensure NCRM remains independent long into the future. Support progressive journalism with a one-time contribution to NCRM, or click here to become a subscriber. Thank you. Click here to donate by check.

Trending

Copyright © 2020 AlterNet Media.