Posted by HenryVIII (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 4:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

So...we're suppose to ask our kids to pee in a cup?... That's both creepy and nasty!

It’s pretty bad when gets to the point a urine test is warranted. These are the type of parents who wouldn’t even know how to handle it if the results come back positive. Parent says, “The test results confirm you have been doing drugs, Billy.” “Whatever, whatever! It’s my hot body, I do what I want!”, replies Billy. Suspicion confirmed, but nothing is resolved. Thanks, First Check home drug test!
'enry

Posted by FarmRaised (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 4:49 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by HenryVIII (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 4:59 p.m.

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)

Posted by threecs (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 5:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Not My Kid offers the first test free to communities who will arrange an event such as this. Then if the parents choose to buy more kits, they pay the $40.

Its sad to see so much stereotyping of what kind of family might have kids who use. It proves again that there is a huge generational and socio-economic communication gap in our country. Great parents with straight A students are just as likely to be dealing with abuse and addiction (whether or not they know it yet). If parents can know for sure what is happening with a quick and easy drug screen in the privacy of their home, they can better prepare themselves for any action - if necessary. If the result is clear, they can relax just a little and celebrate their hard work!

Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 7:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

First thought Was "Youv'e got to be kidding me!"

But after thinking about it I became really mad.
Mad because this event is being held in a public school building paid for by my tax dollars. Hosted by EDA, also funded with public tax dollars. And no matter what anyone says, there will be tax payer expense involved in this pizza party.
I really don't like the idea of my tax dollars being used to turn lousy parents into jr. narco cops.
I guess it really does "TAKE A VILLAGE, ARMED WITH PISS-CUPS TO RAISE A CHILD "

Posted by HenryVIII (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 7:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

What gives? Why did my comment get removed? Not only did I defend "T-Dub" against FarmRaised's malicious comment, but I also made a hilarious joke. I guess good-intentioned, humorous posts are frowned upon here...
'enry

Posted by oh4theluvof (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey, I'm just happy to see some evidence of the funds we raise every year for EDA actually being used for some form of actual drug awareness.

Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on October 26, 2009 at 8:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Just a thought oh4theluvof:

How would you feel if the initials of Emporian's for Drug Awarness were instead Emporian's for Sexual Awarness?
Talking to your kids, listening to your kids, preaching to your kids, but most of all, making sure your kids are AWARE that you love and respect them no matter what. That's the parents job. Anyone considering this solution to drug awareness is a great idea consider this;

What would YOU have thought if YOUR parents gave YOU a piss test when YOU were growing up?
Awarness is one thing, this is just wrong.

Posted by oh4theluvof (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 12:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Don't get me wrong, Steve. I didn't say I thought it was a great idea.....I just thought it was about time we see some drug awareness from the organization by that name. I believe the value in this is in this sentence: "Parents also will learn drug slang, paraphernalia, terminology and related information."
I would like to see pamphlets that were printed with EDA funds being handed out all over town every month and updated frequently with what to watch for in your home, school and neighborhood to be aware of drugs. That is what I would consider a great idea. This test is what I would consider a last resort, but you better believe that if I had one child placing my other children in any danger, my love would be tough....unconditional, but tough.
What would I have thought of it? Down deep, if I was compromising the safety of my parents and siblings, I would have known that I deserved it and any consequences following a positive result. I would have known that my parents did it in desperation because I had backed them into a corner. Then again, I was raised with an unflinchingly, absolute moral structure and an unconditional love that could be tough when it was warranted.

Posted by ratdog (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 1:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Seriously?! If you need a pi@@ test to know how screwed up your kid is, you've been living in a dream world.

This is complete crap! EDA is advocating invadaing the privacy of a majority of GOOD KIDS. Parents. You know in your gut whether your kid is screwed up or not. If your gut feeling tells you that your kid is doing drugs, then by all means, test them and get it under control.

If you are a parent that continually watches and revels in your kid's achievments and endeavors, simply tell them how proud of them you are. (Try not to tear up when you tell them. But if you do, it actually will mean a little more to them later on....)

These people want to focus on the kids that go astray. There are so many others that are SO uplifting! My kids make me proud each and every single day. They may or may not have done anything "bad" during high school, but they are on their way to becoming awesome adults! I consider them my best friends in the World.

I found that kids thrive on trust. Yeah. They're going to rebel and have bad attitudes and all the other stuff teenagers experience. But they want to be trusted. When they break that trust, they have to be disciplined harshly and immediately. That's what teaches them the value of trust.

If in today's world, my kid gets in trouble and I immediately subject them to a drug test. The bond of trust is broken. Nothing is ever the same after that.

Having a PIZZA PARTY to celebrate home drug testing is NOT RIGHT! Drug testing is a LAST RESORT, NOT good parenting. We should not celebrate the advent of "EASY" home testing for drug use.

The people that think this is a good idea are frankly "STUPID"! Don't let yourself get caught up in the political correctness. Trust your gut feeling and be a parent accordingly. Make your kids a success story! Love them and trust them from day one. It will make all the difference and you'll never have to worry about buying a drug testing kit.

Posted by jmb232 (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 3:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The sad part about this is....is that you can't really tell in the beginning stages of drug use. The kids whether they are "wild" or are the "A" students will sometimes get involved with drugs. For those that say "not my kid" you might have a surprise coming. I don't condone wholesale drug testing for every one something has to be done because the kid sure is not going to tell you he/she is using drugs. Alot of it is peer pressure. As long as society thinks it is cool and glamourous to do drugs and as long as we tolerate it, it will happen. I have seen many lives ruined because of drugs. jb

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 6:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Emporians for Drug Awareness should get a real job with a real income and quit living off the public trough.

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 6:11 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Big Brother is one step closer.....a little further down that slippery slope. One of these days we will fall into the abyss of no personal privacy or freedoms left....and then we will all set around and cry about where we went wrong.

Posted by UsayULoveGod (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 7:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The truth is , there is a drug problem in Emporia and she is trying to help find a solution.(Mrs. Walters) For the people who always complain , what are you doing ? She is trying to say if you suspect something , have them take the test and then try to get them some help !

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's always the argument...."It's for the greater public good." Years ago I read somewhere that the biggest difference between European culture and the great cultures that preceded was its emphasis on private rights taking precedent over the greater public good. The concept of free speech is an example. We have the right to make outrageous statements....even if they have the potential to cause harm by doing so.

In comparison....China and many other cultures, emphasize the good of the many over the rights of the few. We seem to be rushing headlong to join these totalitarian states in destroying personal privacy and freedom to protect the greater public good. The danger however arises in who decides what is the greater public good.

Posted by iamRIGHTwingyouareWRONG (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 10:18 a.m.

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Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 11:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Everyone take a look at the "first check " website to see who is included as its senior directors. Seems several served at an earlier company that was bought out by Johnson & Johnson.
Anything to do with the robert woods foundation that brought all that anti-smoking ad revenue to Emporia this year? Quid pro quo? Even if there isn't any connection, this program is a great idea for the bottom line of the company.

Give away 1 test kit, (which probably costs less than $1.00 to manufacture and market), in order to sell more at 40.00 ea.
Paranoid? NO.
Interesting? YES

Posted by sadinemporia (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 11:56 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What happened to parents parenting in their own home? First of all, the parents who are suspcious of their childs possible drug use are probably thinking of the times when they were growing up...smoking a left handed cigarette or two...during lunch break at school, or after school with their friends...because it was just plain ol' fun. Indeed times have changed and history has proven to repeat itself.

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 12:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

oh4theluvof......The reason we don't see the pamphlet you described being distributed is because there is no money in it for the drug companies. Selling test kits to worried parents at forty dollars a crack however is a whole different story. Like many other things, concern and compassion in this instance is money driven.

Posted by sociallyconsious (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 1:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Many of the comments posted keep refering to lousy parents or parenting skills. Good parents have kids who get into trouble sometimes. My kids were good kids and we were very involved in their lives. One of them went to a friends house and the police came. The police found alcohol and drugs. Since our daughter was underage we were called. When we picked our child up we had them drug tested.
To me this is good parenting. It enabled us to find out if we were being lied to, as well as if they were positive for substances, to watch for side effects.

I stand by my decision to drug test and would do it again. Parents who believe their child will be honest with them, and never try something dangerous or illegal because they are a Good Kid has their head in the sand.

Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 2:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)

biscuitboy,

Once again you have NAILED IT!

Sociallyconsious,

Would you have tested your daughter for drug use BEFORE the police called you?

Why were the police called, a loud party perhaps?

It sounds as if you had a reason to test your child for drug use .Your daughter broke the trust with you by being at a house where drugs and alcohol were available for use by minors.

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Who needs BIG BROTHER when you have IGNORANT MOTHER?

Posted by oh4theluvof (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 3:22 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I guess I was assuming that no parent would be unreasonable enough to take this measure unless there was a lot of strong evidence that needed confirmation so firmer measures could be taken...like rehab. Maybe I shouldn't assume that. Several of you sound like you think the parents who are getting these are using them in place of the many other steps of parenting and perhaps you are right. I hope that's not the case, but it may well be.
The thoughts posted here indicating two extreme positions concerns me. On one hand, some of you seem to be saying that you should never doubt your children's word or actions no matter what and on the other hand, some of you seem to be saying that you need to distrust your children because you were distrustful. Both are incredibly dangerous stances. We need to find that middle line and realize that there are times when each of our children lie to us but also realize that those are teaching opportunities more than they are panic opportunities. In fact, there should never be a panic acted on.....our conduct with our kids should always be calm, firm, loving and rational. In the line of rational responses to our children's behavior, drug testing is near the far end of the list of things that a parent can do. If it is used before the many other steps, it is irrational and harmful.

biscuitboy:
I have no doubt whatsoever that you are correct in your assesment as to why these tests are being offered when we don't have forms of readily available public info circulating en masse beforehand. Still, at least this action by this organization has something to do with it's titled purpose.......even if prompted by large corporations for the purpose of exploitation.
BTW, my very first post on here was cast in a sarcastic tone for those who missed that in the type :-)

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 3:39 p.m. (Suggest removal)

If you suspected that your child had a fractured leg, would you pull out the home first aid kit and fix it yourself?

If you suspect your child is involved in the use of a controlled drug substance, they probably are. Seek professional help and leave the home test kit on the shelf at the store.

Posted by hottopics (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 4:35 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I think its a great idea and I have seen such tests at Medicine Shoppe.

Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 4:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I don't know if I agree with this or not, BUT, at least it it letting the parents do something instead of the gov, ie handing out free condoms and birthcontrol pills to minors with out the parents consent.

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 5:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In order to be sure the urine that you are testing belongs to the teen that you suspect is using drugs, you must observe the flow of urine from the anatomy into the bottle. But then again, adults have been arrested for forcing minors to urinate while the adult watches. You could just trust the drug user to go into the toilet and bring you a sample of their little sisters drug free pee.

Of course, your drug addicted child already hates you, so continuing to do things like forcing them to submit to drug testing can't hurt the relationship much more.

Posted by goodoleboy (anonymous) on October 27, 2009 at 7:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I would say random testing of your child is not really warranted. But if there are signs, or your kid comes home alte and you suspect strongly that he/she has been engaging in illegal activities then I don't see anything wrong with having one of these tests held back for a rainy day. What is the saying? An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure?

Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

According to the Gazette, fewer than 30 people attended.

Hope there was plenty of pizza?

Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Steve Sauder's Wed. Words of Wisdom today sing the praises of EDA.

"Emporians for Drug Awareness is the small army marching to the same beat for the last two decades; delivering the same old, but important message over and over and over and often being ridiculed by people who don’t understand or won’t listen.

Talk about your unsung heroes! EDA is a blessing to this community and Emporia will long be indebted to them for their hard work."

He's right about the indebted part, as long as they are funded by tax dollars.

2 decades of funding, has the drug problem gotten better?
Not to hear EDA talk.

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 8:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Where's all the outcry about wasteful government spending here, huh Steve?

Posted by oh4theluvof (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

".......delivering the same old, but important message over and over and over and often being ridiculed by people who don’t understand or won’t listen."

I've been listening......all I hear is a whisper that I can't make out. The only time it's loud and clear is when it wants money that I never see the results of....well, not in relation to it's alleged cause, anyway.

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

It is not in the cat’s long term interest to eradicate mice.

Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 10:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Bad KITTY!

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 11:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And this cat got fleas.....including all the attorneys, drug counselors, law enforcement agencies and their suppliers who have a vested interest in keeping the war alive.

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 2:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The drug enforcement industrial complex has no need to fear of the war ending. Alcohol is legal and socially accepted; tobacco is legal and available on the free market; firearms are not only legal, but they are also a constitutional right, yet the ATF is still funded with the taxpayer’s coin.

Posted by oh4theluvof (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 3:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This year, for red Ribbon Week, the individual class in each school that raises the most COINS and BILLS in the week's "Penny" War, will receive the "key to prevention!" The key is, "Drug Free is the Key." (so being drug free is the key to prevention of doing drugs???) With redundant slogans like this, who needs a merry-go-round.......and why is it called a penny war when they obviously don't care about pennies? Isn't that lying? Maybe lies are okay when they are "drug-free" ones....I guess if the lies and redundant slogans are just to a bunch of dumb little kids, it's okay?????

Oh, and the only itemization of the expenditure of funds is a co-sponsored event called K.I.S.S. (Keep It Safe Summer) which teaches parents and children "how to actively participate in safe and healthy summer activities." (so like, common sense?) Last year, $2500.00 was raised in the RRW "Penny" War. (Does it really take more than $2500 to teach common sense???? Remember, that was just EDA's contribution to the co-sponsored event. I'm pretty sure create and I offered more prevention info than I've ever seen from EDA in our conversation here:http://www.emporiagazette.com/news/2009/oct/09/new_meth_recipe_lands_men_prison/ )

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on October 28, 2009 at 6:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

"If people let government decide which foods they eat and medicines they take, their bodies will soon be in as sorry a state as are the souls of those who live under tyranny." -Thomas Jefferson

Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on October 29, 2009 at 6:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MANY YEARS AGO, city after city across our great country discovered the DARE programs they were funding showed no statistical effect in lowering drug use among young people. They did the right thing and quit funding the program.

EMPORIA ON THE OTHER HAND, just changed the program name to EDA and keeps on trying.

Posted by nothing_but_angels (anonymous) on November 1, 2009 at 7:38 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think this is a good idea. Its not saying that you are a bad parent or a good parent it is just raising the parents awereness of the signs to look for. I support this program has anyone noticed the drug problem that Emporia has. Everytime you turn around the cops are being called. Come on people just in the past 6 monthsn we have had 2 murders here and alcohol or drugs we involved. We really need to learn more about the signs of all of these. I think the public needs to take a closer look at the drug war we have going on here. It may not be your kid but somewhere there will be someone that you know that there kid will be using and you could help that parent just for know a little more about the digns that are involved.

Posted by miss_thang (anonymous) on November 1, 2009 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I am shocked by all the negative responces..nobody said you have to agree with it but look at the way things are now.No matter how well you raise your kids, drugs are out there for them. Although i didnt go to that event, when my kid was hanging out with some kids that were "not real good" i tested him.He was not upset.I explained to him why i was uneasy and he understood. The test proved him to me that my kid does make good choices when im not around. Gave me peace of mind and let me know that i can trust him,which he appreciates alot more now. Also let me know that all the hard work and all the words i have spoken are truely paying off as he gets older. So to each their own opinon and beliefs, but sometimes having peace of mind with your kids is not such a bad thing.They will never come to you and tell you that they are using so as a parent its your job to make sure that they arent.

Posted by Steve_Corbin (anonymous) on November 1, 2009 at 12:21 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The last two posts brought to you by EDA!

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on November 1, 2009 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Bought and paid for!

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on November 1, 2009 at 4:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

In the military, if they test positive for drugs, they are processed for an Other than Honorable Discharge and sent back home to mama. What is mama going to do when they fail the test? EDA going to provide mama with the phone number of a PIMP that needs more prostitutes?

Posted by seriouslyfolks (anonymous) on November 1, 2009 at 4:51 p.m. (Suggest removal)

People don't like to be told that doing certain things is not smart.

Posted by miss_thang (anonymous) on November 1, 2009 at 10:03 p.m. (Suggest removal)

WOW! what a bunch of idiots! I have nothing to do with the EDA nor would i ever care to be. Just a mother trying to stay on top of anything that might arise with my teenage son before it turns into a problem!! I am glad i had him take the test. Now i dont worry so much. I now have peace of mind knowing that my son is clean instead of living in denial about how bad the drug problems are in this town..if you dont think they are so bad than maybe you need to visit the high school,middle school,and the 5th and 6th grade buildings. I bet you would be surprised of all thekids that would come up dirty if tested!! But you know what..ITS NOT GONNA BE MINE!!!!!!

Posted by biscuitboy (anonymous) on November 2, 2009 at 5:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I truly hope it is not yours miss_thang.....but if that remains true it ultimately will be because of decisions he made...not because of your testing.....and certainly not because of anything the EDA did.

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on November 2, 2009 at 9:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

miss_thang, Do you have any idea how many Americans are ineligible for a security clearance because of what their parents did to them as a child? Idiots indeed.

Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on November 2, 2009 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)

miss__thang
I agree here with bisquitboy (hopefully the world won't come to an end tomorrow) but it will ultimately be your childs choice.
Having said that, I also agree with you. I really don't have a problem with a parent having the guts to do what you are doing. If it's okay for the schools or county health to hand out condoms or birth control devices to our children without us knowing about it, then what you are doing is okay by me. At least you care enough to want to know. And if little Johnny or little Sally don't like it what the hell. Tough love.
YY4U
Are you implying that miss__thang's efforts could result in her child not getting a security clearance and if so how?

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on November 2, 2009 at 10:20 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Little Johnny goes to a Halloween Party. At the party someone slips a little pill into little Johnny’s root beer. Mommy gives little Johnny a home drug test and little Johnny tests positive for amphetamines. Mommy is scared and takes little Johnny to get professional help. From that moment forward, little Johnny’s “Drug Problem” is documented and recorded for ever. Little Johnny grows up and gets a job that requires a security clearance. Little Johnny answers the questioner for the clearance and come to the one that asks: Have you ever used drugs? Johnny says NO. Have you ever been to a physiatrist? Johnny says NO. Have you ever been enrolled in a drug treatment program? Johnny says NO. The investigator discovers Johnny’s drug treatment and denies the clearance because Johnny is a liar. Or Little Johnny answers the questions YES in which case they don’t even spend the money investigating Johnnies background and denies the clearance outright because Johnny has a documented history of drug use and psychological treatment.

Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on November 2, 2009 at 10:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OK
Then should ma or pa not care what happened to their child and just let it slide?
Say they send Little Johnny to school the next day and he gets random drug tested. Would not the results then be the same?
Explain to me ( I'm hard headed) what you think would be the right course of action.

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on November 2, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree! If you cannot trust your child, why should we?

Posted by tbluma (anonymous) on November 2, 2009 at 12:09 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I give up you lost me.

Posted by YY4U (anonymous) on November 2, 2009 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

sorry tbluma, I lost myself too :-) If Johnny's parents use a drug test kit on him, they probably suspect he is a doper. Johnny's story about someone spiking his pop is BS. A good kid would have seen the dopers and just leave the party because good kids don't associate with dopers cause they are nothing but trouble. Johnny's parents cannot trust him and neither can we cause Johnny is a doper who is well on his way to living his life in his mamas basement. And he won't get caught on a random drug test at school because he quit going to school long ago.