I would like to comment on the letter (March 31) from Heather Dickinson from Norridgewock, “Welfare for People Who Need Help, Not Just Lazy.”

Some states, including Kentucky, Oregon, Texas and New Hampshire, are trying to pass bills that would require welfare recipients to have drug tests before they get their food stamps.

I can imagine the chaos this will cause. It’s not meant to promote drug rehabilitation. The reality is, people who use drugs most likely don’t make the best choices with their money. It would be best, for all concerned, if food stamps were used only for nourishing food to feed families. This would be in an ideal world, of course.

I have never been on food stamps, by God’s grace. I spent 25 years in the Air Force, which has ensured I will not be.

This brings me to my second subject. Dickinson mentioned the 18- to 20-year-olds on welfare. I suggest teens out of high school spend one or two years in the military. It’s mandatory for men and women in most other countries in the world. I think our country would be a lot better off if this were to happen, for lots of reasons.

Now to my last point. Our men and women are dying in droves in Iraq, Afghanistan, etc., to support what? (Some) people being given a free ride?

We still have to protect this country. I suggest that people who are younger than 29 and can work, but can’t find a job, join the military service. I can vouch for the Air Force; it rocks.

Please help keep America “The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave!”

Deborah Phair

Farmingdale