[1redshirt]

My discussion with my Libertarian friend was that I felt that drug testing by companies was wrong because it violated my rights. My friend told me that my "rights" ended at the doorway of the business. I'm sorry BUT I don't buy that for a minute. So that is why I guess I'm not a Libertarian. Old time Democrats like myself do not believe that just because a company hires a person that that person gives up their rights at the door. Granted there are exceptions ... like the freedom of speech where an employee can't devulge company secrets or dressing properly for work but that is like yelling fire in a crowded theater. There are somethings that are appropriate and some things that are not appropriate for an employee to "lean" on a persons rights. Drug testing is not one of them ... (except maybe a school bus driver). IMHO.

[Protagoras]

The question you pose is really a little more fundamental than the way it seems on the surface.

Lets look at it. You agree that two parties to a business arrangement can make a contract. They can agree on conditions of employment. For example, what to wear, etc.

But they cannot agree on other conditions. Like drug use and verification of the terms of the agreement. On those items, you seem to say that they are not allowed to come to agreement, that somehow the use of force by a third party, in this case government, will be invoked to make sure that one party does not insist on terms which the other party finds objectionable.

In a society where free association is valued, and no one is forced to make an agreement they find objectionable, neither side is forced to make the deal. Either side may decide not to be involved.

People who are libertarians do not believe in the use of force to get what they desire. The issue is one of free association minus force.

[carenot]

My discussion with my Libertarian friend was that I felt that drug testing by companies was wrong because it violated my rights. My friend told me that my "rights" ended at the doorway of the business. I'm sorry BUT I don't buy that for a minute.

I am a libertarian, if I own a business and I don't like your haircut or your girlfriend, I should not be forced to give you a job. I should be able to hire or fire whom I want. If I don't want you to smoke or drink off the job in your own home, I should be able to fire you.

If I require you to smoke at least one cigarette in front of me, and won't, then I can fire you. I don't like like you, you are fired. It is my company, why should Government force me to pay you?

You are too old/young? I should not be forced to do anything I don't want to with my business. It is mine.

'Corse I can just shut down, and go to another country.