Drug testing for entitlement programs is a good thing

Leave it to Texas Gov. Rick Perry to get people talking, and certain in some circles, blood boiling.

The soon-to-be former three-term chief executive – Perry recently announced he would not seek a fourth term – signed into law a new directive that would require recipients of his state’s unemployment to pass drug tests.

But much like in 2010 when Arizona passed more strict laws requiring carrying identification in an attempt to fight illegal immigration at the state level, federal laws will likely and eventually rule the day, surely spawning court battles.

Federal law does not yet allow states...