MIX 'ZERO TOLERANCE' RULE WITH COMPASSION

The U.S. Supreme Court made a tough, but correct decision Tuesday when it
ruled that government agencies can use aggressive eviction practices to get
rid of drug users in public housing. The government has to be able to
control criminal activity in public housing. However, as with any other
"zero tolerance" policy, that power must be tempered with a healthy dose of
compassion and common sense.

Without dissent, justices upheld policies that allow entire families to be
evicted, even if only one family member is using drugs. Those policies were
passed to comply with a 1988 "one strike" law passed amid complaints of
crime in public housing.

Justices ruled the government can control tenants' activities in the
interest of providing safe, drug-free housing for everyone else.

This ruling makes sense for a number of reasons. Where drugs are, crime
tends to follow, even if some family members are unaware of a loved one's
drug use. The government does have an overriding interest in ensuring the
safety of tenants in housing it operates.

That being said, the government should be careful not to abuse this new
power. No one wants to see innocent elderly people put out on the street
with nowhere to go, for instance. Those who operate public housing should
not allow the broader power to become so draconian it punishes people
without considering the circumstances of each case.

"Zero tolerance" policies like the one approved by the Court are powerful
tools for fighting crime. But justice delivered without common sense and
compassion is no justice at all.