OUT-OF-CONTROL POLICY

Regarding "Be Fair, But Boot Rule-Breakers Out Of Subsidized Housing"
(Our Opinion, May 10):

Your editorial highlighted one of the more glaring examples of
out-of- control zero tolerance. The "one-strike you're out" policy of
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that
entire families be evicted from public housing if anyone - even a
guest - uses drugs. The youthful indiscretions of a rebellious
teenager could result in homelessness for an entire family.

According to a survey by Monitoring the Future, roughly half of all
high school seniors have tried an illegal drug at least once.
Exposing 50 percent of low-income families living in public housing
to the dangers of living on the street is not the answer to America's
drug problem.

ROBERT SHARPE

Washington, D.C.