PHA SHOULD RETHINK ZERO-TOLERANCE DRUG POLICY

I hope the Peoria Housing Authority considers the down side of the
controversial "one-strike, you're out" policy of the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development before actually applying it.

The zero-tolerance measure requires that entire families be evicted from
public housing if anyone, even a guest, uses drugs. The youthful
indiscretions of a rebellious teen-ager could result in homelessness for an
entire family.

According to the Monitoring the Future Survey, over half of all high school
seniors have tried an illegal drug. Exposing 50 percent of all families
living in public housing to the dangers of living on the street is not the
answer to America's drug problem. Most teen-agers outgrow their youthful
indiscretions involving drugs. An arrest and criminal record, on the other
hand, can be life-shattering.

After admitting to smoking pot (but not inhaling), former President Bill
Clinton opened himself up to "soft on drugs" criticism. And thousands of
Americans have paid the price in the form of shattered lives. More
Americans went to prison or jail during the Clinton administration than
during any past administration. As an admitted former drinker and alleged
illicit drug user, President George W. Bush is also politically vulnerable
when it comes to drugs.

While youthful indiscretions didn't stop Clinton or Bush from assuming
leadership positions, an arrest surely would have. The short-term health
effects of politically incorrect drugs like marijuana are inconsequential
compared to the long-term effects of criminal records. Drug abuse is bad,
but the zero-tolerance drug war is worse.

Robert Sharpe

Drug Policy Alliance

Washington, D.C.