DOUBLE STANDARD ON DRUGS?

The Times-Picayune vividly illustrated a tragedy, and an irony, of our time.

A front-page story confirmed the nation's belief in "one strike, you're
out": The Supreme Court OK'd evicting public housing tenants for any
illegal use of drugs ("Public housing drug use stands," March 27). A
standard has been set.

Then on the front page of the Sports section (same edition) we learn that
the Saints are paying a $28 million contract to a player guilty of illegal
drug use ("New Saint in court for bankruptcy"). A March new hire missed 18
months of NFL football the past two seasons because of drug suspensions.

Apparently big business gets to play by a different set of standards.

The tragedy is that we think only the poor need a moral compass. The irony
is that so many youth attempt to emulate big business, pro football teams
and players. Is it any wonder our children are confused?

Russell Bonifay

New Orleans