ZERO TOLERANCE NOT THE ANSWER

Your March 28 editorial on the "one-strike, you're out" policy of the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development was right on target. The zero
tolerance law 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 the latest "Monitoring the
Future" survey (an ongoing University of Michigan youth-research program
funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse), over half of all high
school seniors have tried an illegal drug at least once. 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 teenagers 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), President 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 marijuana are inconsequential compared to the long-term effects
of criminal records.

Zero tolerance does more harm than good.

ROBERT SHARPE Washington, D.C. Editor's note: The writer is a program
officer with Drug Policy Alliance, a Washington-based organization working
to broaden public debate on drug policy.