THERE'S NO PLACE FOR ILLEGAL DRUGS IN PUBLIC HOUSING

That's the policy of the High Point Housing Authority and similar agencies
across the country. It was upheld by a unanimous decision of the U.S.
Supreme Court Tuesday.

Most public housing residents are hard-working and law-abiding. They
deserve to live in a safe, wholesome environment.

Those who spoil that environment by their behavior should be ousted. Drug
activity leads to violence and community degradation. If it is tolerated to
any extent, it can ruin the quality of life for families, the elderly and
other decent people.

Many private landlords take the same approach. They don't want tenants who
use or deal illegal drugs. That kind of activity devalues property and
drags down neighborhoods.

Residents of private or public properties where these rules apply should be
warned before they move in that drug violations or other criminal behavior
will get them thrown out. Then, those policies should be enforced without
exception.

The argument before the Supreme Court in a case from California, that such
rules are unconstitutional, couldn't convince a single justice, liberal or
conservative. There is a clear public interest served by making sure there
is no place for illegal drugs in public housing.