Pubdate: Wed, 17 May 2006
Source: Tampa Tribune (FL)
Copyright: 2006 The Tribune Co.
Contact: http://www.tbo.com/news/opinion/submissionform.html
Website: http://www.tampatrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/446
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n613/a01.html
Author: Robert Sharpe

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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman