Pubdate: Fri, 12 Apr 2002
Source: Charleston Daily Mail (WV)
Copyright: 2002 Charleston Daily Mail
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/76
Author: Chris Hagglund

PUBLIC HOUSING POLICY ON DRUGS HURTS KIDS

Reporter Kris Wise's April 4 article, "Officials laud drug use policy," 
closes by quoting Charleston Housing Authority Acting Director Mark Taylor:

"I think our tenants support it because they are just as concerned with the 
safety of the housing. Especially in our family developments, tenants are 
trying to keep children away from these kinds of things and away from drugs."

Any educated tenant would not support this ridiculous policy of no-fault 
eviction. The very children who are supposedly being protected by these 
policies are the victims in the end.

Pointless and punitive drug policies create a youth-oriented black market 
for the ever-popular marijuana.

When the kids who live in public housing get caught smoking a joint, their 
entire family gets evicted. This is the last hope for a home for many of 
these people. Turning them out on the street for a crime they didn't even 
commit is completely absurd.

This policy does not protect the children or anyone living in public 
housing, and in fact it only serves to undermine American constitutional 
values.

Chris Hagglund

Toronto, Canada
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens