"There is the possibility that we will be perceived as discriminatory," Ruth Lavin, State College Borough Council member, on the proposed fair housing ordinance.

In my estimation, the problem is not the landlords. Almost all of mine have treated me fairly, even without a housing ordinance. The problem is the borough council: Beyond the tightly drawn curtains of their chambers, they envision a world that even Norman Rockwell or Bill Cosby might snicker at as improbable. But they are determined to create it. Rulers gleam as the yard-police measure my grass, or the snow on my walk. Ever-prepared are they to write that ticket, should my vehicle cast an unpleasant shadow on a neighbor's lawn. And so on. We have all, perhaps, experienced their vigilance.

Reformers, be aware. There comes a time to fight; there also comes a time to accept that you are outnumbered, and that you really can't win. Let the yard-waxing borough council go on waxing its dream. There also comes a time to graduate, to move on, and to turn your noble energies to more viable causes. May you be long gone from here before your mortar board hits the ground.