SHEEN ON PROP. 36

Re "Fictional President Uses Real Bully Pulpit," Oct. 18: It's no surprise
that actor Martin Sheen can rationalize his opposition to Prop. 36 so
easily. When was the last time an actor was denied employment because of a
felony drug conviction and a couple of years of jail time? You can bet
that's one question that's not on the Hollywood movie star application.

Michael Borens, Altadena

While Sheen's laudable intent is effective treatment for drug users, his
reliance on the prison system to compensate for the combination of personal
weakness and bad parenting that engenders drug abuse (including alcoholism)
is as pathetic as the entire drug war enterprise. I understand that prison
guards and therapists both need jobs, but when state law favors the former,
freedom diminishes even further.

Paul Weingarten, Irvine