Re "Martin Sheen Backs 'Ball Bat' to Help Druggies," by George
Skelton, Oct. 16: Martin Sheen may know a thing or two about acting,
and he may know a thing or two about addiction, but he sure doesn't
know anything about the dynamics of a black market. He decries the
possible legalization of drugs by saying this will make them more
available to kids, but every scintilla of evidence we possess
indicates the opposite is true due to the dynamics of the black market.

Let's look at the examples of alcohol, tobacco, firearms and
prescription drugs. All of these items can be purchased legally, but
with tight restrictions on who can buy them and where they can be
sold. Very few black market sources for these items exist when
compared to the virtually unlimited black markets for illegal drugs.
With alcohol we even have the lessons of Prohibition to call on, an
era in which the violent marketing of illegal booze is the stuff of
legends.

So, Mr. Sheen, if you truly want to keep drugs out of the hands of
children, you will begin following the teachings of history and push
for an immediate decriminalization of drug consumption for consenting
adults.

JERRY PARSONS
Long Beach

Bookmark: For Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act items:
http://www.mapinc.org/prop36.htm