I can't resist chiming in. The vast majority of people who have trouble with alcohol quit on their own, no treatment, no AA. Not everyone can. It is not a matter of willpower. Alcoholism takes many forms and some definitely result from having a system that handles alcohol differently than most folks' systems. People with this form usually need some education and support to quit, once they get started.

When one has found a way out of alcoholism it is easy to think that that way is the only way. I suspect that is what Martin Sheen is thinking. I suspect his long distance diagnosis was flavored by his political view.

I wonder what Martin thinks of children of alcoholics who do not seek treatment for their dysfunctions (e.g. Clinton). I suspect he is not as harsh.

My ex e-mailed me a list of Bushisms and told me he was clearly aphasic due to his drinking. Of course she's from Austin, Texas now and has her own biases.

I suggest we all move on from here. My it still gets a little testy on the 'Cat, especially when politics comes in.

Roger in Baltimore