It used to be possible to involuntarily commit them to treatment until 1980. Because that power was too often abused, and because it was expensive, we abolished it. Today, trying to reinstate that would be very nearly impossible. However, there does have to be some accountability back to the people who live and work with the people in need of treatment. We're going to have to settle for a combination of limited involuntary commitment with the increased responsibility of those professionals.
Miles and others,
I've been trying to follow as many of the "conversations" here on the 'fire re: the recent events in OR. I'm not sure I've seen/read every one. I am pretty sure I've not seen mention of the
"accountability" of the mother of the perpetrator. Where is she, was she at home the morning if the event? Is she in custody? Is she on vacation?
Something has really bothered me since I first saw in various news reports interviewing their neighbors down in CA and mention of the two of them apparently liking "target shooting". Realizing I do not have a complete evaluation of the young man, it does seem strange to me that a mother who has been quoted as saying to the neighbors that her son has "mental issues" would allow said son to have access to firearms. Perhaps she just gave in to one of his tantrums the neighbors reported? Perhaps it is a question of her not having the resources to deal with her son? I can see that as a possibility with the cost of today's healthcare. I'm not absolving her of her responsibilty though; if that is the case she should have relinquished her "rights' to have firearms around that he could access.
As to the
"responsibility of those professionals", perhaps many of them are avoiding increased responsibilty due to our litigious society? Recommend taking a person off the street and get sued by family or rights groups saying you're not being fair to the disabled, or recommend staying on the street with a note as to the possible danger and getting sued by any victims. Not the shoes I'd want to be in.
Sad situation all around.
Geno
I still wish I knew where mom was at the time.