The *other* other tragedy of the VT shootings...

[KamaAina]

the backlash against people with mental illness. It's real. Just last night I heard of a young man who left phone messages that could be perceived as threatening. How bizarre is this? He didn't want people from his old grade school to recognize him at the mall, 'cause he thought that was "babyish". So he left the messages. Someone filed a complaint and put pressure on the DA -- who just happens to be up for re-election (no, this is in a Northeastern suburb, not Durham :P ) and off we went.

Well, it appeared the issue was heading for resolution -- until VT, that is. Now they're throwing the book at him. His family is having to spend thousands upon thousands for lawyers. The state is threatening to take away his services if he is convicted. All because, overnight, he went from psychiatric patient to (perceived) potential killer. :eyes: How many others are out there??

[Mabus]

1. Frightening isn't it.

There are a lot of others out there. If the media really cared they'd do a few specials on mental illness so the public wouldn't be so freaked out. Both the people with mental illness and their families & friends already have enough battles to fight to get help and understanding.