There is an internal logic to this. It does, however, miss the consumer perspective and uses a pretty big brush. Again, I wonder should we be tacitly endorsing these views in an effort to have a thorough discussion of issues relating to mental health conditions and those who experience them….
I am intrigued by your argument, if offended by the pejorative language that is used throught your article.
Serious and persistent mental illness is a not a subjective theoretical football. We know that mental illnesses like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia have a biological cause, as do other historically misunderstood chronic diseases like diabetes and epilepsy.
The fact remains that society and the system have failed individuals who experience mental illness, and failed miserably.
Just as terms like "lunatic", "crazy lone gunman" and "madness" are inappropriate and offensive, the suggestion that these individuals are lesser citizens and deserve a different set of civil rights is wrong.
We can site example in any argument about civil rights cases with extreme outcomes. Ther are more examples or horrifying treatment, experimentation and injustice for individuals who experience mental illness.
Mr. Loughner, as hard as it may be for some to remember, is still an American citizen and entitled to protection under the law. He is accused of a horrible crime, but has not yet been tried or convicted in a legal court room besides that of the media.
Without experience and knowledge about mental illness and its treatment, your hostility towards the madness lobby lacks a foundation of support.
Until all citizens have equal treatment under the law, I will continue to carry the banner of the so-called "madness lobby."
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