There used be places called state insane asylums to hold society’s dangerous members in addition to prisons for criminals,
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Did you know that there have been many cases of arsonists who join the volunteer fire departments…because they like fire, they enjoy starting fires in their area and then participating in putting them out…
Reagan was responsible for getting rid of the mental institutions, or most of them. This was a subject discussed in the chats, and at some length. (another reason to join and take part)
It’s a double-edged sword as there WAS abuse. How could there NOT be in such a situation. Low pay, rough job…Who would take that kind of job but someone with limited choices or those that appreciated the opportunity to clandestinely abuse patients who couldn’t complain, or who’s complaints wouldn’t be entertained. My cousin was a lifelong patient in this system. (not the criminally insane part but similarities apply). He never walked or learned to speak. A few shades above vegetable. Throughout several different institutions over the course of his life he was abused…burnt with a hairdryer deliberately, that type of thing.
Still, one has to recognize the need for SOME sort of system in the way of housing or segregating the truly mentally ill from the “rest”. Not just medicating them but making some genuine effort to try and help those that can be helped. SOMETIMES something as simple as dietary changes or restrictions might bring someone back from the brink for example. Robin Williams played in a film called “Awakenings” (you may have seen it). Based on the doctors memoirs. From memory: a chemical imbalance caused some sort of catatonic state…
The trouble, in my opinion, is that we don’t have a large enough pool of talented, motivated people to man any of these posts anymore. Even if we did though, Pharma and their team of professional linebackers would probably knock them out of their fields…
