Chain The Mentally Ill?

A common pronouncement is being voiced in some circles that those deemed mentally incapable should be involuntarily contained in mental asylums.

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Those genuinely proven to be dangerous to others and perhaps even in the case of self-danger should, of course, be restrained in institutions. But after the Arizona shooter, where it is alleged that mental insanity played a role (although this has yet to be proven, and his own girlfriend says it is not true so it could be dubious), some commentators are suggest that even those assumed to be mentally off, if you will, should be held captive. And they have blamed the Arizona shooter on civil libertarians who in the 1960s saw to it that American law was amended disallowing for involuntary containment for nonviolent persons believed to be or certified as lacking in mental ability.

It was President Kennedy who signed that bill into law and it was one of his last acts. For Kennedy, it had a personal symbolism: one of his sisters was mentally unstable and quietly taken care for by the Kennedys. Kennedy knew that most of these people pose no harm and require family care and not treatment as prisoners.

But, as often the case in America, a national tragedy leads to hysteria and many people believe that the answer always it more government control over individuals. This is a depraved and authoritarian idea. People deranged should be offered help, especially by their families, and certainly be on some no-gun list.

But to hold someone who has not committed a crime is a gross offense against liberty and liable to great abuse as many innocent could be mistaken as deranged and denied their civil liberties.

Si let's be reasonable. Shootings do not happen every day. America is not suffering from mentally insane tragedies. The '60s law a great act. And the mentally ill need humane aid not confinement.