Mental-Health Rights Movement
Isaac blames the catastrophe of homelessness among mentally ill people on the counterculture and the New Left of the ‘60s. She is furious that mentally ill people have some rights, such as the right to due process before being subjected to hospitalization or forced to take very strong and potentially dangerous drugs.
The evidence is overwhelming that when mentally ill people are offered intensive, comprehensive but voluntary programs that allow them some dignity as people, the vast majority participate.
Homelessness is tragic for a mentally ill person. But we will be deluding ourselves if we follow Isaac’s advice and believe we can solve the problem not by providing housing, support and treatment but by taking away people’s rights.
LEONARD S. RUBENSTEIN
Washington
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