Prescription for Ramirez

Michael Ramirez’s Feb. 23 cartoon (Commentary) likening the actions of a mentally ill postpartum Andrea Yates to the twin killing-bred dogs, Bane and Hera, offends me to the very center of my soul.

We in the mental health field are very aware of postpartum psychosis; it is no frivolous pretense-defense. The anger should be directed at the failings of a system that does not properly respect and address the needs of the mentally ill. What Yates tragically enacted was a reflection of her own inner Bedlam. She is no crazed, jealous Medea, no “mad dog,” but a pitifully ill and fragile woman who was not supported by an equally fragile care system. Were I canine, I would snarl at the esteemed cartoonist; as a psychotherapist, I suggest he examine the twin concepts of ignorance and misogyny.

Lee Leonor Lawson

Beverly Hills