Sigh.... let's hope so FFS ....
Les Leyne: Vancouver massacre could break pattern for responding to mental-health horror stories
Typically, it’s a long, zigzag march towards any kind of progress. This time could be different
Maybe this time it will be different.
All the other mental-health horror stories that make their way to the legislature involving deranged people inflicting ghastly harm on citizens follow a similar pattern.
The horrifying details are recounted by the opposition, then there’s a strident demand for action.
The government ministers express their heartfelt condolences, and then read briefing notes explaining how the system did the best it could under whatever circumstances developed.
The critics grow testy and demand better answers. The ministers get frustrated and retreat into their message boxes.
When enough cases pile up, there is some incremental progress toward addressing the problem. Last week’s opening in a jail of a 10-bed involuntary care unit for inmates with mental-health problems is an example.
But it’s a long, zigzag march towards any kind of progress.
Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu massacre may transcend those pro forma exchanges of views.
The government set a different tone from the start, cancelling most of Monday’s sitting out of respect.
Politicians from all sides joined together at vigils. Premier David Eby on Tuesday morning tried to get out in front of all the pleas for action, saying he is leaning toward a public inquiry if the court proceedings don’t adequately answer all the questions.
He got well out in front of those court proceedings as well, basically convicting the suspect at a news conference.
“The number one priority is … ensuring this man is held and tried and convicted for these murders.
“I think this individual is a mass murderer. I think he should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
He told the legislature later: “I hope he spends the rest of his life behind bars.”
Eby acknowledged it will be up to a judge, but his views ignore the possibility of a “not criminally responsible on account of mental disorder” verdict eventually.
Eby’s remarks reflect the fact he spent the weekend in the midst of the sickening aftermath, talking to the devastated Filipino community.
He knows that the responsible agency’s opening position won’t satisfy anyone.
Typically, it’s a long, zigzag march towards any kind of progress. This time could be different
www.timescolonist.com