Brian Williams and NBC News: Are they ignorant, stupid or bigoted?

     Like most people who have followed the dramatic rescue of the three woman held captive for over ten years in Cleveland, we all breathed a sigh of relief to see justice finally being done. The media have not been shy in exploiting this situation and the court proceedings of the perpetrator, Ariel Castro.  During the sentencing hearing, we all witnessed the dramatic testimony of one of the girls, Michelle Knight, who showed immense courage in standing up her abductor and rapist in the courtroom.

     In the ensuing evening, it was Brian Williams of NBC news, who during his nightly broadcast, dropped a disgusting bombshell regarding the reporting of this case. It was here that he referred to Ariel Castor, as the "face of mental illness!" I have heard many degrading comments used to describe those of us with mental illness, but this falls into the category of a cowardly cheap shot at vulnerable people who are struggling with one of these socially unacceptable disorders. Additionally, it was blatantly false.

     Numerous questions come to mind that need to be asked about Mr. Williams communication and they would start with; How stupid is he? My last question surely would be; Is Mr. Williams on crack or something? Seriously, I wonder why he would play into the long ago disproved stereotypes associated with mental illness that those afflicted are violent criminals? Finally, why would he sacrifice a significant number of people for  ratings boost? Good questions, that may never be fully answered. However, his narrative can be easily falsified. 

     To begin with, a Forensic Psychiatrist, Gregory Saathof testified at the sentencing that Castro had "NO mental illness whatsoever". This in itself should have prevented such an delinquent account to be made by a national journalist, but, as they say in modern day journalism; never let facts stand in the way of a possible ratings boost! 

     That doctors comments aside, I have other examples that disprove Mr. Williams visceral statement and the first would be an introduction of one of the greatest news journalists of this era, the late Mike Wallace. This man became synonymous with professionalism and was well respected in his field. Also, he was honest about being both mentally ill and suicidal, but never once kidnapped three women and held them in a basement for ten years. Perhaps, as a future goal, Mr. Williams should strive to develop the integrity that Mr. Wallace displayed in the many decades he reported the news.

      Another compelling example would be former Today Show host Jane Pauley, who disclosed several years ago that she had been hospitalized because she suffers from bipolar disorder. Additionally, Mrs. Pauley has been an outspoken advocate on spreading awareness of these misunderstood afflictions. She encourages others to "Get the Science" out on the biological nature of mental illness as a way to combat the ugly stigma associated with a diagnosis. Her efforts have been invaluable in bringing acceptance of these conditions and standing up  to ignorant comments, such as those uttered by Brian Williams.

     To give this man a more serious taste of awareness, I will explain the real faces of most of the other fifty million plus Americans who suffer from these disorders. They are your average citizens who wake up every day, go to work, raise families, and because of imbecilic statements like his, sometimes feel a need to live in a social cave out of fear others will discover their affliction.  They do not have the same income level that Brian Williams has, conversely, they do not possess the arrogance and  superiority complex that he is afflicted with either. However, his irresponsible comments just make the path to wellness that much more difficult for these genuine people, as they struggle to gain acceptance. So many of them strive to be defined for whom they are, not by the psychological symptoms of a disease.

     The damage that these statements cause is catastrophic. As the public begins to believe these false descriptions, more people will feel the need to apologize for being sick. Many  could retreat back to shadows of loneliness and despair that are a hallmark of disorders of the brain.  With that comes depression, and in some cases, suicide appears to be the only answer a sick mind can comprehend. It is known that over ninety percent of suicides are directly linked to one of these disorders.

     NBC needs to step in and make a bold and dramatic presentation to show they truly are a network that does not discriminate. First, they need to apologize publically for Brian Williams falsehood. Next, they need to install an internal program of awareness on these conditions, to avoid damaging stereotypes. Perhaps a beer summit is even in order.

     It is no secret that the mainstream media is losing credibility on a daily basis, and this situation is a treasured example as to why. Former Alaskan Governor and Vice Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin constantly refers to them as the "Lame-stream media", and this is more evidence that her label does have significant merit. Sadly, the true victims in this situation are those that are most vulnerable, the mentally ill.     

      I have made attempts to contact NBC news, and Erika Masonhall the communications director for NBC Nightly News responded to me via twitter. "...Brian changed the wording and removed that phrase for later feeds of the Broadcast." We soon discover that inside the fortress known as the NBC news studios, a well known anchor insults a group of innocent citizens with discriminatory comments based on ignorance, and all they can say is that he changed the wording after the fact.

     This brings to mind the recent controversy involving the former TV chef Paula Dean. Many years ago, she made some inappropriate and racist comments that were caught on camera. When this became public, news outlets, such as NBC and their sister station MSNBC, went on a rampage and publically hung Paula Dean, resulting in her losing everything. When compared, is what  Brian Williams said any less hateful? After all, the mentally ill are a minority, and an hidden one at that.

     Brain Williams was looking for a reason that Castro acted the way he did, and he used something easy and misunderstood, mental illness. He could not believe the possibility that some people are just pure evil, with a pathology of cruelty and violence towards women, which causes them become serial rapists. However, spineless comments, done in the name of ratings, can have devastating effects. Their recklessness remind me of William Shakespeare, who wrote "A coward dies a thousand deaths, but the valiant taste death but once." To those at NBC, specifically Brian Williams, their number of symbolic deaths will be many, but their calloused ignorance could contribute to the actual deaths of other less fortunate souls.

Aurora Colorado, one year later!

We just do not get it!

     I just finished reading Associated Press writer Dan Elliott's article on the tragedy in Aurora Colorado; "A year after the shooting, James Holmes still an enigma".  Instead of opening my eyes to something new, it brought a sense of both frustration and of resignation in that it focused only on James Holmes the Individual. Along with that, a feeling of dejection because knowing that even after several high profile tragedies, the public just does not have a firm grasp on the root causes and what can be done to prevent future mass killings!

     In this editorial, Mr. Elliott tries to explain the question regarding how this seemingly intelligent young man suddenly became a notorious killer. He went on to provide brief glimpses into the little we do know about James Holmes, but not enough to understand why he committed this atrocity. Here and now, I am going to provide Mr. Elliott his answer and it is he did not just become this killer, it is something he was born with which is severe mental illness. Additionally, the  true culprit in this case is the American people's accepting that people afflicted do not have the same social value as the so-called, "normal people" possess!

     The one area that Mr. Elliot and others constantly ignore is that this country has a barbaric sense in how to treat those with mental illness. We do not provide the necessary treatment, or modernized laws that are needed to allow people the right to live everyday fulfilling lives. None of that was pointed out in the column. Additionally, in spite of that tragedy, and others such as the one in Tucson Arizona, no significant changes have occurred to correct the inequities in the mental health system.

     To his credit,  Mr. Elliott did explore a question that begs answering, is that James Holmes made homicidal threats towards a Psychiatrist who then properly reported them to the University of Colorado Denver campus police. Here was an opportunity, within the confines of the archaic civil commitment laws, to take him into custody and finally begin a mental health evaluation. What is distressingly obvious is that this department never acted properly on those threats. That campus police department has not answered that bombshell, and unless there is a trial, they never will.

     After this mass murder unfolded in that theater, I wrote that it was imperative that we focus on the causation factors in this case, not James Holmes himself. This young man was clearly disturbed, and yet, few people took steps to support him with the seemingly much needed help. Little had been made of the apparent symptoms that he displayed even before he was reported as a potential homicidal man.

     It must be pointed out that I am not trying to victimize James Holmes, quite the contrary, he will be punished to fullest extent of the law for his actions. However, I am putting the mental health system on trial, and their failures deem a verdict of guilty as charged. Complicit in this verdict is the political leaders across the country from both parties. They have allowed people to live in appalling conditions brought on by these afflictions, and in response, cut the budgets to make treatment even more scarce for those in need. Instead of solutions, they take the position that "never let a good tragedy go to waste" and blame the other party for what happens. In this case, twelve people were killed and seventy wounded.

     During speeches,  I have been asked, what can be done to protect ourselves from people Like James Holmes and Jared Loughner, the gunman from the Tucson Tragedy. My answer is direct to the key issue, take action before they become psychotic killers. To begin with, we need to open the door for easier civil commitment. Then provide the required number of facilities to support that treatment, and finally, create more awareness of the symptoms of mental illness to eventually remove the shameful stigma that acts like a Scarlett letter on those who suffer in silence.

     As easy as this sounds, it is a monumental task to bring true change. In Ohio, efforts to expand the Medicaid program to provide significantly more treatment for mental health care faces vigorous and powerful opposition in Columbus. The indications are that, once again, nothing of any substance will change, and people will be left desperately searching for proper care.

     One issue that needs to highlighted is that generally, people with mental illness are not violent homicidal maniacs which is how many are portrayed. In fact, only about ten percent of all homicides are committed by people who are mentally ill. However, ninety five percent of all suicides are directly linked to those afflicted with mental illness.

     As the one year anniversary of this tragedy has now arrived, there will be renewed, but brief interest in this case. Many will follow the lead of this Associated Press writer, and focus on exploiting the perpetrator. What is failed to be mentioned is that the true enigma is not people like James Holmes or Jared Loughner, it is the apathy and ignorance of the American political leaders. They have floundered many opportunities for change, and because of it, we await the next tragedy. Not if, but when.

Florida Gun Law; Scapegoating Mental illness!

       Forrest Gump once said, "Stupid is as Stupid does", and since the tragedy in Newton Connecticut,  we have witnessed a cesspool of ignorance which has tossed around ridiculous proposals in a senseless game in deflecting culpability.  Lately, it has led to pinning the blame, not on a neglected and outdated mental health system, but on those afflicted themselves. With that, the stigma of mental illness, which many feel, myself included, is significantly worse than the disease itself, is now once again being magnified.  This twisted position will result in  vulnerable individuals  continuing to deteriorate from being unfairly labeled dangerous, and becoming social outcasts.  

     As an example of this mass stupidity, we need look only to Florida,  where a law is heading to the Governor's desk mandating that if anyone voluntarily seeks treatment for mental illness, those individuals will forfeit their rights to own a gun. On the surface, this would be something that would make mainstream society feel safe, keeping those guns out of the hands of the "crazies"! However, like many things, first glances can be misleading, and in this case, downright dangerous by having the opposite affect!

      The premise of this legislation, endorsed by a bipartisan commission and surprisingly, the National Rifle Association, is that mental illness is equated to violence. That belief, though widely held, is utterly false. Most people who are mentally ill are, decent hardworking people, whom many times feel a need to repent for their affliction. Now with this law, many will choose to forgo treatment at the threat of job losses and other limitations. Also, this action ignores that there are no clear lines to be drawn between normalcy and sickness, and even professionals struggle to make a proper diagnosis.

     To better illustrate the falsehoods between violence and mental illness, we can look at so-called "normal" people who commit heinous acts. We will not have to look far as right here in this area, there is an example of one doing just that. A Lorain Sheriffs correction officer William Dembie, is currently awaiting trial in the vicious murder of his wife Holly during a domestic dispute. He is alleged to have stabbed her numerous times and showing no mercy. At his arraignment, he can be seen on camera joking and smirking about what was taking place.

      Mr. Dembie was described to me by some of his acquaintances as a good guy, legitimate law enforcement officer,  and who never exhibited any signs of being violent or being mentally ill. However, immediately after the killing, none of the headlines in the local papers read, "Normal Guy Stabs Wife to Death!" Nor did it mention that guns were not involved  in this crime.

     Knowing that normal people do commit violent acts, we need to emphasize the damage that this law will cause. We use as an example, soldiers returning from their tours of duty and your local first responders.  

     A young man or woman comes back from serving in the armed forces, and suffers mental health issues, which is common. Their wait for needed treatment can be long and arduous, but eventually, they are finally treated for their post traumatic stress disorder. Keep in mind, many of these young individuals do aspire for a career in law enforcement. However, with this proposed law, and because they did seek treatment, they will be barred from owning or possessing a firearm, thus eliminating  their ability to pursue their career path.  That is unless a psychiatrist and a judge approve that they are cured and fit for duty. Once again, an added burden to having one of these afflictions.

     Right from the beginning there are significant problems that are being ignored. How many Psychiatrists are going to risk lawsuits by signing off that a person is cured of a disease that is only controllable, not curable? How many Judges even have the intellectual capacity to understand the dynamics of these disorders? These are direct questions with no clear answers.

     Now with that law in effect, this young man or woman returning from war, will forgo treatment, live a tortured life with the emotional demons they create, and feel a need to hide their condition in shame and fear.  Additionally, because of the cognitive altering power of these disorders, many will struggle in both their career paths and personal lives. Self-medication with drugs and/or alcohol will become more commonplace, and with it, an increased social cost to society in general,

      It is essential that I add what I have discovered. I know many police officers, and many have told me of their battles with these disorders. Many are seeking treatment and are outstanding law enforcement officers. The public does not need to fear them as they do and will continue to perform their duties in an exemplary fashion. It bears mentioning that many have developed their mental health conditions just from performing their duties; which is known as vicarious trauma.  

     In essence, what this legislation will create is an underground of people fearful of their careers being limited by this ill advised scheme. It will once again demonize the disease which is what many advocates have attempted, through awareness, to alleviate. Since more people will not seek treatment, the situation with the mentally ill will become even more unpredictable, and at times, volatile. An additional consequence, police officers who do need treatment, will  will now be on the road battling the symptoms of mental illness untreated, thus putting the public at further risk.

     In the aftermath of all the high profile killings in the last several years; Newton Connecticut, Aurora Colorado and Tucson Arizona,  hysteria replaces rational thinking. What ends up happening, and this plan is a prime example, is that exposure becomes the most critical element for our political leaders to exploit. We had many opportunities to put the mental health system in the spotlight and make many fundamental changes, but instead, we focus on the tools of the killings, not the causes. Now in Florida, with people beginning to live in fear at the potential negative life altering consequence of seeking treatment, many will hide their afflictions. This will result in more lives being lost, and more tragedies occurring.

     It is astonishing to realize that the words of the character Forrest Gump would become a metaphor for how we as a nation responded in a way we did after these senseless killings. During this time, no significant changes have occurred in modernizing the mental health system in this country, and none are being proposed. .

     Albert Einstein once said; "the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again, and expecting a different result", which is what we are doing. I just wonder how many more lives will be destroyed or lost before we make material changes that will benefit everyone. However, I am not holding my breath, nor should any other innocent person.    

In the Spotlight; Lorain Police

 Saving lives one at a time!

     For those of us old enough to remember, in the old movies and sitcoms, a scene would play out that would provoke laughter from the audience. When a character in the show would begin to act in a strange way, an ambulance would soon arrive, with two men in white coats carrying a straight-jacket. It was at this time that they would take the poor soul to a happy place, also known as a mental hospital. These spectacles brought a vast deal of amusement for those watching while at the same time, exploiting a dangerous situation. Those types of settings played out many times in old shows.

     Additionally, as a child, I recall my father driving by one of those mental hospitals between Turney and Warner roads in Cleveland. It was named “The Northern Ohio Lunatic Asylum” but was affectionately known as “Turney Tech”. This facility, long since torn down, is now the site of condominiums.

     All of that is from a bygone era; we no longer have those health care workers arriving to help people who are emotionally sick. They are now replaced by men and women carrying guns and handcuffs and called police officers. This transition from law enforcement officers to mental health workers did not go smoothly. There were high incidents of police brutality allegations, numerous, violent confrontations between these two groups, which included fatal shootings.  For a long time,  the mentally ill feared the police and the police did not relish the encounters with someone in crises. Nor were the police properly trained to understand mental illness, and  they lacked the proper insight in how to de-escalate someone in crisis.

     Times have changed, as a new, innovated form of training introduced called Crisis Intervention Team training (CIT). This program developed in Memphis Tennessee in the late 1980’s, stresses de-escalation, rather than standoffish encounters, and more importantly, humanizes those afflicted.

     Sergeant Robert Brown, a twenty year veteran of the Lorain City Police department, was one of the first officers in Lorain County to become part of the CIT program. In those years, he has seen it all, hostage situations, suicide attempts, families in dangerous situations and even the occasional success story. He can stand as an authority on the positive attributes of this program and as a role model of this police department.

     In recent years, he has witnessed an ever increasing reliance on law enforcement to help someone in a psychotic mindset, and to get them to a safe environment for treatment. In 2012, this department received approximately 500 direct calls for assistance with someone in a mental health crisis. This represents a 5 % increase over the number in 2011.

     An added burden that Sergeant Brown pointed out is that many times the officers do not realize that they are entering a crisis situation. Often, the calls may first appear as a domestic situation, or truancy, or one of many other categories. People calling in do not always say it is a potential suicide, or that their loved one is mentally ill and off their medication. It is only when the police are on the scene do they determine that they are facing a mental health situation. This sergeant recalls one time answering a call, and when the suspect answered the door, he was wielding an axe. Fortunately, he was able to subdue the man with a taser, and no one was injured.   

     At first, Sergeant Brown was skeptical about the benefits of CIT. Charlie Neff, the Director of the board of mental health remembers that doubt well back in 2001. “Sergeant Brown was not initially convinced that CIT would be all that helpful, but once he started through the training, he quickly realized the programs benefit for the officers and for the individuals they encounter.”  Now he and this entire department are strong supporters of this programs benefit. He also indicated that these techniques has been valuable in hostage negotiations.  

     One added problem exists, and that is the economic makeup of Lorain which brings additional challenges and roadblocks. Financial deficiency is a “double edged” sword with regards to the people in need of treatment. Poverty is both the result of mental illness, and it also acts as a trigger for the disease. The city of Lorain carries a poverty rate of over 17%, with is nearly doubled the national average of 9%. This in itself creates a higher demand for police intervention on many fronts.

     For many years, the police were identified as collateral contacts with the mentally ill, but it is impressive that this department accepts that they are now the primary ones to intervene. Unlike hospitals, like Mercy Hospital, they cannot answer a call with the dispatcher telling the callers that they are diverting psych cases and will not answer their pleas for help. It must be added that this department has done an admirable job despite these added burdens.

     In an interview  last August, Sergeant Brown  was asked what is the largest roadblock his department faces as mental health workers? Without hesitation, he answered the absence of treatment, namely, beds for those in need. He went on to explain that, in the past, the city had two hospitals, but with the closing of St. Joseph’s, Mercy Hospital is the only option available. It must be pointed out that this facility has just over thirty beds available for mental health and drug dependent patients combined. This represents far less than what is urgently needed. He, like many people in the mental health sector are frustrated with the “treat them and street them” disposition of the medical community.

     If there is one thing that he is grateful for, is that, in Lorain County, they have the NORD center to help with long-term treatment. The center, funded mostly through the Lorain County Board of Mental Health  by two property tax levies the citizens of Lorain County have passed, is a safety net for people in dire need and has been utilized by the local police. This center helps to offset, in a small way, the 13% decline in mental health treatment beds statewide over the last seven years.

    In spite of this challenge, the Lorain police have done an excellent transition into being the new mental health workers. Since 2002, they have had 36 officers go through this unique and essential training. Though only 12 are on the road because of promotions and turnover, this is still a significant percentage of their department. The long term goal is to have 25% of the road officers certified in CIT. In this era of tight budgets, that is an extraordinary intention that they are committed to achieving.

     It is clear that the Lorain police have learned how to look past the internal disfigurement of mental illness and see real human beings, not animals, or psychos. I have found that many members of this department do their best to humanize sick people and not demean them. Empathy is a term that is synonymous with CIT and this group of men and women understand that  definition in its entirety.      

     So often, perception is not always reality, and the Lorain City police are no exception. It is a department that has been maligned many times in the local media. Over the last several years, I have met many of these officers in different training programs and found no evidence that they deserve the negative connotations associated with them. All of whom that I have come in contact with have been officers like Sergeant Brown; good, hardworking, and dedicated law enforcement officers, with a strong desire to do their job well. More importantly, they prove that they care about doing what is right in helping people. That is something that should create a sense of pride to this entire community.