I have read reader's comments wondering "why" didn't this family keep Kelly Thomas at home? If he was so sick, then "why" didn't they protect him from potentially being a victim or living in the streets?
There is no way families can become the "institution" ... without mental health laws enforcing help or our "attitudes" changing. Families are forced to treat their loved "family member" worse than they would a stray animal! And then when tragedies occur, families are often blamed! Would society stand for treating a person with Alzheimer's this way? GG Burns, KY Mental Health Advocate
The family has become the institution. But it's an institution without training, without resources, and without the ability to enforce compliance. ~ Rael Jean Isaac, author of "Madness in the Streets"
Ron Thomas, a former cop, can't understand why his mentally ill son became the victim of a violent confrontation with Fullerton police. He won't rest until he finds answers. Read the entire story here:http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0807-lopez-kellythomas-20110805-lpc7gpnc,0,2514593.photo
 The crowd stands and applauds as Ron Thomas is given more time to speak to the City Council Tuesday night. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times / August 2, 2011) |
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