*Updated thoughts, as always...

I am embarking on research for an article I will write for our local newpaper, which will also inform and educate the public regarding the service which I am involved in through my workplace.

In light of the assalts on the the students and faculy of highschools and universities across our country, I also feel it is prudent to offer information that will inform others of the statistics regarding the crimes committed by the mentally ill. Here you may read more regarding one research that is already published, showing that only 4% of the population who are deemed severely mentally ill, commit the horrific crimes we hear about daily. (scroll down 7 pages past the forward) This particular report focuses on the mentally ill in our prison system, and the history of relationship between law enforcement and the mentally ill. Nowadays, there is an on-going communication between mental health workers and the police. Classes are being taught to police officers all over the country. This is most necessary for the integration of services so desperately needed in our nation. The lack of integration of services for those who suffer mental illness, is the reason for much chaos on the streets, and within the court system. If you read this report, you can clearly see the snowballing effect that takes place.

Of course this is only one of a huge number of different reports. People are slipping through the cracks. Also, there are folks who have lived seemingly normal lives, and for whatever reason they believe the system has somehow failed them, they snap. There is really no report to cover the potential of the human psyche. But, please keep in mind, there is a significant difference between those who are diagnosed with a mental illness; those who are young and impressionable; and those who are violent by nature.

We have been exposed to so much fear. The government has perpetuated fear in people everywhere. At the same time, television programs including the dramatic flare within the news media, and websites with unbelieveable and nearly unimaginable materials are legal; and offer any person of any intelligence level the education of horror, and how to carry out that horror on others. The vicious cycle is like a gorilla in the room; but, many still fail to see the connection. Hopefully, the mental health system and other avenues of hope, is moving in a good direction by teaching others how to handle situations differently; how to work with people differently. Education is the key to all and for all.