September 19, 2007

Anyone and Everyone?

Anyone and Everyone?


In the report of "Son of Snake," (Selim Algar, "Snake-bit spree-kill
suspect," New York Post, September 18, 2007, page 24) mother, brother and uncle make
psychiatric diagnoses. Expressing opinions is an American tradition and right.
But that does not make it news.
If anyone can make these diagnoses, who needs psychiatrists? Contemporary
journalists lack skepticism, when it comes to psychiatry. They make no
distinction between experts and ordinary citizens. If an expert made the
statements what is the connection between having a disability and crime? This is
pure prejudice by ignorant journalists toward persons with disabilities. It is
irrational to suggest that mental illness causes crime.
It is good for the psychiatric industry. Is that why this keeps happening
in the New York Post in spite of my many letters about this abuse?

Roy Bercaw, Editor ENOUGH ROOM

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