OPINION:
The death of former White House press secretary James Brady on Aug. 4 being ruled a homicide provides an opportunity for society to re-evaluate its regard for the mentally ill (“Charges in Jim Brady’s homicide could prove tough,” Web, Aug. 9).
All too often, mentally ill people get access to weapons and wreak havoc and death. John Hinckley Jr. was judged not guilty by reason of insanity. I suggest the time has come to change the verdict assigned to the mentally ill who commit any crime to “guilty but insane.” America needs to face up to its neglect for the seriousness of mental health and its impact on our lives. This change might help us adjust.
HARRY FISHER
Greenwich, Conn.
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