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Harrisburg State Hospital Closing
AS I SEE IT
from The Patriot-News
Motivated by concern
Thursday, May 05, 2005
As I read a commentary by Lewis Silverman ("As I See It,"
April 11), I wondered if we live in the same world.
He accused Sens. Jeff Piccola and Pat Vance of imposing a moratorium
on the closure of the Harrisburg State Hospital for political gain.
He suggested that people in mental hospitals are "locked up"
in prison-type atmospheres against their will when they should be
living in a free society.
Are we now denying the existence of mental illness and mental retardation?
Are these people capable of caring for themselves and supporting
themselves?
Are they themselves stigmatized? I think not. These people were
happy in a clean, peaceful and protected environment.
We can see the fruits of Mr. Silverman's efforts in the street
people living on sidewalks and under bridges in the dead of winter.
We also read about these poor unfortunate souls being mistreated
in home care facilities not properly inspected or monitored.
I think the senators were motivated by concern as are many of us
and not the improper supposition that these people are capable of
independence.
ROBERT R. ZEIGLER
Harrisburg
©2005 The Patriot-News
All Rights Reserved.
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