Comments on: A Mother’s Perspective on Tim’s Law

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 06:45:06 +0000

Having dealt with a loved ones schizophrenia for more than twenty years (and woken up on one occasion with a butcher knife to my throat), I feel for both families pain. It’s a horrible tragedy. Still, the actual number of violent outbursts (most schizophrenics are a danger to themselves, not others) are a statistical minority. Most schizophrenics are more likely to take their own life. I think perhaps energies are better spent making sure there are enough psychiatric beds available than petitioning for legislation that further stigmatizes mental illness in general. We should look forward, not backward.

By: Travis

Travis — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 21:12:01 +0000

I was fearing this potential outcome when I first heard that Li might be deemed insane and supposedly “unaware of his actions” last year at his arraignment. As an American, its difficult to follow Canadian news, especially with the Obama election/inauguration, unsettled economy, war(s), etc, but I tried to keep up with the case status as much as possible. Simply put: I’m just sick. How can the system fail a completely innocent victim? No offense to the Canadian judicial system, but this would be a “lock and trow away the key” type case in the states, or moreover, the death penalty considering the witness accounts. I think Li would be deemed “criminally insane.” And that would leave little room for him to ever see the light of day again. And let’s think about how this diminishes those who’s psychological conditions ARE treatable and non-violent. This puts them in the same category as heinous murderers like Li, which is unfair and unjust to their progress and future. I don’t wish for vengeance, only justice. My heart goes out to Tim’s family and friends. He is in a better place.

By: Mathieu

Mathieu — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 22:59:42 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing – I wasn’t aware of the ramifications of the NCR verdict in this case.