Be proactive, we must get help for people on the edge

Our democratic form of government, from the federal level down into towns just like those in this beautiful valley, was conceived and formed on the power of  “WE THE PEOPLE.”  This actually puts responsibility upon “WE THE PEOPLE.”  Thus, within the framework of each and every department of government, “WE THE PEOPLE” have say, have input, have voice, have influence, and most of all have responsibility.

Within our democratic system of government, local law enforcement departments often cannot do much about the individuals who are on the edge of committing an atrocity until an incident actually happens.

Just look at O.J. Simpson and the June 1994 deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman.  Or the theater shooting by James Holmes in Aurora, Colo. Or the recent attack by Wade Michael Page on the Sikh temple in Wisconsin. In each and every case, well after the fact of the incident, information comes out proving that the perpetrator previously showed extremely destructive behavioral patterns. Often 911 calls have been made and police reports filed. 

We live in lovely communities. We are a democracy of ‘we-the-people-power’ and responsibility. We must not sit back, remain silent, or just talk among ourselves shaking our heads and predicting the worst. We must get help for people on the edge of being a danger to themselves and others. What is being done in identifying them and getting them professional help? Can anything be done? Any thoughts or ideas?   

Being pro-active community members, within the system, is a lot better than being re-active after an incident. It seems to me that is what building true community in democratic America is all about. 

Bob McClellan,

Polson