As a member of society, but not always in good standing, I would like to respond to the editorial as published in the June 9 Gazette, ‘Vincent Li is not a monster.'
In layman's terms schizophrenia is a mental disorder characterized by abnormalities in the perception or expression of reality. The individual can distinguish between right or wrong, feel guilt and remorse for his or her actions but has delusions of being controlled by an external force such as voices. Diagnosis is based on the patient's self-reported experiences and observed behaviour. In the vast majority of cases, the patient seeks medical treatment as they are fully aware of the abnormalities. Schizophrenia cannot be medically detected, but can be controlled by drugs.
Psychopathy is a personal disorder characterized by an abnormal lack of empathy and conscience. People with this disorder do not know the difference between right and wrong, and they do not feel guilt or remorse for their actions. Psychopathy can be medically detected, but cannot be controlled by drugs.
Society holds psychopaths responsible for their actions, but not always schizophrenics. Olson has been diagnosed as a psychopath. Li has been diagnosed as a schizophrenic. Both committed horrific and monstrous crimes against society.
Individuals committing criminal acts who are later diagnosed as mentality unfit to stand trial should be found guilty by reason of mental defect but held criminally responsible. They should receive the same prison term as mentality fit criminals, however they should be hospitalized until deemed mentality fit. The remainder of the original sentence should then be served in the usual manner. They need to know that they will be held accountable for their actions and society as a whole needs assurances that individuals suffering from mental illnesses such as schizophrenia do not get free passes.
As it is, individuals such as Olson are jailed for life, as they should be, and individuals such as Li are confined to mental hospitals until a psychiatrist deems them well enough to be released. This is simply not good enough. What if the team of professionals and doctors wrongly state that Li is mentality fit to re-enter society?
Li may not be a monster, but he committed crimes only a monster would commit and must be held accountable. He cannot be cured or rehabilitated, only medicated, and there is a great risk to re-offend if he refuses to take his prescribed medication.
A 15-minute walkabout is only the beginning of the slippery slope. Next there will be one-hour walks, then half days, until it expands to escorted and eventually unescorted day trips, then halfway houses and eventually total freedom. He will be monitored somewhat until he is declared fully recovered. But then what if he refuses to take the medication and commits more horrific crimes against humanity?
I want to live in a safe society, and if that means locking up people with either schizophrenia or psychopathy or other mental defects after they commit serious crimes, then so be it. The safety of society must take precedent. Yes, I know that but for the graces of God go I. Life is not fair but we only get one turn at it.
Norm Harley, St. Albert
