Tom Fulks’ column was shocking, but it was also right

Tom Fulks has received a lot of criticism for his commentary about the opponents of the mental health hospital; most recently, the March 17 letter from Ms. Jeri Luther. I want to commend Mr. Fulks for his commentary. Yes, it was pretty raw and in-your-face — even shocking.

But sometimes, and indeed this time, it was necessary. It was necessary to really get the attention of the entire county that a critically needed mental health hospital was being opposed by a very, very small, vociferous neighborhood group.

The main reason the group opposed the facility was because it would be treating the mentally ill. They steadfastly denied that was the reason, but it was totally clear that it was.

I think Ms. Luther should save her sorrow for those who would deny the mentally ill life-saving treatment. And she should teach her daughter that mental illness is a tragic brain chemistry problem received at birth. Stop the stigma.

P.S. Tom Fulks was not talking about a truly vast majority of Templeton; he was talking about those opposing the hospital.

This story was originally published March 21, 2016 at 8:40 PM with the headline "Tom Fulks’ column was shocking, but it was also right."