Letters to the editor: Mental health standards important; learn from the Constitution
Prop. 1 will have positive impact
Re: The Star’s May 19 editorial, “Building both beds and standards”:
As an advocate for people with physical, emotional and learning challenges, I was glad to see The Star’s editorial focusing on the importance of standards, besides beds, being provided to people with severe mental health issues.
I was glad to see that Proposition 1 passed, for more funding to be available to help people through treatment centers, starting July 1, which is the start of the new fiscal year.
People need to become more aware of the positive impact that Proposition 1 will be having within Ventura County and in the state of California, instead of questioning its potential by going to http://wellnesseveryday.org/mhsa.
I was also glad to see that Vista del Mar will be most likely getting the reinstatement of being able to treat conservatorship patients again. Conservatorships and other assistance for those with severe mental health issues is put into place to assist those who need it, not to diminish their treatments, or their ability to help themselves. Guidance and treatment make situations better, not worse. This also helps to eradicate the stigma towards mental illness, which is important to do, especially during May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.
Carol Leish, Ventura
Constitution can help you decide
Are you a true American citizen? Test yourself against the gauge of our United States Constitution. If you don’t have a copy handy, download it from the internet, borrow it from your local library or, look back on your notes from your formal schooling history and government classes. You may have been fortunate to have dedicated teachers who taught the truth and love of our country.
After you re-read the documents, were you able to find the answer to the beginning question in this paragraph?
The Preamble of our Constitution begins with this phrase: “We the People of the United States…” That opening phrase, alone, should give us a clue as to whom should be in charge in this “new” country of ours. Of course, it’s a given that, if you are in charge of something, some job or some people, you need to be knowledgeable of all facets of your responsibilities, in order to be a responsible leader.
Our government is a representative government — that is, chosen by the people of this country in the legal voting process. Therefore, it is necessary, that “the people” keep themselves educated as to the qualities, qualifications, and principles of the people they vote for. How many of us actually take the time do that? The Preamble goes on to say, “…in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
In choosing whom you will vote for in the November election this year, which candidate best qualifies to help “we the people” do just as our Preamble states?
Victoria R. Laux, Ventura
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Letters: Mental health standards important; learn from Constitution
