Compassion matters, too

In response to the anger being generated in connection with the Phillip Paul escape, I agree the community fair is not a venue to bring criminally insane individuals. There were other violations Eastern State Hospital perpetrated on the public by not informing security before his visit and in a timely manner after his escape.

I, however, don’t think we want to create a society that lacks pity and compassion for those who act out violently and are not mindful of reason or rational. Apparently, his mental illness is being controlled through medication.

It would seem their hell has already been imposed on them. If their behavior can be managed and if they can join with humanity and enjoy brief glimpses of normal recreational activity, it would seem we are all moving in the right direction.

It should be noted that if Mr. Paul was convicted in a court of law and sentenced to a penal institution, his debt to society would have most likely been served by this time.

I suspect the pendulum will swing in the other direction after this incident and outings will cease completely. Common sense and good judgment should have been exercised in the first place.

Catherine Marko

Spokane