I feel compelled to respond to the letters to the editor written by Mary Lou Prentiss and Rosemarie Burns (Nov. 19). It appears these women have no understanding of the complexities of mental illness.

Burns is correct: Otto Zehm had the right to discontinue medications if, in fact, he did. A family, however, has no ability to force someone to be responsible. It is helpful if family can be supportive to aid someone with a mental illness, but no one can be supervised 24/7 unless they are in a secure facility. There was no reason to indicate Zehm needed this level of supervision. In fact, he was employed as a janitor and routinely visited this Zip Trip, indicating some level of personal responsibility.

As for Prentiss, shame on you for stating Zehm was “a mentally retarded schizophrenic.” I understand he was diagnosed with schizophrenia, not mental retardation. One does not necessarily go with the other. Also, he had every right to be out at night without supervision unless legally restricted by probation, etc. Again, there was no indication he needed this level of supervision.

It is not illegal to be mentally ill. It is illegal to use excessive force.

Beverly Gibb

Spokane