Focus belongs on illness

I am so fed up with all of the nonsense about “political rhetoric” surrounding the tragedy in Tucson. Jared Loughner was mentally ill. But this fact seems to escape everyone with a microphone or keyboard in front of them.

What we should be focusing on is the lack of support and understanding of mental health in our country. This is the real issue here. Regardless of what any high-profile individual has expressed in public, Mr. Loughner was intent on acting out in this manner. Anything would have set him off.

He hasn’t spoken a word to authorities about his motives, and yet every news source knows the reason why he did this terrible crime. I don’t think even Mr. Loughner knows what’s going on in his head. Mental illness is very serious and, unfortunately, still seems to be a taboo topic in our country.

I look at this as a teachable moment that we are letting slip through our fingers because of the immaturity of the media. This was no one’s fault except Jared Loughner and anyone who was directly responsible for seeking help for him.

Lesley Haskell

Airway Heights