Letter to the Editor: Havre Daily takes one step forward, 10 back on mental health

Editor,

Thursday you highlighted the effort Bullhook employees, Friday HDN mocks the mentally ill. One step forward, 10 steps back.

I was extremely disappointed when I picked up (Friday’s) paper and read the article entitled “Man arrested in bizarre parking dispute at Chamber.” 

The author seemed eager to sensationalize the admittedly abnormal behaviors of a man who at first blush, appears to have suffered some form of psychotic break. Yes, it caused a scene. Yes, people will want to know what happened. I can’t imagine a scenario where it would be necessary for the public to know every humiliating detail as well as the man’s identifying information.

Had this man held things up due to a physical disability, I doubt the same disrespect would have been heaped on him. I salute Officer Kevin Corner’s efforts to avoid escalating the situation and his handling of Mr. Dragu’s questions.

Too often the police are forced to be the first responders to a mental health crisis, and it leads to tragedy. I’ve personally witnessed extreme compassion from several of our officers, and I am thankful that when that call comes there is a good chance they will be on the other end.   

I can’t speak about the situation or status of the individual involved, as I do not know him. I do know that as a community, we know people who suffer from mental illness. They are our neighbors, our family, our co-workers, and our friends. Most of us seek to lessen their burden and have patience when their struggles intersect with our lives. We treat them with respect, we work to find them food, shelter, and companionship. We say a kind word.

The Havre Daily could stand to take a lesson or two from the community it is supposed to reflect. We don’t throw our wards under the bus to sell a few extra fish wrappers.    

Kevin Zoren,

licensed clinical professional counselor

Havre