[metmom]

“I know she did wrong, but I don’t think she should go to prison for this because of her illness,” he said. “I think she should be in an institution for a while.

She's not going to prison because of her illness, she's going to prison because she stole. Somehow I just knew the old *but she's so sweet* bit would come up.

Sounds like he's got his problems, too.

[I still care]

LOL. I guarantee you she ain’t so sweet.

This is the hardest problem in the world to handle. If I could figure it out, I would be a millionaire.

My husband was bipolar. This could easily have been my story. The answer for me was to stop working and stay home and give up my future financial security in order to caretake. It ain’t easy, either, because these types are almost always irrational and abusive.

Jail is not the answer. These people are truly ill. But society should not have to deal with these people. They can leave disaster wherever they go. If they can get their illness under control, they are gifted, artistic, and prolific. Unchecked, they leave disaster wherever they go. Walking time bombs. Jail is just more destructive for them.

The best answer is to have a caring family that understands the illness and has the resources and will to take care of them. Then again, that’s the answer to most things.

[Alter Kaker]

She's not going to prison because of her illness, she's going to prison because she stole.

Ok, but what's the purpose then?

There's no deterrent effect if the woman is mad as a hatter.