The result could be a new sensitivity. The mentally ill may be uniquely qualified to understand American politics, which increasingly seems in serious need of physical restraints. Both parties prattle about saving Social Security, a Ponzi scheme doomed by demographics. Programs that deny some people jobs or educational opportunities based on race are celebrated as moves toward equality. Guns are blamed for crime.
Poverty is blamed for crime.
Everything is blamed for crime, except criminals. After losing the last two presidential elections with mushy moderates, the GOP is poised to nominate Gov. Bush, a candidate who makes his father seem firm and Bob Dole look principled by comparison. Due to a misinterpretation of the Constitution, the name of G-d can't be spoken in our public schools. This spring, the United States bombed the hell out of a country that hadn't attacked us, wasn't menacing our allies and posed no threat to our national interests. Once again this year, Clinton issued a proclamation for National Character Counts week.