I am writing in response to Lyn Bowman's letter published in Tuesday's Post.
Lyn Bowman recently demanded the answers to seven questions, all of which revolved around his fear of Jonathan Bebb. In case you missed it, Mr. Bebb is an Ohio University graduate student and is alleged to have killed his father by stabbing him multiple times.
Mr. Bowman demands to know who allowed Bebb on campus knowing that he has a history of mental illnesses. Prior to the alleged murder, Jonathan Bebb had presumably never threatened anyone on campus and did not qualify for a ban. No one had to approve his presence on campus just because he has a history of mental illness.
Mr. Bowman's questions imply a belief that people with mental illness histories should be forced to register with the University and apply for permission to step on campus regardless of whether they are a threat. I'm sorry, when did we shred the Constitution?
And as for who the hell they are
I can partially answer the question of who on campus has a mental illness... me! I have a history of mental illness that makes for interesting listening. Heck, I have even been locked up before! Yes! I have been secretly stalking through campus buildings hiding my vast power and my terrible threat to society.
But, let's be real. I have never thought of hurting someone, let alone harmed or threatened someone! People who suffer from mental illnesses are not a bunch of loonies a hair trigger away from knocking off random strangers. The vast majority of us are harmless. Indeed, statistics show that mental illness will strike about 20 percent of the population over the course of their lifetimes. If true, why aren't we all dead from the one in five people so prone to murder?
Mr. Bowman needs to take a chill pill.Gregory Springer is an assistant professor in the geological sciences department.
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