| Tough calls are tough calls. Yes, it is hard to contemplate putting someone away when there is no clear treatment or prospect of recovery. On the other hand, harm cannot be construed so restrictively as to amount to mortal danger. For example, suppose one had a neighbor who was a self- torturer? Would one care to have that person continue to burn his/her self with cigarettes, with possible infection, nerve damage, and other debilitating consequences, when there is a chance that treatment might not merely restrain the practice, but might palliate the compulsion? Yes, it is possible to make mistakes, but let's face it, in our culture, the issue does not generalize arise unless the behavior in question is truly bizarre........ |
