Thanks, bobert, for explaining that in easy language. I, too, know that story. Not only are many of the mentally ill unable to care for themselves, they are easy prey on the streets. Yes, there are many examples.

Two kids who were born to a mother with a mental age of 12 who had been raped. We had no proof, but by the time we were aware of the kids, it was certain that they, too, had been sexually abused. The youngest had normal intelligence but what chance does he have?

Then there was the brilliant physicist who was schizophrenic and violent. They kept putting him in prison for assault. He would return to the streets and assault again. One day he came at a police officer with a knife. He was shot and killed. His daughter was my best friend. He left behind a wife and three kids. The two sons have met untimely deaths.

We can go on and on and, yes, meself, it does coincide with new miracle drugs that were supposed to be cost effective. It didn't work out and this social experiment has gone on long enough. We have the same problem in Canada. Its fine for some but definitely not for others. We need to provide safe places for these people, many of whom are the homeless we see on the streets.