Explain the risks of mental illness
Sydney Morning Herald
Saturday November 14, 2009
Professor Vaughan Carr says schizophrenia and violence are not synonymous and that people with a mental illness are more likely to be victims than perpetrators ("Experts fear backlash over killings", November 12). This sounds reassuring, but it is impossible to deduce anything from these statements about the risk of people with mental illness being more violent to others.We expect this type of information-free spin from government, not from respected professors who understand logic and statistics.So what is the truth here? Do any of the mental illnesses lead to the sufferer being more likely to use violence against and harm others?Bruce van der Graaf JannaliRoad rage riddleTo all those who called for an end to cyclists' rights after the bus driver assault incident. Does a similar assault on a parking ranger require an end to motor vehicle parking rights ("Car owner bashed ranger and bit his cheek", November 13)?Dan Guenther GordonRaving RuddNext time the Ruddbot goes in for a service, can someone check the settings on the hyperbole drive? I think it's defaulted to Extreme and it's doing my head in.Jo Dodds BegaSite for sore eyesDear Terry Jessop (Letters, November 13), please keep quiet about the Book Depository website. This is the second time it has been mentioned in these pages. A third and it will end up on Stephen Conroy's internet black list. Oh, damn.Paul Sztelma Russell LeaSlip of the tongueThe Maritime Union's fund-raising for Sri Lankan refugees has produced a predictable xenophobic response ("Racial backlash against union aid", November 13). You report that many emails sent to the union were highly emotional, with "lots of explanation marks". Please exclaim.David Baird BurradooTiger maniaThe adulation and hysteria surrounding Tiger Woods continues to mystify. Nice guy, presents well, but let's get things in perspective. He whacks a small ball around with a stick and promotes a sport that is a major contributor to environmental vandalism throughout the world.Jim Gentles CoogeeNo TV coverage of Tiger Woods's first round in the Masters? I know what Kerry Packer would have done.David Brender Woollahra
© 2009 Sydney Morning Herald
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