I don't know if I've mentioned it before, but I'm working on a little study of the evolution of the mental health system of the Commonwealth. There's a little timeline on my wall that starts with the Boston Female Asylum for Orphans (1800) and ends with the creation of the Board of Health, Lunacy and Charity in 1879. And there's some stuff in there about Horace Mann and Samuel Gridley Howe. The methods used to "take care" of crazy people have changed a great deal over the years. One major change is that they no longer put you in the nuthouse, give you a cot, and let you live there. That started to change in the '70's, and President Reagan embraced that approach in the '80's and basically emptied the psychiatric hospitals and put thousands of people on the street.
When I'm done with my little analysis I'll fold it up, very tight, and fling it out the window. Avert your eyes, people, nothing of consequence happening here!
One of the most unpleasant things that anyone has to do in this life is ask a friend or relation for a large sum of money. Or any amount, really. I was in a bind that required money to get out of, so I went, hat in hand, to my uncle. Total humiliation. But he cheerfully helped me and I'm out of a jam, and life goes on. It's a car related problem. Owning a car is an expensive proposition; gas, insurance, things that break. The good thing about being poor and crazy is that the poverty distracts you with other, more pressing, issues. Still, I think it would be good to have a shitload of money. Yeah, I'm pretty solid in that opinion.
2 comments:
I think we should rob a bank. Seriously. we've both watched enough crime shows.. and we know what to do, not to leave any evidence. Having a shit-load of money would be the bomb.
I think you should publish your essay about the history of mental health care in massachusetts. Sounds interesting.
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