| One Oklahoman who is eternally grateful to have his life & health back; wanted me to share his message. He represents tens of thousands of your neighbors, co-workers, relatives, and fellow taxpayers. Steve Boyer is a life rescued and repaired. He is now a tax-paying citizen who specializes in rescuing others who are just like him.
Editor's note: |  |
People who live in recovery, demonstrate bravery every day when they get out of bed. When they raise their kids. When they go to their jobs. When they give back to the community. But they also live with the fear that their recovery may be fragile, and even the best efforts don't guarantee against a setback.
Sadly a explosive trend in criminal incarceration is happening because peace officers cannot find open beds in state psychiatric facilities. Too often these officers resort to charging the ill with some victim-less charge, as a pretext to detain them for the sake of public safety. That cost to the cities and counties is far higher than a therapeutic solution, and vastly less humane or redemptive of the ill person.
Decades ago, Steve might not have survived to this point. And even if he did, he might have lived in a residential mental hospital for the rest of his days.
Sadly a explosive trend in criminal incarceration is happening because peace officers cannot find open beds in state psychiatric facilities. Too often these officers resort to charging the ill with some victim-less charge, as a pretext to detain them for the sake of public safety. That cost to the cities and counties is far higher than a therapeutic solution, and vastly less humane or redemptive of the ill person.
Decades ago, Steve might not have survived to this point. And even if he did, he might have lived in a residential mental hospital for the rest of his days.
 | Just months before State Labor Commissioner, Mark Costello was killed by his psychotic son; he stood with me and others in the capitol rotunda and spoke these words; "We are looking to the image and likeness of Christ and that we must be humane. "And we must be understanding and understand that society cannot ignore this problem, and if it does so, it does so at its peril.” |
