Goudie unfair to family, friends

I see that Chuck Goudie is patting himself on the back for seeing oh so clearly all the supposed red flags that the NIU shooter was setting off.

Of course, to have seen those flags in a manner that could have averted this tragedy would have required, well, omniscience.

Yes, some family, friends and doctors knew of his psychiatric past, which they thought was being treated successfully and apparently had been for years.

How were they all supposed to know that he had stopped taking his medication? And how were they supposed to know that he started buying guns?

Is Goudie saying that anyone who has ever had mental illness issues should never be trusted in anything?

The stigmatization of mental illness drives individuals away from seeking treatment and help.

Yes, there were some indications of trouble, which if one person had known them all at one time, might have been sufficient warning.

But individually, at the level at which those around him had all the pieces, I don't think there was sufficient evidence to any significant action. And, no, this shooter wasn't similar to the Virginia Tech individual.

So to those family, friends and doctors whom Goudie sneers at, but I'm sure are asking themselves "what more should I have done," take comfort that you did your best and that there are always demagogues like Goudie who'll puff themselves up by throwing blame at others.

Robert Hatcher

St. Charles