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Keep in mind that the involuntary commitment system that was largely dismantled in the 80s was a hotbed of abuse - both of the people committed to it, and of the reasons for which people would get committed to it.

Falling out with your business partner? Want to get rid of your wife, so you can move in with your mistress? Your kid came out gay, or atheist? Dad has money, and you don't want to wait for him to die? Involuntary commitment was a fantastic solution for all of these problems.

If you weren't crazy before you get sent to a mental institution, you almost certainly would be after you involuntarily spent some time in one.




Yes, there is of course potential for abuse, but I am thinking the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction now.




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