Neither more nor less

Scene of an Investigation during the Inquisition by Alessandro Mangasco ,1710



Last week fact was sought concerning the sanity of Black-Ops Bob ( Robert Lee Griffin) in a courtroom at Bellevue Hospital . The hearing included a judge , two lawyers and Bob's Bellevue psych-ward doctor .

A friend of ours attended the hearing and spoke on the stand in support of releasing Bob. Our friend feels that having known Bob for a few years that he is not dangerous to others or himself and should be released . This is not what the court decided .

According to our friend , Bob's doctor claimed that Bob was seriously delusional and required more observation . This is what the judge decided : at least 2 more weeks locked-up and medicated .

Bob spoke on the stand to the accomplishment of his much desired material liberation ; answering his interrogators as the man pictured above hanging by his arms is answering ... as best he could . Bob had difficulty speaking intelligibly to the issues of his sanity and freedom in a clear , articulate manner because he was , according to our friend , significantly medicated with Resperdal , an anti-schizophrenic , anti-psychotic drug .

The Hospital staff and the court will keep Bob long enough at least to show that due diligence was given his case : all professionals cover their asses in these situations . If they do release Bob they will likely only do so with a mandatory regimen of medication , probably their favorite Resperdal , to be taken indefinitely ; again covering their asses .

Perhaps what applies most aptly here for Bob and others entering this public mental health-care system , even those doing so voluntarily , is the phrase inscribed above the entrance to Dante's Hell , Abandon any hope you who enter here .

According to our friend , Bob's last slurred and muddled words were ,"this place is Hell on Earth" .