Bush: Mental Health Screening for All Americans

Should every American child and adult be given a comprehensive mental-illness screening? Apparently that's the recommendation of President Bush's New Freedom Commission on Mental Health. Maybe our political leaders should volunteer to go first and release those records publicly before expecting anyone else to agree.

The Washington Times reports:

The New Freedom Commission recommendation that everyone be screened for mental illness whenever he goes to the doctor and that children be monitored for mental illness in government schools is a plan to stigmatize people for "inappropriate" behavior and speech. It is also a plan for the widespread drugging of adults and children under government supervision. There is also reason to fear the improper influence of drug companies.

Allen Jones, formerly of the Pennsylvania Inspector General's Office, revealed a similar program was started in his state after drug companies curried favor with state officials. ... Last January, Mr. Jones said: "The industry was influencing state officials with trips, perks, lavish meals, transportation to and first-class accommodations in major cities. Some state employees were paid honorariums of up to $2,000 for speaking in their official capacities at drug-company-sponsored events."

Mr. Jones was relieved of his duties after blowing the whistle. In court papers challenging the state's move, he said the government was trying to "cover up, discourage and limit any investigations or oversight into the corrupt practices of large drug companies and corrupt public officials who have acted with them."

It would be one thing if this were government-funded and optional — then it would look more like an attempt to promote public health by ensuring that everyone with mental problems get the necessary help (rather like screening for heart disease or lung cancer). If it is unfunded, mandatory, and done for the benefit of the drug companies who are lining politicians' pockets, then that's another matter entirely.

Of course, it's not as though the Washington Times is a real newspaper with any journalistic credibility, so it would be wisest to wait for more sources to come forward before reaching any conclusions.

Read More:

• Guide to Ethics and Morality
• News About Ethics
• Bioethics