Skip to content
Andrew Tobias
Andrew Tobias

Money and Other Subjects

  • Home
  • Books
  • Videos
  • Bio
  • Archives
  • Links
  • Me-Mail
Andrew Tobias
Andrew Tobias

Money and Other Subjects

Unintended Consequences

March 8, 2018March 7, 2018

You may know centrist political scientist Norman Ornstein from his books or frequent TV appearances.

He and Al Franken and their families used to attend Renaissance Weekend, where they developed a routine:

“I’m Norm,” Norm sang.

“I’m Al!” Al sang.

“Together” — they both sang — “we’re NormAl!”

It went downhill from there.

So I got to know them — I am a huge fan — and their terrific kids.

With that cheery setup, I offer this gut-punch from yesterday’s Times.

Ever since the school shooting in Parkland, Fla., law enforcement and other officials have been calling for changes in the Baker Act, a Florida law that allows involuntary commitment for 72 hours of people who are an imminent danger to themselves or others. If the Baker Act had been easier to deploy, they think, Nikolas Cruz, the accused shooter, would have been taken and treated before his horrible act. . . .

I know something about the Baker Act. About halfway through my son Matthew’s decade-long struggle with serious mental illness, my wife and I invoked the Baker Act against him.

This kind, brilliant, thoughtful young man, who experienced the sudden onset of mental illness at age 24, was living in a small condominium we owned near Sarasota, Fla. One day . . .


It’s a short, real-life horror story that could have happened to anyone.



I see zero downside in siding with Ronald Reagan and Antonin Scalia when it comes to keeping military-grade weapons out of civilian hands.*

Or in banning bump stocks or high-capacity magazines.

Or in imposing effective universal background checks.

Or in allowing states and municipalities the freedom to require proficiency tests and licensing, should they choose to, as they do with automobiles.

Or in appropriating more money, not less, to treat mental illness.

Where is the risk is any of that?  Where is the downside?

But as Norm makes heart-wrenchingly clear, other aspects of our response need to be carefully thought through.

 

Post navigation

← Why Is This Man Still President?
How To Win The Lottery →

Quote of the Day

"Airplanes are interesting toys but of no military value."

Marechal Ferdinand Foch, Professor of Strategy, Ecole Superieure de Guerre.

Subscribe

 Advice

The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need

"So full of tips and angles that only a booby or a billionaire could not benefit." -- The New York Times

Help

MYM Emergency?

Too Much Junk?

Tax Questions?

Ask Less

Recent Posts

  • "The Most Popular Bill Ever Signed In The History Of Our Country"

    July 6, 2025
  • Unbelievably Bad -- Literally

    July 4, 2025
  • Repeal The Steal

    July 2, 2025
  • Our Record-High Stock Market

    June 30, 2025
  • Stuffing The Goose

    June 30, 2025
  • Yes! (Plus A Bonus)

    June 29, 2025
  • How Does THAT Make You Feel . . .

    June 27, 2025
  • Randi, David, Ken, and HYMC

    June 26, 2025
  • Six Links For Your Consideration

    June 25, 2025
  • Weekend Reading

    June 20, 2025
Andrew Tobias Books
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
©2025 Andrew Tobias - All Rights Reserved | Website: Whirled Pixels | Author Photo: Tony Adams