So I almost deleted this recent episode based on the recent track record of Frontline (which used to be really excellent... but has spent the last years doing nothing but attacking Trump and Republicans.) The episode "Breakdown in Maine" focuses on the Lewiston shooting a couple of years ago.
I was somewhat surprised that they did a pretty good job detailing the 'breakdown' in the mental health system that led to the shooting. It was not an anti-gun screed which I expected. But it really focused on the total failure of everyone who could have addressed the shooter's mental health issues (including some TBI issues) and prevented the shooting that left 15+ people dead.
Every time this happens, the SH community says "Mental health..." Again and again. With good reason. And sure enough, this documentary showed in great detail how the shooter's Army reserve unit, hospitals, courts, LE, etc. missed, ignored or said "We Can't" or "Not our job" throughout a months-long escalation of a guy who was clearly signalling his intentions... and whose family and friends made clear, detailed and supportable calls to 'head him off.'
It's worth watching. Yes, there was some typical PBS BS in there. But not much. I thought it was a pretty balanced and honest look at the 'real' problem.
I thought it was interesting that it Included body cam footage and some detailed communications showing clearly that there were indicators in the months leading up to the shooting.
Also shows how hard Maine (even some of its lefties) have been trying to balance civil liberties and the 2A with potential threats. Not sure it offers any prescriptions for stopping these events. But it did a good job of showing how if just one or two entities or people (including family members) had acted, things could have turned out different.
One of the first times I have seen a 'real' focus on mental health from the media. Instead of just screaming 'bad guns.' It's worth a watch.
Sirhr
I was somewhat surprised that they did a pretty good job detailing the 'breakdown' in the mental health system that led to the shooting. It was not an anti-gun screed which I expected. But it really focused on the total failure of everyone who could have addressed the shooter's mental health issues (including some TBI issues) and prevented the shooting that left 15+ people dead.
Every time this happens, the SH community says "Mental health..." Again and again. With good reason. And sure enough, this documentary showed in great detail how the shooter's Army reserve unit, hospitals, courts, LE, etc. missed, ignored or said "We Can't" or "Not our job" throughout a months-long escalation of a guy who was clearly signalling his intentions... and whose family and friends made clear, detailed and supportable calls to 'head him off.'
It's worth watching. Yes, there was some typical PBS BS in there. But not much. I thought it was a pretty balanced and honest look at the 'real' problem.
I thought it was interesting that it Included body cam footage and some detailed communications showing clearly that there were indicators in the months leading up to the shooting.
Also shows how hard Maine (even some of its lefties) have been trying to balance civil liberties and the 2A with potential threats. Not sure it offers any prescriptions for stopping these events. But it did a good job of showing how if just one or two entities or people (including family members) had acted, things could have turned out different.
One of the first times I have seen a 'real' focus on mental health from the media. Instead of just screaming 'bad guns.' It's worth a watch.
Sirhr
