There were about 1,000 drug overdose deaths in Oregon last year. In March, two Portland teens died from suspected fentanyl overdoses. Portland had more than 90 homicides in 2021 and is on pace to surpass that this year. Are these events not in some way just as tragic? Should we post graphic video or photos of these victims (“Letter from the editor: Should we publish graphic images to focus attention on mass shootings?,” June 5)? Or how about posting regular videos of the homeless having some sort of mental breakdown that would equally amuse and perhaps force changes in policy?
What do all of these have in common along with the sick individuals of Roseburg, Uvalde, et al? Mental health breakdowns. The state of Oregon has raised more than $150 million in the past year through the promise of Measure 110. The Oregon Health Authority has spent very little of the funds due to having no plan (“Oregon officials acknowledge drug treatment rollout was botched,” June 3). Maybe we should start posting pictures of the incompetent leaders with their grandiose plans that have gone nowhere. Or maybe this is beyond mental health events and just pure and simple evil with the losing of one’s way. In that case, we need to enforce the laws we have.
Teresa McGuire, Albany
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