I want to call your attention to two recent events. I’d hoped to write about them sooner but traveling to give speeches, getting my new book “put to bed” so that it can be published in January and launching a new book project caused me to fall behind.
The first is the ruling by San Diego based Judge Larry Alan Burns that Jared Lee Loughner, the twenty-two year old accused of killing six persons and wounding thirteen, including U.S. Representative Gabrielle Giffords, is so mentally disturbed that he cannot understand what is happening in a courtroom. This means he cannot be put on trial. 
Judge Burns decided to send Loughner, who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, to the U.S. Medical Facility for federal prisoners in Springfield, Missouri, where doctors will attempt to restore his competency.
I’m afraid that many people mistakenly believe that the judge’s decision means that Loughner is going to be treated for his mental disorder. While he certainly may benefit from the medical attention that he will receive, it’s important to note that restoring competency and providing someone meaningful treatment are not the same.
