>a national standard that the mentally ill could only be involuntarily treated if they represented an immediate threat to themselves or others. This has been s

>a national standard that the mentally ill could only be involuntarily treated if they represented an immediate threat to themselves or others. This has been so important for individual and civil rights. Before it many people we would today say are fine and healthy were imprisoned in psychiatric hospitals for long durations against their will. The reasons were extremely varied and "false positives" both accidental and intentional ruined lives. It was simply incompatible with the USA's legal system and basis of government. We're in a much better place now on balance but housing of the mentally ill could and should be better. That said, any replacement system for housing has to also be voluntary. Removal of the "immediate threat to themselves or others" clause will rapidly lead to abuses doing much worse damage to individuals and society than having some crazy people walking about.