Gambit’s story shows inadequacy of mental-health services
The heartbreaking Lowell Sun story of an unsheltered individual named Gambit demonstrates the inadequate mental health services in Massachusetts…. and I assume it’s worse in lower-income, red states like Mississippi and Alabama. But at least in the south the homeless won’t freeze to death.
Gambit’s misfortune began when born into poverty and abuse, an inadequate foster care system and lack of effective mental health treatment. As an adult, he had such bad experiences with authority that he left a community residence- preferring the streets.
The article provides further details of Gambit’s misfortunes, but the biggest one is being born in America where health care is considered a privilege rather than a basic human right. The United States desperately needs a single payer system so that nobody is denied, delayed and deposed. It’s not happening in my lifetime, but Massachusetts can choose regulations that force insurers to be humane.
Massachusetts is one of only 3 states lacking Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT)- mandated community- based services. People with mental illness need more than a three-day psychiatric evaluation and a prescription for medication that they won’t take. But money is required for quality services so that children don’t end up like Gambit in the first place. The richest nation on the planet has the resources but lacks the will to invest in people. Sadly, Gambit is a symbol of America’s greed and the disturbing increase in hate towards marginalized people.
Barbara Smith
Dracut, MA
Correcting recent op-ed about free state college
The January 11th op-ed highlights important issues around higher education affordability and the capacity challenges at our community colleges. However, it incorrectly suggests that tuition-free benefits for Pell-eligible students are limited to UMass campuses and a few state universities. In reality, Pell-eligible students at all public four-year institutions in Massachusetts benefit from the MassGrant Plus program, which provides a last-dollar, tuition-free grant and a $1,200 stipend for books and supplies. This vital support makes a four-year degree accessible for low-income students statewide—many of whom may not be aware of these opportunities.
Expanding programs like MassEducate to four-year institutions deserves exploration but requires caution. Untargeted aid can divert resources away from those who need it most. At the Hildreth Institute, we’ve studied these unintended consequences and offered evidence-based recommendations to ensure financial aid is targeted equitably. We commend the state for establishing the Commission on Higher Education Quality and Affordability to thoughtfully examine these issues.
By leveraging new revenues from the Millionaires’ Tax, Massachusetts has a historic opportunity to design solutions that ensure every student can graduate workforce-ready while safeguarding resources for both students and institutions. Thoughtful, data-driven decision-making will be key to achieving this goal.
Dr. Bahar Akman Imboden
Managing Director, Hildreth Institute
Boston, MA
Mike Vrabel will bring back normalcy to New England
With the New England Patriots hiring of Mike Vrabel, a breath of fresh air now descends upon Gillette Stadium. And a new light shines brightly in the light tower. The Revolutionaries can fire off their muskets as a new dawn appears on the horizon. Robert Kraft submitted his apology of wrongdoing but thanked Gerod Mayo for his sincere effort, though untested, as the Patriots begin to recapture their glorious days once again in the NFL. The New England fans can breathe a sigh of relief and joy. Now the local media has a tougher head coach to attack. And we seem to be back to normalcy with New England sports.
Larry Fraticelli
Leominster, MA
Lowell civil service hiring?
Your 11 January editorial on Civil Service hiring said nothing about Lowell. Hmm?
David McCabe
Lowell, MA
Remaining hopeful during Trump
It was recently reported in the Lowell Sun that Donald Trump, Jr. made a media appearance in which he warned Republican US senators that they had better support the incoming administration if they know what’s good for them. Junior reminded them that they now have control of the Senate only because of Donald Trump, and “…without that, you would be relegated to insignificance.”
An interesting observation — and not without irony. One wonders where Junior might be flipping burgers right now if he were not the number one son of the incoming president.
Like it or not, for the next four years we are stuck with Donald Trump and his cabinet of marginally-talented misfits. Life will be unpleasant, at best. But certain moments are destined to be downright revolting:
On July 4, 2026, our country will celebrate 250 years of existence as a republic. Trump will boast and brag and try to claim as much credit as he can. Other world leaders will wonder how we could have elected such a clown.
The worst moment may be the inauguration. Trump will stand on the very same Capitol steps that were desecrated on January 6, 2021 by his hillbilly army of MAGA followers. He will place his hand on the Bible and swear, with a straight face, to “…preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.” Air sickness bags are recommended!
History teaches us that, under the right circumstances, any country is capable of falling into the wrong hands. Perhaps it takes an extreme aberration, such as Donald Trump, to remind us that no nation, no people, no system of government, can say for a certainty that “it can’t happen here.”
In the meantime, we can be kind to one another. We can be civil and courteous in our daily lives. We can be tolerant and accepting of other people and how they are trying to lead their own lives. The tide comes in, and the tide goes out. The day will come when the Trump tide goes out and will hopefully stay out. And, like alcoholics trying to dry out, we will endure the Trump administration, one day at a time.
J.F. Dacey
Lowell, MA
