Since the days of Aristotle, people have recognized and written about the power of a good apology. When individuals or institutions make mistakes someone must apologize. Without an apology the process of healing gets stuck.
Unfortunately, most elected officials do not seem to understand the ethical necessity and the practical value of just saying, “I am sorry.” Governor Easley is a good example of an elected official who will leave office without seizing one significant opportunity to apologize.
He could start by apologizing for his role in the failure of mental health reform. He could say that he is sorry for not paying enough attention to the mental health system until it was too damaged for him to repair. He could say that he is sorry for not recognizing that some aspects of mental health “reform” were flawed from the beginning and should have been repealed. He could express his regret for not taking stronger action to protect people with disabilities who were victimized by inadequate treatment or incompetent service providers.
If Governor Easley set a good example and apologized, it might inspire many of us who are involved in the mental health system to reflect on our own role and responsibility for the failures of mental health reform. Other apologies might follow and the rebuilding of the system could begin.
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