Johnson City Makes the News Again-Although it Probably Wishes It Hadn't

This time the newsmaker is a former principal (and suspended assistant superintendent) of Johnson City High School.  He was there as principal for some of the time my son attended, so this is of great interest to me.

Some interesting things have been happening in the Johnson City schools the last few months. 

I don't know Mr. Lally personally, but I did have occasion to meet him.  I've seen him make speeches, and to me he seemed very hyperactive.  Apparently, the truth is a lot more sad.

At this point I don't want to comment on his case; I don't know enough to have an opinion.  But I wanted to mention something about bipolar disorder.

Years ago (I am positive) I worked for a man, a small business owner, who must have been bipolar.  It was an absolute nightmare.  I've known a couple of people since with the disorder.  One did some very good things for my son.  Another one was a co worker for a very brief time.

Just as a layperson, I can tell you that anyone with this disorder is enslaved by it.  And so are their families.  There is so little support out there for those with mental illness and their families.  It is a very sad situation.   There are medications, but they have major side effects.  This disorder causes so much suffering.   Being a caretaker for someone with bipolar, without support, can destroy families.  I've seen some of that suffering.

I can have compassion, though, because I didn't suffer at his hands as a co-worker. 

I hope this comes to an end without the school district bankrupting itself.  And guess what.  The taxpayers will suffer,too.

Not good.  Not good.