Based upon what mental patients reportedly have done throughout societies, it is clear that mental illness and mental acuity can, and do, coexist. Because Andrea Yates was compelled to call the police after having drowned her children does not mean that she was not insane at the time of this heart-wrenching act. Mental illness, stress in coping with five active children, and an uncaring husband finally took their toll in this darkest of horrific tragedies. This is not to say that what Mrs. Yates did is excusable. It is not. But, realistically, a woman could not bear five children, love them and care for them, and then commit this atrocious act of violence – unless she was insane. Harry L. Nesbit Washington

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