Don't Let Hinckley Roam Free

(3 of 3)

The day after Hinckley's insanity verdict was handed down 18 years ago, Dan Rather did a commentary that now seems sadly prophetic. In part he said, "If John Hinckley has the will (and he has shown he is willful) and the way (and his family is rich), he will probably down the road ask to be released from St. Elizabeths on the grounds that he is no longer dangerous. And sooner or later, a panel of experts may nod and say yes."

I don't seem to have my father's gift for forgiveness--not yet anyway. Over the years my rage toward Hinckley has turned icy but hasn't diminished. I thought perhaps by looking into all aspects of his case, I could at least rid myself of some of the anger. But instead I've only proved what I already thought: he has worked the system; he's still working it; and he'll keep on until he's a free man. The legacy of violence is the rage it ignites in others. I wish I didn't feel it, but I do. And the worst of it is, that keeps him in my mind. He did, after all, crave attention. Sadly, he still has mine.

I do feel sorry for Hinckley's parents. But not as sorry as I feel for the Bradys, the family that has suffered the most, that has endured the shadow of Hinckley's evil intent. I believe Hinckley knew full well what evil is; I believe he was drawn to it, excited by it; and I believe that he may still be. I don't know whether he remains dangerous. But he is guilty; he always was. Now they unlock the doors for him, send him out across the lawn--smiling, hugging his parents, eager for a day beyond the walls of St. Elizabeths. But no one can release Jim Brady and his family from a chilly spring day when bullets shattered their lives. They don't have keys for that.