John Hinkley Jr on the loose.

[Brian37]

Just like Yates, who did far worse, she is mentally ill. I'd only agree that even mentally ill, lifetime containment should be required. In a mental institution, not a prison. 

I only agree that while mental illness should not be stigmatized, it is insane to let someone that dangerous out. 

My older cousin has autism. I can tell you that he is huge, much taller than me. But the times I met him, he had an verbally abusive father that yelled at him frequently. In my presence my cousin threatened him physically, and once with a knife. Lucky for everyone, he never followed through. But I could tell at times during the yelling he wanted to. One could think my cousin's behavior like a abused kid in imperfect brain. 

I think you need to separate your rightful call for detainment, as being equal to punishment of mental illness. 

I think both Hinkley and Yates were/are mentally ill. Neither of them should see the light of day as far as I am concerned. But that does not mean they should be treated like Ted Bundy or Jeffery Dahmer.

How very humane of you. Punish people forever.

Sure you’re not a Christian?

Boru

 Punishment would be putting them in with violent sane prisoners in a regular prison. Containing the mentally ill that have gotten violent isn't saying they are like the sane. But it also does not mean they are safe in society either. 

Don't confuse punishment with containment. If you want to argue Hinkley and Yates are mentally ill, I am with you. Nobody should argue they deserve the needle or gas chamber or waterboarding. But they are still a danger to society. 

Bundy and Dahmer are/were not mentally ill. Hinkley and Yates should not get out. Not because they knew what they were doing, but because they are a danger to public safety. They should not be punished or abused at all. But that does not make them safe for the public.