Comments on: How Mr. Ayers And Mr. Lopez Became Friends

Morley Safer Reports On A Unique Urban Fable That Happens To Be True

[735152]

Thank you very much for the article on NathanielAyers the homeless person and musican. I hace followed the articles since the beginning. Icannot wait until the movie. Mr. Steve Lopez, you should be awarded for your timeless time you have spent with Nathaniel and the help that you have given to him. I have worked with youth who have experieced the same health and mental illness. but the issue that Mr. Lopez wrote of the getting him a room and he did not feel as safe in the room as the streets was heartbreaking. I would like to see him playing and would like to go to the Preview of the movie (smile). Also, the 60 minutes program was great. I have mention the issues to everone that I can. I believe that we all should pay attention to Mr. Ayers writing and issues because because we never know especially doing these hard times how far we are from being homesless and depressed and other mental illneses. please keepup the good work. Patricia Robinson [phone]

[fmgunnell]

As a Board Certified Music Therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a specialty in Interpersonal Practice and Mental Health, I thoroughly enjoyed your piece on ?How Mr. Ayers and Mr. Lopez Became Friends.? What I was hoping you might highlight was how Mr. Ayers could benefit from Music Therapy sessions. While our clients and patients do not have to have a musical background to participate in or benefit from Music Therapy, it is always a welcome advantage if they do. Music Therapists are licensed clinicians who have specialized training in physical and mental health diagnoses. We are trained to assess, treat and evaluate our clients and offer sessions which can reduce anxiety or pain, lift depression and increase relaxation, and for clients like Mr. Ayers ? sessions can increase communication, emotional expression, coping skills and symptom management. Despite the severity of physical or mental illness, unique outcomes are possible through the use of Music Therapy because it is an intervention which is non-invasive, familiar and non-threatening. Music has the power to divert us from physical pain, relive suffering, and quiet the mind. It reaches us on a conscious and subconscious level and simultaneously stimulates both left and right hemispheres of the brain. Aside from the physiological benefits, music also offers hope and inspiration and has the ability to reach us on a deeply spiritual and emotional level. It is my hope that in the future, CBS 60 Minutes would consider highlighting the powerful effects of using music as therapy.

Megan Gunnell, LMSW, MT-BC
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Ann Arbor, MI.
www.megangunnell.com

[BJTcorky]

Sad to see Mr Ayers & others - but is schizophrenia incurable?
Dr Abram Hoffer of Canada has been treating them with megadoes of vitamins since the 1950s - he is of course ignored by the mainstream medicine as no big money in niacin etc.
Note 1% of the population has schizophrenia and 10% commit suicide so that is approx. 300,000 suicides out of present US population. Dr Hoffer claims 80 - 90 % success IF TREATED EARLY & much less after decades of drugs (note the drugs only help 25% or so)
If Dr Hoffer is only half right that is thousands of lives saved
I think a 60 Minutes story on Dr Hoffer would be of interest to many people (note he is in his 90s so maybe move fast)

[HammLynn]

Great story except for one careless use of terms in the CBS intro: We heard that Mr. Ayers "plays for music, not to panhandle." What they meant was that he was not soliciting tips, but that would be busking, not panhandling. Panhandlers ask something for nothing; buskers seek tips in return for music, mime, juggling, or some other form of street or subway performance.

While owing to a common stereotype and prejudice, the mistake is akin to calling fringe benefits embezzlement.

Somewhere in a blurb for the upcoming film, The Soloist, Mr. Ayers is called a "street-musician," which he is in the general sense. However, that word is often used interchangeably with "busker," and is therefore misleading--though certainly more honest than panhandler.

Jack Garvey
Busker, North of Boston

[pamerae]

I have taken in a young man, Jason, 11 months ago. He went to school with my boys, and I have always been there for him. He is a free spirit and a lost sole. He is now 33 years old and can not find a job. He has a degree in business. His shizophrenia came from his grandmother, but did not surface until he was like 23 yrs old. He won't take medication or get help. He actually thinks he is fine. I really don't know what to do. I don't want to send him away because he will end up living on the streets. We live in San Diego and after watching the show makes me relize I need to find him help and hope. Which is hard when you have no insurance these days.

[bruisedreed]

Los Angeles Times' columnist Steve Lopez has received much publicity as the result of his finding Mr. Ayers. Mr. Lopez has not only written a book about Mr. Ayers; but there has also been a movie based on Lopez' book. Has Mr. Lopez used any of the proceeds from these enterprises to help Mr. Ayers' rehabilitation? If not, Mr. Lopez' actions might not be as praiseworthy as they are self-enriching.

[mswolfestock]

This story touched me deeply. I will take away this lesson to use in my life -

If we all tried to be a little bit like Mr. Lopez, if we all try to see the beauty in the souls of folks like Mr. Ayers, then I do believe that we would be closer to a state of grace which will open our hearts to the endless possibilities of a better world.

Thanks a million Mr. Safer. We need more stories like this, and I'll bet there are a million more to discover.

[fyreopal7]

I completely agree with the above statement. What this story reminds us is of the importance of meeting people where they are at....seeing that beauty that is sometimes hidden. It also reminds us of the importance of friendships, family & music. I was deeply moved by the book, the movie and this piece on 60 Minutes. As someone struggling to learn to play fiddle, I am inspired by Mr. Ayers. I hope someday I will be able to play as well and with as much heart as he does. I am grateful for Mr. Ayers for allowing his story to be told and Mr Lopez for telling the story so well (both took a great deal of courage).

Thank You,
~ April

[davidcc472]

I have never seen a more moving story on 60 Minutes. I was just tuning in last night to see what President Obama had to say about the economy, and then got a great surprise. Morley Safer don't ever retire, i've loved your stories for years and i think your so good at what you do. Great, emotional story.

Good job Mr. Safer and producers.

David

[nettiehiram]

Mr. Safer,

This report was very touching. I am completing a research paper on paronoid schizophrenia for a psychology class and the story caught my attention. I really hope that Mr. Ayers get some help for his illness. It is so unfortunate that he received shock treatment years ago and it discouraged him from receiving further treatment. I wish him the best and hope that someone will persuade him to get on some medication. My hat really goes off to Mr. Lopez for befriending Mr. Ayers to the point that Mr. Ayers trust him. Mr Lopez ambition to get a story turned into a great friendship. Thanks Mr. Safer for a great story. on 60 minues. I'm also looking forward to the movie.

[KYMBRO]

My mother, brother  and I are schzophrenic.  I am one of the very fortunate ones for three reasons, 1. my case is mild 2. i  have a company health plan that covers 3. my wife loves me. The  sense in loss of time, understanding  and  emotional pain  can never be conveyed to the functioning public through media. Mr Ayers and I are  members of a special  "club". I  could relate to his exuberance in the concert hall and  his frustration  and anger episode at the shelter.  I felt his sisters dispair  as I am both victim and care giver. After the story aired, I became agitated. My wife held me as I cried and screamed how I wanted to KILL IT ( the sickness). I would like to say more but will leave with this.. When a person is sick with , say, cancer or has experianced a loss, people send flowers, call, or visit. When you have mental illness,  they don't .