Ring, ring, do your thing; make Loren Huss’ illness disappear like witches sing. Let’s face it, there is no crazy spell like this that would make Huss’ illness, bipolar disorder, disappear.

Michael Spodak, one of the psychiatrists who evaluated Huss, said his disorder could be life-long. Therefore, there is a risk that he might re-offend. However, we believe that he should be let into Iowa State, if he meets the qualifications.

What do we know about Loren Huss? Huss, who was convicted of first degree murder in 1987 for the murder of his girlfriend, has openly said he is considering getting a college degree from Iowa State. This has caused a fearful reaction in many students. It is what many people don’t know about Huss and his illness, however, that would enable the right decision to be made — not fear.

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a lifelong disorder that affects about 2 million American adults. The disease typically develops in late adolescence or early adulthood.

Loren Huss, 42, committed these crimes when he was 23, which is a time when most people first develop the symptoms of the illness. This is also a time when most people haven’t yet learned to live with the illness — like 2 million Americans do.

Now that Huss is a free man and has moved to Ankeny, we need to consider the conditions that would enable him to better deal with his illness — not hinder them.

There is no magic spell that can cast him away from Ames and the surrounding area, if he chooses to make it his home. If he is not going to be cast away, then getting an education gives him a better chance of dealing with his illness so he doesn’t hurt anyone again.

As the proverb says, “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” We have seen what the devil in him can do.

We have also seen that he has obtained about 50 college credits as part of an effort to do something with his life.

There is a spell that can cast away the violent, murderous, part of him. That spell might very well be created if he is provided with meaningful things to do.

We don’t feel sympathy for a man who raped and killed his girlfriend, and we advise no girls to date him, but we believe that if he qualifies to get into Iowa State, he should be let in.

Not doing so would create a lose-lose situation, which puts more people at risk — including Huss himself.