I sound like an old fogey, but this didn't happen back in the day. Why? There was just as much anger and frustration, just as much depression. Yet I don't remember anyone committing suicide or shooting up a school (and yes, we often had at least a .22).

Part of it is the media, part of it song "lyrics," part of it the general glorification of violence, part of it....

A year ago we found a spiked club outside the Library; a week later a shotgun shell rigged to go off if thrown hard enough. One of the high schools is a block away and the police (we don't fool around with this stuff!) felt that it was related to the high school.

There are no metal detectors in the schools here, although there are special duty police officers.

I don't have an answer, but I do know one must be found -- and soon.