Why do teenagers go on shooting rampages? Kids of all colors, from families of all economic classes, religions, political parties and geographic regions, do it. Maybe they were on drugs or snapping from the pressure of others’ expectations.

Or maybe they just lost interest in a future where society rewards a few elites who get rich and famous because they lie, cheat, poison, rob and wound the rest of us. The corrupt politicians, judges and preachers who do not walk their talk. Stars of sports and screen who turn out to be monsters or cheaters.

Outside the United States we are quickly becoming the most hated people on earth: the richest nation that only knows how to invade, conquer, kill and exploit. Then there’s global warming, Korea with nukes, AIDS and so on.

Every day, our teens look for e-mail from pals in Iraq (or write it). They attend maximum-security, zero-tolerance high schools where every kid is a potential murderer and the teachers feel as if they are risking their lives every time they reprimand someone. They may be, since school is an easy target for teenagers full of rage.

Looked at this way, I’m awed by the self-control of most young Americans today. I hope they know there are some of us out here in Adultland working our butts off to undo the damage that is daily inflicted on our democracy, our planet and our precious children.

They can find us by searching for the nearest Peace & Justice Center or other peace group. Or come to ACT VII this Saturday, March 26, at 1 p.m. at the University of Maine’s Memorial Union for artists’ workshops for peace followed by an open discussion on waging peace in a war culture. At 7 p.m. the famed Bread and Puppet Theatre will perform “How to Turn Distress into Success: A Parable of War and Its Making” in Minsky Hall. So don’t give up, kids. Mourn and organize!

Jane Livingston

Veazie