IN MEMORY OF THE VICTIMS Even as the un-certainty, of federal bankruptcy, hovers over the U.S. government, a few, black, clouds hang over a grieving family. The family is laying, to final rest, the body, of a young woman. A young woman whose only "crime" was that she didn't "fit in", with the groups, which have dominated American schools, for decades. As grieving parents lay their slain child to rest, family and friends weep at the loss, of yet another kind, and un-obtrusive, soul. A minister will tell those, gathered, at graveside, what a tragic loss this is. A young life, and great potential, extinguished, by a tragedy, which has become all too common, in what we call the United States of America. In another part of town, the suspect, in the young womans death, proudly boasts "I am glad she's dead". The suspect shows no remorse, for the life she has taken, albeit by proxy. The "Justice" system will charge the suspect with no more than "Aggravated Assault", at most, for her part, in the young womans death. The suspect will live on, to terrorize others, while living a full, and happy, life. The victims family will have a vacant seat, at the dinner table, and fewer chances to sing "Happy Birthday", as well as exchanging Christmas presents. The family's holidays will, from now on, have a void, as deep, and dark, as the 9/11 memorial. Their lives forever saddened by a loss, which America could have, but chose not to, prevent. What wonderful things COULD the victim have accomplished, had her life not been taken from her? Could she have created a cure, for Cancer? Could she have become a respected member, of Congress? Could she have designed the first, truly re-usable, space vehicle, for NASA? Could she have been a "force", for positive change, in our world? We willl, never, know the answers, to these questions, as her body is laid to rest, while the suspect, alive and well, MIGHT serve a few years, in prison, at most, then go on, to live a full life. But at what COST? Schools maintain that bullying is "Just a part of growing up", just as I was told, when I was young. Then as now, School Districts refuse to take decisive action. Now we are, again, seeing the COST, of their refusal to act. Yet another young person, of such great potential, is being lowered into her final resting place. Flowers, wreaths, and words, of condolence, will be all her family will have, to remember her by. Memories, and, possibly, videos. Their lives are empty, now, yet the suspect will live on, enjoy life, and have a secure retirement. And America calls this "Justice".