Publisher’s Note: Each Friday, we will draw from our vast archives at the Federal Observer, to bring you columns of import from “Out of the Past.” The following shows how far we have come toward the end, since it’s original publication. In addition, this column was amongst 1,500 lost some years ago in a Network conversion. It’s good to find these gems out in cyber-space. (J.B.)

May 2003 – In 1785, the young republic of the United States stood on shaky ground. The colonists had won their fight for independence against the Crown, however, the new concept of self-government by the people was still an experiment in the making. The long fight against British rule had created inflation, and following the war, the country suffered a paralyzing depression which led to internal revolts.

Everybody should know what an earthquake is. It is how they are caused that I would like for them to think about. Earthquakes occur when pressure that has built up between tectonic plates in our earths crust is finally released. This sudden release of tension can be felt in the form of a mild tremor, or a violent shaking which is capable of causing catastrophic damage.

That same principle can apply to people as well. I am sure you are familiar with the old saying, “The straw that broke the camels back.” When applied to a people it often means that a persons threshold for dealing with stress has been reached, and any more stress causes them to react violently to any more stimulus.

Do the names Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris ring a bell? They are the two students who went on a shooting rampage at Columbine High School. According to official police reports, bullying played a large part in pushing them to go on to commit their suicidal attack. Who knows what was the final straw that pushed them over the edge?