As a psychologist in Dare County, I can tell you that there is a problem here, and it is rampant across the country. Some of the kids I see have problems that are directly related to being alienated from their peer group.

Middle school is like Lord of Flies. Bullying is not just picking on each other -- good friends can tease which is not done in a mean spirited way. But the ramification of bullying is profound and can result in depression and low self esteem.

Bullying is a factor in many, if not all, incidents of school violence. If I hear of a shooting in a school, I can immediately describe the shooter because they are predominately white males, have access to guns, and they feel unconnected, left out, shut out.

Prejudice against certain groups can come from the home. They learn by hearing their parents. If parents make fun or are mean to those who are different, that is how children learn their parent's value system.

Don't dare tell me the county can't afford it.

I have a brother who's a psychologist. He says three-quarters of the world are born feeling that they will be affected by the world; one quarter are born knowing that they will affect the world.