Too many young people feel stuck or adrift. This condition is exacerbated by austerity measures imposed by a ruthless government that routinely demonstrates that it values nothing except the growth of the economy and the homogenization of the population through the selective enforcement of puritanical values. The commons is nonexistent in many parts of the country, and there's a woeful lack of mental health resources, affordable housing, and community programs for the arts, or other opportunities for feeling a sense of belonging and purpose. Because of this, America's young are incredibly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, addiction, and mental illness. Religious fundamentalists at home and on college campuses prey upon these forlorn youth, using intimidation and grooming techniques to rope them into submission. There's also the unregulated, illicit sex trade which many turn to in dire situations of estrangement and desperation that could be prevented by the financial and social support that should be provided by schools and government programs. For young men, gangs and incarceration are also huge problems that schools sometimes help facilitate, as is military recruitment.