OTHER countries apparently recognize that there will always be people who -- from time to time, with varying agendas -- engage in organized non-state sponsored violence (political, religious, labor, come to mind, but I'm sure there are other historical models).

Much like our reliance on "crazy lonegun man" assassins,

"America" refuses to acknowledge that anyone who doesn't love and admire us ("City on the Hill" etc) isn't basically intractable "crazy" or "evil." Look at how Castro, the late Saddam Hussein, Ahmadinejad, Kim-Jong-Li are portrayed, notice how little we are told about what they are "about" -- what they advocate, what their base of support is, or even who makes up their rivals/alternatives.

There is an odd belief that "terrorists" are immutable, through-and-through evil, not like us, and bent on pure evil. Terrorists do not repent or change. They do not age.

Hence, as far as I can tell, they cannot be treated like "criminals" and given due process.

Worse than child molesters or pornographers, dope dealers and/or arsonists, "terrorist" represent a incalculable threat regardless of their cause.

It reminds me of the successful Simi Valley Rodney King Beating Trial defense -- all those cops were scared of this one black guy who they had already beaten to the ground -- as they put it, he wouldn't stop fighting back and that was what was so scary ... even though they had guns and tasers and nightclubs and mace and ....

Is it racist? IMHO, absolutely.

Like you, he grew up in this toxic environment and has learned to cope, more or less. He probably has some sort of social circle and "support" system.

He may very well prefer to "tough out" the next year or so and graduate with his class, with his friends, with school advisors and extracuricular activities.

Let him know if you are willing to take him in ... more likely, if push comes to shove, he may be able to live at a friend's home -- that's what several kids I knew in senior high ended up doing -- there were even a couple parent-paid-for apartments where a couple of kids lived (their home situation being impossible).

Being crazy is not immoral or illegal. Short of your mother breaking the law, no one is going to swoop in and rescue any of you. Even getting your mother to a psychiatrist and/or locked up on a 72-hour hold is no panacea.

If there is no danger, it might be best simply to use this time to educate yourself -- some areas have councils on aging where information on eldercare resources are available -- yes, your own doctor may be helpful in steering you towards resources.

Getting your mother a complete physical exam and health-maintenance (PAP smear, mammography, lipids, etc) is a reasonable first step. You two could go together or maybe a local "health fair" would be less threatening.

She may already not trust you.

Good luck.