Fear by fear

We will not be driven by fear into an age of unreason.
- Edward R. Murrow

Despite polls which show a vast majority of Americans seeking change within the political system, and in particular within the Congress, drastic changes in laws have been made by these very same politicians. It is disturbing to know that our society is being radically affected by politicians that have little to no support in the country.

People have described these changes in the law as the politics of fear. It could be said that a population that is cowering in fear is one that is easy to manipulate and direct. The questions that follows ask is that manipulation going to benefit or harm people. Also, they ask how is that manipulation taking place.

I do not see the benefit in removing habeus corpus. I don't see the benefit in torturing people. Yet I feel the force of the manipulation that attempts to justify its use. Removing habeus corpus brings about more fear. Does the idea of torture not make you afraid?

We know of the recent nuclear test in North Korea. A friend pointed out to me that if the United States so desired, the military could produce a nuclear onslaught of such devastation as to create a virtual wasteland wherever they so desired. They could do this many times over with an arsenal that has thousands of nuclear weapons.

Curiously Americans never tend to think about how much fear America generates in the world with this type of destructive capability. Yet we will shake at the thought of another country possessing a single similar weapon. My point here is not to smooth over the spread of nuclear weapons, only to focus on the state of fear arising from it. Also to ask if this fear drives policies that overreach, over react.

Light that is shed on the dark areas that cause fear, lighten fear. Knowledge always helps to soften fear.

The politics of fear have an erosive quality. The vibrancy of society dims. The purpose becomes murky and confused. I look forward to the time when my leaders inspire much more. Right now they seem to want us to fear.

Painting by Vermeer