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Published On: Apr 26, 2006 10:02 PM
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Published On: Apr 26, 2006 10:02 PM
The Terror of Terror
So, first of all, let me assert my
firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless,
unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert
retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of
frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people
themselves which is essential to victory. I am convinced that you will again
give that support to leadership in these critical
days.
Many years ago, Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke these words. It was 1933 and he was beginning his first term as president of the United States. These words are arguably his most well-known quote, hammered into the heads of schoolchildren for generations. Who can't hear that voice resounding in their head, saying "The only thing we have to fear (voice rising on the word fear, short pause) is fear itself!"
Those words may be truer today than ever. Think about it for a moment. What are we taught is the main thing of which we should be afraid? Terror. What is terror? Well, it's fear. And yet, instead of rebelling against it, we're forming a cult of terror; re-arranging our government around it, and allowing those in power to cultivate it to their own ends... yeah, I know. sounds like one of those crazy whack-a-doodle conspiracy theories, right?
Ask yourself: Who has been working to make you afraid, and keep you that way?
Sleight of hand is a wonderful thing, in a magic show. The magician makes you look at where the action is not going on, so that he can accomplish what he wishes.
Consider this piece by Keith Olbermann, titled "The Nexus of Politics and Terror." Olbermann lists 13 instances from the past 3 years where a bad bit of publicity for the presidential administration has been followed, within a few days, by a supposed elevation of the terror threat, which never actually materializes. Interesting read.
Olbermann acknowledges the possibility of coincidence, but leaves it open to the interpretation of the reader.
I'd add another one to the list. Bush's credibility has been dropping, and there is no organized support whatsoever for Harriet Miers. Suddenly, our figurative magician waves a scarf in his other hand and yells "Bird Flu! Millions will die!" Where exactly did that come from, all of a sudden? Why is it so absolutely suddenly a national catastrophe, when it hasn't even been proven to be passed from human to human?
Terrorism is commonly considered to be a set of actions, designed to make people afraid, in order to control their actions, make them believe certain things, and act in certain ways. I submit that maybe we're more susceptible to this than we may think, and maybe the actual terrorism is the threat of terrorism. Or, to paraphrase Roosevelt, we are being made to fear by the threat of fear itself.
Many years ago, Franklin Delano Roosevelt spoke these words. It was 1933 and he was beginning his first term as president of the United States. These words are arguably his most well-known quote, hammered into the heads of schoolchildren for generations. Who can't hear that voice resounding in their head, saying "The only thing we have to fear (voice rising on the word fear, short pause) is fear itself!"
Those words may be truer today than ever. Think about it for a moment. What are we taught is the main thing of which we should be afraid? Terror. What is terror? Well, it's fear. And yet, instead of rebelling against it, we're forming a cult of terror; re-arranging our government around it, and allowing those in power to cultivate it to their own ends... yeah, I know. sounds like one of those crazy whack-a-doodle conspiracy theories, right?
Ask yourself: Who has been working to make you afraid, and keep you that way?
Sleight of hand is a wonderful thing, in a magic show. The magician makes you look at where the action is not going on, so that he can accomplish what he wishes.
Consider this piece by Keith Olbermann, titled "The Nexus of Politics and Terror." Olbermann lists 13 instances from the past 3 years where a bad bit of publicity for the presidential administration has been followed, within a few days, by a supposed elevation of the terror threat, which never actually materializes. Interesting read.
Olbermann acknowledges the possibility of coincidence, but leaves it open to the interpretation of the reader.
I'd add another one to the list. Bush's credibility has been dropping, and there is no organized support whatsoever for Harriet Miers. Suddenly, our figurative magician waves a scarf in his other hand and yells "Bird Flu! Millions will die!" Where exactly did that come from, all of a sudden? Why is it so absolutely suddenly a national catastrophe, when it hasn't even been proven to be passed from human to human?
Terrorism is commonly considered to be a set of actions, designed to make people afraid, in order to control their actions, make them believe certain things, and act in certain ways. I submit that maybe we're more susceptible to this than we may think, and maybe the actual terrorism is the threat of terrorism. Or, to paraphrase Roosevelt, we are being made to fear by the threat of fear itself.
Posted: Thu - October 13, 2005 at 11:25 PM