What are we going to do about FEAR?

[VolcanoJen]

I have to say, as an average American living in Ohio, the heart of the good ol' USA, that I'm not sure we're doing all we can to combat fear. It's really all the Bushies have left, and they'll trumpet fear from the hillsides every single chance they have.

Fear has taken hold, and we can blame it on fear-mongering Bushies from here until Tuesday, but from what I gather about the political views of my coworkers, they're worried about terrorism.

I came of age in the 1980's, under Reagan, the Cold War, the lingering Watergate/Mistrust of Government Fallout, and I must say that I was far more terrified of "The Day After" then, than I am in of terrorists, even considering 9/11. Nuclear obliteration consumed my thoughts, and I was rather certain I'd perish due to a Soviet/USA "mistake" long before seeing the dawn of the millenium.

We really MUST get, for lack of a better word, a grip, in the face of terrorism. How do we convince Americans that the terror of having no job or a low-paying, no-benefits job supercedes that of the threat of actual terrorism?

I'm terribly concerned about this issue, and the Democratic Party as a whole need a few talking points when it comes to this everyday-American concern. I worry that they're trumping us on terror.

[Sandpiper]

1. I think we need to take a page out of the FDR playbook

And play on the theme of the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

Kerry needs to remind voters that our nation has been through tougher and scarier times than these, but when we put fear aside and worked together for the common good, we always came out stronger in the end.

He further needs to remind voters that Bush's campaign is based entirely on fear because they have no positive accomplishments or message on which to run.

[VolcanoJen]

3. Well, "Real Leadership" is key.

I feel that America craves real leadership, and that we would sacrifice whatever is necessary, if we had a true leader imploring us to do so.

You're so right, Sandpiper. Where is the leadership? Americans have never cowered in fear before; why are we doing it now? Why is every single policy related to the threat of terrorism?

I can already see the headlines in November: "Americans Appease Terror by Voting for Kerry"

That's a Drudge headline, mind you, but even though I believe Kerry will win, because I hold onto my faith in the American people to do what is right, the nation will remain as polarized then as it is today.

I am especially growing concerned with the Republican usage of the word "appeasement," especially in the wake of the attacks on Spain.

Look, we at DU remain steadfast, intelligent, and research-based, but I'm speaking of "Talking Points" here, and we really need to find a way to stop the growing popularity behind the word "appeasement."

[sandnsea]

2. If fear wins, the terrorists win

Or something like that. Turn their little mantra back on them. Maybe???

[VolcanoJen]

7. It seems simple to all of us.

But we have to think about all of them.

If fear wins, the terrorists win, well, that's a no-duh to folks like us. How do we persuade the American electorate???

[slor]

4. As a fellow ohioan...

the only fear I see is that of losing a job. I also think that the rethug image of handling the war on terror correctly is no longer the accepted view.

[VolcanoJen]

5. Where in Ohio, slor?

Here in SW Ohio, Cincinnati, folks are all awash about what the terra-ists will attempt next. In theme with the concept of Cincinnati being a city in love with itself, I think the "terra" question will be a rather serious one in November.

I feel that Richard Clarke has contributed to hacking-away at the concept of Bush being the best possible leader against terror, but where do we go from here? I'm proud of Kerry for staying out of the fray, for the most part, but eventually we're going to have to tell the American people why we can handle the threat better than the current Administration.

I happen to feel that you're right; the threat of losing one's job and livelihood is far greater than that of being affected by a random act of violence. How do we best convey that?

[slor]

9. I live in cincy as well...

I hear more concern about the economy and gas prices. The best way to convey it is to sit back and watch the idiot run the country like he ran Harken...right into the ground.

[H2O Man]

6. This is a great question.

Because it is vital for the bush administration to create an atmosphere of fear, which in turn creates a storm of hatred! You have hit the nail on the head, my friend, because this climate of fear is not separate or isolated from the bush administration's political/economic agenda. This fear and hatred -- like prejudice against people of different ethnic groups or sexes -- is NOT inherent! No, these are un-natural, and thus only planted and cultivated for the purposes of some force opposed to natural law! And as we see with this administration: when fear is created, hatred demands existence! And then those who fear and hate must become feared and hated themselves. This fear and hatred is running amuck in America today. How to counter fear and hatred? One friend mentioned FDR! Powerful .... I love it. Also, the truth will release people from the powerful spell of fear and hatred sown by bush et al. Books like Clarke's. Open discussion. Education to the true nature of current events. Great question!

[VolcanoJen]

8. Thank you, H2O man.

We're not seeing the forest for the trees, on this issue.

God, may Mel Gibson forgive me, but I CRAVE LEADERSHIP from all that comprises my being. Who will lead us out of this worry, this fear? Who will lead us upon the path of truth in government?? Isn't this a perfect moment, historically, for leadership to show its face?

I'm not really so sure that it's coming, in these, the days following the Madrid bombings.

[H2O Man]

14. Here's a thought:

for what it's worth -- this is actually a time (perhaps the first time to this extreme of an extent!) that we do NOT need leaders! Maybe we do not have the LUXURY of having leaders! Perhaps we need to think almost entirely for ourselves, and act in large part for others. Because we ARE at a crossroads, and despite the fact that many, even most, people do not want to admit it yet, we must make a choice. And there is not going to be turning around, or waiting for some supernatural daddy to "save" us. And that is a concept that only a limited number of people --even among our most well-meaning friends -- grasps at this time. You do. That's why you posed the best question of the evening.

[VolcanoJen]

20. Excellent... and I'm not looking for a "Daddy."

Goddamit, is it too much to ask for a leader to lift us out of fear? I've moved beyond it myself, by being logical, reading these boards and pushing myself past political-fueled interests.

However, if the Democratic Party wants to reclaim the White House, they're going to have to pay some attention to this issue, as Bush has trumped us on it. Look at the commercials. America searches for either a) a Daddy to comfort them or b) a real leader to lift us above and beyond.

Which will it be???

[H2O Man]

23. No, not you. But yes....

..many people do. A "leader" can NOT change, for example, our status as "consumers." But the people in that position can bring issues to the public's attention. Listen: do you ever notice how often people, even on here, complain about what other people do? How we are divided into "groups" that in reality do NOT exist? Concepts such as races, political parties, religions, each sub-group having it's own needs and prejudices? And so we point fingers and place blame and contribute...our energy....to the FEAR that you RECOGNIZE! But to change that ... do DO MORE ... we must all become more! And as a race, the human race, we need to confront that fear by finding unity. There is a post on the "page one" right now that is titled "God is Bipolar." Will making clever jokes about God or bipolar disorder create unity? No. Such talk is ignorance in action, and is all too common even on here. You are awake to the reality of the "fear factor", which is - again- a problem of a population intoxicated with ignorance and hatred. You are awake, and the masses are asleep. You are sober, and the masses are intoxicated. Does this make sense?

[slor]

10. When gas is $ 3 bucks a gallon...

and the cost of doing business gets higher, and the temps rise and you cannot afford to cool your house, and you cannot take your summer road trip for as long as you had hoped, if at all, terrorism will take a back seat as the issue voters remember in Nov.

[Mari333]

11. Good reason to be in Fear..Bush created new Al Queda

by his invasion of Iraq. Tell people that everyday. Bush invaded Iraq, and that created new and larger Al Queda. and he dropped the ball on 9/11
and he made you lose your job
and he will draft your kid for sure.
Thats fear...fear of the terrorist sitting in the White House with all his terrorist friends.

[VolcanoJen]

13. Excellent suggestions, Mari...

... and as an aside, I think about you every day.

:-(

[Mari333]

19. (((Jen))

thanks. Havent heard from Michael in a few days. I guess no news is good news.
Just hanging in there getting my anger out in every way I can and remembering not to overdue it. I tend to overdue it, and then I get wiped out. Energy level gets low, etc.
also notice I start forgetting things, cry out of turn. panic attacks (xanax helps)
normal procedure when one is grieving or worried.
I know, its not just me. The whole nation is freaking out inside, not just me. The whole nation, cept for Bush's wealthy friends who are laughing at our soldiers deaths.

[VolcanoJen]

21. Oh, Mari. It's not just you.

We're in this together. Few have sacrificed what your family has. Many more will make sacrifices, if Bush has his way, and lucks himself into Four More Years.

Or, is that Four More Wars????

My family prays for your family daily. My best wishes are with you in this difficult time, always.

[neebob]

12. I'm afraid

not of terrorists, exactly, but of what will happen because of Bushco's arrogance or what disaster they might allow or create in the interest of staying in power. I'll admit I worry about this a lot, maybe every day.

About a week ago, there was a power outage in my small, out-of-the-way town. It happened at 5:45 p.m., as I was getting ready to leave the office, and it had been thundering and lightning all afternoon so initially it was no big deal. But then I started home, and I realized everything was out, including cell phones and a radio station from a town 60 miles away. That's unusual.

I drove through town, noticing the anarchy without traffic lights and realizing I only had 1/4 tank of gas and not much food at home. At least I knew my son was there, but all the way home I was running scenarios - not so much about what might have happened, but about how big the outage might be and how long it might last and what we'd do and stuff. I was relieved to get home and find my land phone worked, so it was probably not a massive disaster.

Then I realized I'd left my wallet on my desk in the dark, along with a folder I needed in case the power was still out in the morning and I had to make some client calls from home, so I took my son and headed back to town. It was kind of nice, actually - we were joking about how everyone seemed to be out driving around because there was nothing to do, making fun of the people not following the rules at the traffic lights and the people getting mad at them, and just kind of hanging out and enjoying each other's company. Now that he's 15, he has a social life and is either not home or in his room or on the phone with his friends instead of talking to me.

The power came back on after I got my wallet and folder, as we were headed back through town. It was quite amazing how the traffic just went poof and everything was back to normal. My son commented on a dog we passed that was running loose, saying he was the Dog of Anarchy, still on the rampage. Then I stopped at a grocery store, and everyone in town seemed to be there. I wondered if I was the only one who'd been wondering if there had been a terrorist attack or some other massive disaster.

And I still don't know, because I never mentioned it to anyone.

[Cursive_Knives512]

15. Anarchy dog!!

[Bill Todd]

16. Do Americans really want a leader?

Democrats didn't seem to during the primaries: while they gravitated toward Dean on a level playing field, as soon as the manipulators started getting into the act they plumped for perceived 'electability' (even though Howard and Kerry were generating the same numbers against Bush before the 'electability' spin began) - and it's a bit late to be reassessing that decision now.

Of course, if Kerry and the party were willing to take their cues from Howard rather than from the DLC, they might be able to be perceived as being leaders. But there's little current sign of that happening.

If the electorate at large resembles the Democrats during the primary season, perhaps we can come up with some other suitably-insubstantial quality for them to embrace to counter the Bush terrorist boogeyman. Failing that, perhaps they can be convinced that Kerry is just a kinder, gentler Bush - which seems to be the general approach currently being taken.

Sorry - it just seems to be a tad late to be agonizing over exactly what 'electability' means, at this point. The only actual suggestion I could offer is for the party to decide to stand for something again that voters could relate to personally and understand in detail, rather than just slough off as the usual election-year pandering. Fat chance.

- bill

[VolcanoJen]

18. Oh, fer chrissakes. Read the question.

I'm not talking about votes here, or partisan electoral-games. I'm talking about leadership.

Democrats chose Kerry, and you're being rather presumptuous for claiming that you, and you alone, understand the reasons behind our decision.

I'm talking about America, here, if that's ok...

[Bill Todd]

24. I did read the question

Perhaps you failed to understand the relevance of the answer.

- bill

[kentuck]

17. We have two choices :

We can submit to it or we can fight it. I think it would be very unpatriotic and foolish to submit to fear.

[solinvictus]

22. The real fear

People fear for their jobs and their fragile lifestyles, not another attack by Arab extremists. That's the fear in our favor.

[SoCalDem]

25. A leader must SET the tone.. George oozes fear

Flop sweat and fear come to mind every time I see his ugly mug..

My own son commented shortly after the WTC attacks, that HE was afraid of terrorists, and asked why I was not.. I reminded him of this fact..

London was bombed NIGHTLY, for YEARS... They went on about their business during the day, and hunkered down in shelters at night.. Did some people die?? Sure...Did EVERYONE die??.. nope..

The "terra-ists" cannot be everywhere, and the law of averages, says that you , personally are very unlikely to be their target.. Could it happen?? yes.. WILL it??.. unlikely.. .. Should we all run around like chicken little, looking over our shoulders?? HELL NO..

No one will ever be 100% safe, and we never WERE.. People get mugged, they have car accidents, they get deadly diseases, they die of heart disease.. Something will kill all of us, but that does not stop us from living our lives..

If we are lucky enough to get Bush out of our lives, Kerry MUST make the speech of his life.. He must address the world.. He must let them know that their "international nightmare" is OVER.. There can be no pussyfooting..He MUST hang the troubles of the world on Bush.. The toxic atmosphere that has engulfed the whole world STARTED with Bush..and it needs to END with him..

Kerry must somehow let the world know that the US is ready to re-join the global community, and that we are ready to start addressing some of the grievances that people have..

First and foremost..he MUST get some kind of agreement with Israel/Palestine.. It's time that both parties admitted that they were wrong, and found some common ground, so that people can live their lives without all the killing.. If they cannot agree, then it may just be time for US to take a step back, and quit being seen as a "funder" of weapons of THEIR destruction..

He must inform the world..(are you listening, China?)that the time is OVER, for unbalanced trade, and outsourcing of US jobs..

He must make sure that the "adventurism/privateer-ization" for foreign resources, gets STOPPED..

We had brought the rest of the world, kicking and screaming, into modernity, and some of them are not happy about it.. The ones who wish to "do things their way", should be LEFT ALONE.. Imposing lifestyle changes on people who do not want it, is a very bad thing..

Terrorism is a TACTIC..and nothing more.. Bullets, bombs and soldiers cannot defeat it..

We must somehow CUT military spending, and use the savings to HELP other people, not blow them up..