Brzezinski on Culture of Fear

[MBS]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/23/AR2007032301613.html

The "war on terror" has created a culture of fear in America. The Bush administration's elevation of these three words into a national mantra since the horrific events of 9/11 has had a pernicious impact on American democracy, on America's psyche and on U.S. standing in the world. Using this phrase has actually undermined our ability to effectively confront the real challenges we face from fanatics who may use terrorism against us.. .
Constant reference to a "war on terror" did accomplish one major objective: It stimulated the emergence of a culture of fear. Fear obscures reason, intensifies emotions and makes it easier for demagogic politicians to mobilize the public on behalf of the policies they want to pursue. . . Where is the U.S. leader ready to say, "Enough of this hysteria, stop this paranoia"?

[Turbineguy]

1. It's been this way for some time

Even during GWI I recall being in the San Francisco Airport, there were constant announcements about unattended luggage being taken out to the edge of the airport and blown up. There were large armed men in black uniforms walking around.

Passengers seemed to be OK with this. I commented to a guy sitting next to me "this must be a paranoids dream!" Thankfully he did not have me taken out to the edge of the airport to be blown up.

Brzezinski is right (unfortunately, as usual).