"We do not allow ourselves to be defined by fear"

[chieftain]

That's what our president said today. It is sad that it needs to be said loudly and often. For the 8 years of the Bush regime, the main strategy of the GOP was to fan fear. They have ratcheted up their efforts with the election of President Obama. One of the more reprehensible aspects of the RW's best hope for electoral success is their need to scare the American people. Whether it is immigrants or terrorists, the message is always the same "be afraid, be very afraid. The Democrats are soft and only our strength will save you". Although this is readily demonstrable as baloney, a substantial portion of the populace is susceptible to the lie.A nation which defeated Hitler, withstood the very real existential threat of nuclear war is constantly called to listen to their worst instincts rather than their values and their own history.
We really are in a battle for the soul of America.I think Obama is up to the challenge. I worry that Democrats in Congress are not.I wonder if Democrats, Liberals and all on the Left can put aside their disappointments and work to assure that Boehner, Cantor, Ryan and Demint are not in leadership positions after November. If so, I admit that it is I who will be very afraid.

[Dawson Leery]

1. One clear improvement

is that Obama does not use the terror/national security fear card for political advantage. We had that bs thrown in our face for 3 years after 9/11.

[awoke_in_2003]

2. and as he says that...

you cannot turn the TV on without hearing "9/11". It is an orgy of fear

[Lorien]

3. Yep. It's become a National day of fear, hatred for Muslims, flag waving

and lofty speeches followed by curling up into a fetal position.I'm sure that whoever planned those attacks couldn't be more pleased with the results; two un-winnable wars, economic ruin, the Patriot act, loss of freedoms and privacy, loss of standing in the world. 9/11 DID NOT HAVE TO "change everything"; it was the media and Americans who obediently follow it that allowed it to.

[awoke_in_2003]

4. yes, the terrorists...

definitely accomplished their goals. This 9/11 fest reminds me of the 5 Minute Hates in "1984"

[GeorgeGist]

5. Although I appreciate his Hope ...

the intransigent War on Terror makes a lie of his words.

[JNelson6563]

6. It's what seperates us from Rethugs.

Well that and opposable thumbs.

Julie

[chieftain]

9. Very funny but true. Especially the thumbs comment n/t.

[ZombieHorde]

7. Though here on DU, we advocate voting one's fears. nt

[Cha]

8. That's right we don't... that's the rwhacks and

the professional left's agenda.