In the latest case of the politics of fear, Senator John Kerry's campaign is embracing a Bush camp strategy -- playing on people's fear. Stoking the fires by saying President Bush makes the country more vunerable for a nuclear attack. The Bush camp has already said electing Senator Kerry will lead to a terrorist attack.
It's easier to have people embrace fear. You nudge them, and they let the momentum of fear move them along. Then you sell yourself -- the politician -- as their hero.
It's a long hard haul for a politician to lead people away from fear. You have to instill courage and confidence in people by drawing out the better part of their being -- like the passengers and crew of United Flight 93 found within themselves on 9/11.
What's worse for the politician is that the individual sees his own strengths in the aftermath of fear. He doesn't see the politician as his "hero."
Perhaps that's why President Bush has never honored the passengers and crew of Flight 93 with the Medal of Freedom -- America's highest civilian honor. Perhaps honoring individuals who overcame their fear would make the President and other politicians look smaller to voters. And make voters realize they, not the people they vote for, have the real power in our country.
"All we have to fear is fear itself." FDR must be spinning in his grave.
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