The Politics of Fear

Appearing on the Hugh Hewitt radio show, Rick Santorum, the former Republican Senator speaks of "unfortunate events" that will occur in the United States within a year and will alter Americans perception of the current war. In this interview, he stated "Between now and November, a lot of things are going to happen, and I believe that by this time next year, the American public’s going to have a very different view of this war, and it will be because, I think, of some unfortunate events, that like we’re seeing unfold in the UK. But I think the American public’s going to have a very different view".

Unfortunately, this tactic has become quite commonplace today. It was just last month that the new head of the Arkansas Republican Party, Dennis Milligan, had this to say:

"At the end of the day, I believe fully the president is doing the right thing, and I think all we need is some attacks on American soil like we had on Sept. 11, 2001. And the naysayers will come around very quickly to appreciate not only the commitment for President Bush, but the sacrifice that has been made by men and women to protect this country."

I often think back to the days when our leaders, both former and current, spoke of America's great strength and determination in fighting its' enemies. Hope, strength and courage were hallmarks of the American way. Now, politicians have turned the tables and use the tactics of fear and terror to push their political agendas. Don't like my policies- face a terror attack. It's about as simple as that.

Think fear mongering politics aren't successful? Take a look at where we are today- Afghanistan the forgotten war, the disaster that is Iraq is getting worse by the day, America's reputation is in tatters and now the clouds of war are brewing on the horizon with Iran. War, War, and more War. That seems to be the order of the day.

After the billions spent in this 'War on Terror', there is not much to show for it. Recent reports show Al-Qaeda stronger than ever. Terrorists attacks and bombings have become everyday events and more and more innocent civilians caught up in this violence are killed. The military is broken and the troops that politicians so bravely hid behind are just pawns in this global chess game. Yet, we are told that we must 'stay the course', 'remain resolute' or whatever the catch phrase of the day happens to be.

So when is enough really enough? What is it going to take to make people realize that we are the car speeding along soon to go off the cliff ahead? Oh hell- let's tell them we must go a little faster because, you know, we could be attacked...

“Only Thing We Have to Fear Is Fear Itself”
FDR’s First Inaugural Address