May 19, 2008
by Fred Flanagan

I find the use of fear tactics by both political parties to be cruel, opportunistic, and immoral. Fear is a feeling of anxiety and agitation caused by the presence or imminence of danger. Fear is a powerful emotion. We should be aware of imminent danger; however, the power of fear is often used to unjustly influence the population. And, it takes unfair advantage of the innocent who may be ignorant of the relevant facts. In the case of politics, fear mongers will exaggerate possible dangers to influence opinion on who can better protect the people.

President Bush is once again using fear to influence the citizens of our nation and attempt to gain political advantage. It is outrageous for a President to try and connect Democrats to appeasers in the lead up to the war with Germany. The name of Adolf Hitler should never be used to attack citizens who question American foreign policy. President Bush's comments in Israel are beneath the dignity of any leader or representative of the United States of America.
    
Causing anxiety and fear in the population for political gain is despicable. I see fear mongering used to defend unpopular positions and to justify the use of force. We all know that we live in a dangerous world, so fear mongering is a powerful tactic.
    
When we understand the difference between real threats and exaggerations, fear mongering can become less effective for those seeking political gain by raising fear levels. I believe President Bush's constant patterns of fear mongering will fail to influence and incite his desired reaction.
    
The most recent comments by President Bush are the worst example of using fear tactics. President Bush still believes he can convince the American people that he and his policies alone can keep America safe from terrorists. Who was in power when 911 occurred? Why should we believe that President Bush knows anything about national security?

(Article Continues Below)

The justification for the war in Iraq was based on building up fear and embellishing the capabilities of Saddam Hussein's weapons of mass destruction. Again, fear was used to justify going to war.

Now, President Bush evokes the name of Adolf Hitler and attempts to connect Democrats to appeasers. We have talking heads and well paid political surrogates using words like appeaser without understanding what the word means. We have politicians running for office trying to say that talking to an adversary is the same as appeasing an adversary.

Nonsense!! 

To pacify or attempt to pacify (an enemy) by granting concessions often at the expense of principle is the definition of appease

Fear tactics were used to sell Mr. Bush as the man to keep America safe. I believe that the American people have seen through the lies and the use of fear to control the majority of the population. 

I believe that the majority of the American people are paying attention every to side of the pressing issues that affect their lives. I believe that the time when the use of fear to influence and silence a population is nearing an end.

Without honest debate, we will fail as a society. Without diplomacy, we have no option except war in some cases. Isn't war always an option without saber rattling? It is time for a new direction in American foreign policy. It is time for new leadership in America.

If you enjoyed this post, please make a donation to help keep this website active:

Click Here for the Free Populist Party Newsletter

Fred Flanagan [send him email] is the author of "My America - Is Democracy Floundering?"  His book is a citizen's view on the current political environment in America.  Find it online at http://flanaganunleashed.com/MyAmerica.html.

More Articles from Fred Flanagan