Fear
Fear is a noun. The dictionary coins it as an aroused distressing emotion. The feeling can be brought on by real or imagined impending danger, evil, pain, etc.
Today, my question is... How do Americans register fear? Is it from a real threat that citizens recognize as looming over them? Or, do we simply believe every twisted fact, imagined notion, and pondered possibility that is presented by the multimedia world in which we live?
This week I have had available time to watch a news conference. It informed and explained the steps being taken and being considered in the Invisible War with corona virus. Science, business, diplomacy, law enforcement, and politics were working hand in hand.
Since I rarely see news conferences, a few reporters' questions were astounding to me. I paraphrase, but one gentleman asked the president of the United States...how are you helping to keep Americans from being afraid? Obviously, the entire conference had been built around informing Americans who should then synthesize the facts to understand the many things being done to keep them alive and safe.
Without a doubt no one wants to die in a pandemic. We will need to assure one another within friendships and family bonds. Our children will question and need role models of strength, practicality, and responsibility. Stay home, practice social distancing, and other scientifically suggested practices. Yes, there will be some fear.
Yet, has America come to this? Do Americans need a leader to say "Now, don't be afraid because we have plans that are going to save your life"? Did American presidents speak soothing and calming words to Americans when World Wars raged? It is my understanding from history that men and women stepped up and over fear to defeat the enemy. I didn't live then but my perspective is that a strong, brave, and united front appeared. Fear was a thing to beat in the eyes of Americans.
We can compare the past and present, and ponder the future. I plan to continue forming my own fact-based opinions from my own perspective. I do not need a reporter to infer and spin the news to influence me. I am an American. I see fear and I react sensibly and responsibly in its face. I do not need a watered down version of America. God Bless the USA.
