Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
Fri May 13, 2016, 10:03 AM May 2016

Fear

The number one emotion in American society today is fear. There isn’t only fear of the future: there is a level of fear of the present that is unhealthy. It goes way beyond the level of anxiety that has been hard-wired into human beings, as a result of the evolution of the human brain. For that type of anxiety was beneficial, both to individuals and the larger group. Instead, our society is experiencing a level of fear and anxiety that is counter-productive.

Let’s consider an example that illustrates the differences in fear. If you are wading, waist-deep, in Florida’s Everglades, a fear of alligators is healthy. If one has that same fear of alligators while in a sauna in New York City, it’s unhealthy. One is hard-wired to increase the chances of our survival. The other places living things at risk.

This un-natural type of fear is the worst enemy that an individual can have. It causes great suffering, while adding nothing positive. It is a sad feature of our society, and growing in prevalence. It is the root of the diseased thinking that is behind the vast majority of human being’s violence. And that is as true today, in the streets of America’s towns and cities, as it is around the globe.

Fear, obviously, keeps good people from doing the right things ….the very things that they know they should be doing …..and to do those things they shouldn’t be doing. Thus, fear leads to another emotion, guilt. And, by no coincidence, guilt, too, can be either a healthy or unhealthy emotion. Often, it seems, the wrong people are crippled by fear and guilt, while the worst people appear immune to either.

I used to serve on a local school board. The district superintendent, had he been playing the Robert Hare check list slot machine at a casino, would have come up golden every time. Instead, he was playing the school and community. Late several nights, another board member would call me, apologizing for not joining me when I confronted the superintendent on his unethical behaviors. “But he’s too smart for me to argue with,” this fellow would say. Yet, if you are right, you’re right; if you’re wrong; you’re wrong. Intelligence isn’t a factor. But this fellow -- a decent man -- was afraid to speak up.

Today, there is a growing number of people who are afraid -- they fear that they do not have enough money, to provide for their family. They fear that they no longer live in a safe neighborhood. They fear for their job, no matter how miserable they may be there. They fear what they see happening in this country, and abroad. They fear their future.

In many cases, they correctly believe that someone -- some unseen force -- is stealing what is rightfully their’s. Their home. Their job. Their safety within the community. But they are confused as to who, or what forces, they are falling prey to. Too often, they become convinced that it is the “others” -- be they anyone who looks like an immigrant from south of the border, or a refugee from the Middle East, or any other of a number of “others.”

Fear is being played in politics, as well. Certainly, it sells in the media, which reports far more about alligators in the sauna, than in the Everglades of Washington, DC. This is not new, of course. Many of us can remember the “civil defense drills” in school: either climb under your desk, or sit in the hall, in case the evil Soviet Union drops nuclear bombs on the building. Fear has been an organizing force in empires throughout history.

Perhaps the most insulting to the public’s intelligence was the Bush-Cheney “threat” chart, with its color-coded levels of fear and paranoia. Be afraid. Be very afraid. But, as President Bush told us, still go out, spend some money, and have a good time with your family and friends, while you are afraid.

Currently, both of the major political parties are using fear to benefit their candidates’ campaigns. While Donald Trump comes across as extremely confident, much of his appeal is to people who are afraid. In Trump, the see a projection of themselves -- for they would love to say the things that he is saying. They believe that Mexican rapists and Islamic terrorists pose the greatest threat to their lives -- even scarier than hat atheist Muslim Barack Obama, who is still intent upon stealing their guns, despite the fact that he has expanded gun-owners’ rights for seven years.

Now, let’s venture from that sauna to the swamp in DC. The Clinton campaign is now attempting to turn up the fear among the Sanders supporters. If the progressive community doesn’t jump in line -- like third-graders in a civil defense drill -- why, they will be bringing on the horrors of a Trump presidency. If they don’t support Hillary, then Trump will be stacking the US Supreme Court …..so once again, we see the combination of fear and guilt. It’s all the Sanders campaign’s fault. Everything is.

Bernie Sanders’s campaign s unique, as it is the only one that doesn’t appeal to fear. Rather, although Bernie is honest -- we are in a dangerous time -- he encourages people to step it up, and fight that Good Fight. He encourages the grass roots to take care of business. To act for themselves, now, rather than waiting on some hero to save them tomorrow.

We understand that this has been the message of the Enlightened Ones throughout human history. In different parts of the earth, at different times, these men and women have advocated that people take responsibility for their lives. To not fall victim to those inner fears that all people experience. Among the Buddha’s central messages was, “Do not be afraid.” In the gospel that has the greatest eastern influence --that of Saint Matthew -- Jesus repeatedly says, Do not be afraid” and “Do not worry.”

There are those who say that this goes against human nature. But they have but a shallow grasp of human nature. Again, throughout time, the Enlightened Ones teach much the same lessons: all people feel fear, but that can be overcome. Both the coward and the hero feel the exact same fear. But while the coward is consumed by his internal fear, the hero uses that fear as the fuel that propels him to victory. That is the flip side of the human nature coin.

Hence, we see the biggest difference between those who support Hillary, and those who support Bernie. It is evident that the Clinton camp is becoming increasingly hostile towards the Sanders’s camp. It is as if they believe we are trying to steal what is rightfully their’s. Or risking that Donald Trump will end up with it. But we are not: exactly the opposite, we are simply claiming what is rightfully our property -- our conscience, our beliefs, our future.

Is that too much to ask?

64 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Fear (Original Post) H2O Man May 2016 OP
The news media has built their business around stoking those fears, and other fears as well. surrealAmerican May 2016 #1
Right! H2O Man May 2016 #4
Kick!!! Faux pas May 2016 #2
Thanks! H2O Man May 2016 #5
Look at US kgnu_fan May 2016 #3
Very good! H2O Man May 2016 #6
shadow follows kgnu_fan May 2016 #8
Like clock work. H2O Man May 2016 #14
the Clinton campaign has moved past Sanders bigtree May 2016 #7
interesting that you posted this today, since I had an experience yesterday. Punkingal May 2016 #9
Interesting. H2O Man May 2016 #11
You have a sound mind, capable of self observation. Most Americans had lost such capacity due to kgnu_fan May 2016 #16
Great point. H2O Man May 2016 #19
There's little in the real world that I fear. There are some things I have a healthy respect for. hobbit709 May 2016 #10
Very good. H2O Man May 2016 #13
In Summary... 2banon May 2016 #12
Sure. H2O Man May 2016 #17
Boy, howdy. you'll nailed it. 2banon May 2016 #33
Plenty of fear, anger and worse in the Bern Squad. Its time to cool it not stoke it. nt BootinUp May 2016 #15
Respectfully disagree. H2O Man May 2016 #18
Respectfully: Open thine eyes nt BootinUp May 2016 #20
They are. H2O Man May 2016 #21
Anger, Yes. But Fear? umm Not So Much... 2banon May 2016 #34
Right. H2O Man May 2016 #35
I can't speak for anyone but myself when I say BootinUp May 2016 #37
We've had about 25 years now to get to know her.. 2banon May 2016 #39
mmm K BootinUp May 2016 #41
sorry I didn't make clear.. 2banon May 2016 #42
The battle BootinUp May 2016 #44
oh my.. 2banon May 2016 #49
No fear here… just a deep burning anger and rage that truth, empathy and decency are at risk. Agony May 2016 #60
K&R felix_numinous May 2016 #22
Thank you. H2O Man May 2016 #25
Another great post! jpmonk91 May 2016 #23
Thanks! H2O Man May 2016 #28
Nothing to fear hootinholler May 2016 #24
Right! H2O Man May 2016 #29
+1 and kick potisok May 2016 #26
Thanks! H2O Man May 2016 #30
K&R silvershadow May 2016 #27
Thank you! H2O Man May 2016 #31
You bet. Always glad to k&r for one of my favorite posters! nt silvershadow May 2016 #32
K&R JEB May 2016 #36
Thanks! H2O Man May 2016 #45
home of the brave my ass. pansypoo53219 May 2016 #38
Well, some are, H2O Man May 2016 #46
An excellent analysis, H2O Man. Uncle Joe May 2016 #40
Thanks, Uncle Joe! H2O Man May 2016 #47
Recommended me b zola May 2016 #43
Thanks! H2O Man May 2016 #48
knr, as always thanks! nt slipslidingaway May 2016 #50
Thank you. H2O Man May 2016 #56
Fear Be Damned - Bernie Or Bust For This Citizen cantbeserious May 2016 #51
Thank you! H2O Man May 2016 #57
Thank you pmorlan1 May 2016 #52
Well, thank you! H2O Man May 2016 #58
"we are simply claiming what is rightfully our property -- our conscience, our beliefs, our future." Zorra May 2016 #53
Very good! H2O Man May 2016 #59
Well.... cliffordu May 2016 #54
Thanks, cliffordu! H2O Man May 2016 #61
Good rainy morning read.... kick! kgnu_fan May 2016 #55
I thought PBO was fearless. Bernie has been fighting fear his entire life, undeterred, for the sorechasm May 2016 #62
Thank you! H2O Man May 2016 #63
It seems to be too much to ask of some people. They have no idea what we're talking about, or haikugal May 2016 #64

surrealAmerican

(11,340 posts)
1. The news media has built their business around stoking those fears, and other fears as well.
Fri May 13, 2016, 10:14 AM
May 2016

Fear sells - even better than sex.

bigtree

(85,920 posts)
7. the Clinton campaign has moved past Sanders
Fri May 13, 2016, 11:08 AM
May 2016

...and has been focusing their efforts almost exclusively against the republican nominee since the last slew of primary elections put his campaign out of reach of the nomination.

But it's interesting how you've singled out Hillary for her opposition to Trump and cast it as a narrow campaign against the rival she's already bested to the point of his ultimate defeat. Why is campaigning against the republican nominee as a threat to America incorrect? Voters SHOULD fear a Trump presidency, in my opinion.

Moreover, Sanders' campaign, just days ago, was using 'fear' of Trump in their appeal, claiming that voters are 'courting disaster' by supporting Hillary.

from CNN:

"The Democratic Party must decide if they want the candidate with the momentum who is best positioned to beat (Donald) Trump or if they are willing to roll the dice and court disaster simply to protect the status quo for the political and financial establishment of this country," Weaver wrote.

He cited a "scary" Quinnipiac University poll of swing states Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania...

"The disaster is not Hillary Clinton. The disaster is the election of Donald Trump," Weaver said. "Look, electing Trump to the presidency of the United States would be an unmitigated disaster. "

Punkingal

(9,522 posts)
9. interesting that you posted this today, since I had an experience yesterday.
Fri May 13, 2016, 11:26 AM
May 2016

I live in MN and I see a doctor at Mayo Clinic in Rochester regularly for my rheumatoid arthritis. I had an appointment yesterday and while I was sitting in the waiting area to be called in, a woman walked by me in Muslim dress and joined a man who was also waiting to be called.

Now, I have always outspokenly rebelled against the Bush/Cheney fear fest. I thought it was deplorable. But in spite of that, the thought flitted across my mind, "Wow. wouldn't they get some attention if they blew up the Mayo Clinic." I can't even begin to describe how immediately ashamed of myself I was, but even so, the thought popped into my head.

My point is this: I am college-educated, a psychology major no less, and I am horrified that I entertained such a thought, even for a minute. I understand the use of fear to control people, have had many conversations about it, am aware of it and disgusted by it, but there it was. It jumped up and grabbed me, just as if I had never given it a thought beyond believing every fear-mongering lie I had been told. Frankly, that scares the crap out of me. it makes me angry at myself, and it brought home to me how well the use of fear works....it is insidious. And it works.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
11. Interesting.
Fri May 13, 2016, 11:39 AM
May 2016

We are all human. And our brains are vulnerable to "thoughts" such as this, flashing through our consciousness. What is important here is that you recognized that thought for what it is. As noted in the OP, we all experience the same fears; it's how we process them that is important. This story provides a good example of how we counter such fears. Thank you!

kgnu_fan

(3,021 posts)
16. You have a sound mind, capable of self observation. Most Americans had lost such capacity due to
Fri May 13, 2016, 11:45 AM
May 2016

watching too much TV propaganda. Creating "OTHERS with shadow" had worked every time everywhere in the world. That is how the Multi-national Military Industry Complex had grown so large.

hobbit709

(41,694 posts)
10. There's little in the real world that I fear. There are some things I have a healthy respect for.
Fri May 13, 2016, 11:38 AM
May 2016

But the fear put out by the fear mongers does not leave me shaking in my shoes.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
13. Very good.
Fri May 13, 2016, 11:42 AM
May 2016

I remember when a journalist asked Muhammad Ali if he felt fear before a fight. He said that of course he did -- that only a fool or insane person would not. And that is, in a very real sense, Ali's respect for both his opponent, and the situation he was in when he entered the ring.

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
12. In Summary...
Fri May 13, 2016, 11:40 AM
May 2016


Hence, we see the biggest difference between those who support Hillary, and those who support Bernie. It is evident that the Clinton camp is becoming increasingly hostile towards the Sanders’s camp. It is as if they believe we are trying to steal what is rightfully their’s. Or risking that Donald Trump will end up with it. But we are not: exactly the opposite, we are simply claiming what is rightfully our property -- our conscience, our beliefs, our future.

Is that too much to ask?


To answer your question, apparently it IS too much to ask..

We continue to struggle on.. we knew it would be hard.

For the past several years prior to the "official" campaign season, we knew HRC had every intention of running. We attempted to inform way in advance of this election season the many, many, many very troubling policy issues she favored, but were very anti-progressive. Strongly argued against any thought to advancing her as the nominee, but that advice went unheeded.

The assumption apparently was that progressives would eventually shut up and fall in line. Obviously, I can't speak for other progressives, but that's not happening with me this time.

If I thought the party elite were intelligent enough, I'd say they were the people who trotted out Trump just to game the progressives (Fear Factor) who didn't support Clinton in 2008.

They're devious, but they're not that smart.





H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
17. Sure.
Fri May 13, 2016, 11:48 AM
May 2016

I think that was the deal, when she agreed to serve at State. It served as an internship for 2016.

We are seeing the tired old "they have no where else to go" thinking. While I am convinced that some of her strategists believed that if Trump was the republican nominee, they'd get enough republican support that they could write off progressives, recent trends suggest that isn't a safe bet. Thus, we see their confused efforts to appeal to progressives -- while still insulting them.

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
33. Boy, howdy. you'll nailed it.
Fri May 13, 2016, 02:07 PM
May 2016

Thus, we see their confused efforts to appeal to progressives -- while still insulting them.[/di

Their current Theme for this contest.
 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
34. Anger, Yes. But Fear? umm Not So Much...
Fri May 13, 2016, 02:16 PM
May 2016

so much damage done was predictable, and is predictable.

Those of us who KNEW the WMD propaganda, KNEW it was a LIE. And we weren't even connected to "intelligence services".

It WAS OBVIOUS and PREDICTABLE they were going to gin up war, because hell Bush pretty damn near said so, while beating those war drums before 9/11.

What we PREDICT for a HRC Admin? Is MORE OF THE SAME. Based on the same ideological principles which she LOVES to project.

IT's plain as DAY.

We're ANGRY that supporters are either willfully or ignorantly accepting that prospect.


Angry and Disgusted yes. Did the Fear thing already, we're so way beyond that at this point.





BootinUp

(46,928 posts)
37. I can't speak for anyone but myself when I say
Fri May 13, 2016, 02:29 PM
May 2016

that I understand your point of view, but I believe it is based on a fundamental misunderstanding of who HRC is and what she believes. Essentially her most vocal opponents on the left have created a caricature of her at this point. Her vote was well considered and explained in the Senate after getting input from people on all sides of the argument. She explained the 3 options she saw for our country's policy and why she voted the way she did.

 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
39. We've had about 25 years now to get to know her..
Fri May 13, 2016, 03:09 PM
May 2016

She revealed to the world in one of the earlier debates that she sold her vote to give authorization as a trade she made with Bush, for more $ to New York.

There was a moment in time, when I had hoped she would run for POTUS, was glad she was running for Senate. That moment in time, was based on a shared feeling of betrayal by her husband, an empathetic desire for her to break from him and move on with her life independent from him. I was mistakenly presuming she would divorce him the moment they left office.

Observing her run for Senate, and realizing she didn't intend to divorce Bill, it appeared she made a sort of "business" arrangement with him, capitalizing on his campaigning skills to aid her in the Senate race. I thought ok, if it works I suppose that made sense. And so, why not?

Then she got elected. Well, I'm not going to waste time listing all of the egregious bills she voted for, she sponsored and so on.

It's all on the record and everything Wall Street friendly thing she's ever said and done in the following years is on the record, except for her speeches to Wall Street and I don't need the transcripts to intuit the nature of those speeches is everything we progressives would vehemently disdain, oppose and protest against.

I would have huge respect for her if she had made other choices in her life. To continue her relationship with Bill Clinton, undermines any credibility of the idea that she would be her own person in the White House.

It's just laughable on it's face, given they're so obviously joined at the hip and up to their neck in very serious legal problems once again.

The spectre of the predictable scandals should be enough to give serious pause.

We do have an opportunity to make a big difference in the outcome, we just have to seize the moment, no matter how much the party establishment is in it for her.






BootinUp

(46,928 posts)
41. mmm K
Fri May 13, 2016, 03:28 PM
May 2016


2banon
39. We've had about 25 years now to get to know her..

She revealed to the world in one of the earlier debates that she sold her vote to give authorization as a trade she made with Bush, for more $ to New York.

There was a moment in time, when I had hoped she would run for POTUS, was glad she was running for Senate. That moment in time, was based on a shared feeling of betrayal by her husband, an empathetic desire for her to break from him and move on with her life independent from him. I was mistakenly presuming she would divorce him the moment they left office.

Observing her run for Senate, and realizing she didn't intend to divorce Bill, it appeared she made a sort of "business" arrangement with him, capitalizing on his campaigning skills to aid her in the Senate race. I thought ok, if it works I suppose that made sense. And so, why not?

Then she got elected. Well, I'm not going to waste time listing all of the egregious bills she voted for, she sponsored and so on.

It's all on the record and everything Wall Street friendly thing she's ever said and done in the following years is on the record, except for her speeches to Wall Street and I don't need the transcripts to intuit the nature of those speeches is everything we progressives would vehemently disdain, oppose and protest against.

I would have huge respect for her if she had made other choices in her life. To continue her relationship with Bill Clinton, undermines any credibility of the idea that she would be her own person in the White House.

It's just laughable on it's face, given they're so obviously joined at the hip and up to their neck in very serious legal problems once again.

The spectre of the predictable scandals should be enough to give serious pause.

We do have an opportunity to make a big difference in the outcome, we just have to seize the moment, no matter how much the party establishment is in it for her.



Going from top to bottom:

Yes we have had a long time seeing her in public life.

Not sure what vote you refer to. I can guess that if I saw the video or read the transcript there would be a reasonable explanation for it, but since I don't have either I can't say for sure.

I don't have a problem with her marriage to Bill. That is her personal life. There are various theories about her marriage that could be gossiped about but I don't get into that.

I am sure you know that she has a strong liberal rating on her voting record. If not it is easy to find. I note that Bernie didn't have too many issues with her voting record as well.

Yes, its all on the record (her votes and positions).

I think most people believe those transcripts contain no shocking or concerning content, rather that is is a phony trumped up concern. Hillary is holding the line on intrusions into her personal transcripts. I have no problem with that.

Serious legal problems? Do tell.

Seems the Democratic party rank and file is in it for her too.
 

2banon

(7,321 posts)
42. sorry I didn't make clear..
Fri May 13, 2016, 03:59 PM
May 2016

She revealed to the world in one of the early debates, that she she sold her vote to authorize the Iraq Invasion. That big reveal was made if memory during a CNN sponsored debate, I believe it was Anderson Cooper asking about her vote to authorize the Iraq War, .. it was a couple of months or so ago.

You say you don't have a problem with her marriage to Bill.

I do.

And not about what's going on, or what's not going on in the bedroom.

I suggest you give that a lot more thought. It's a Business Relationship.

And it's The Business of the Clinton Foundation, a charity in name only, that is just one of the various and serious problems which will be laid to bare, and it's all of his other nefarious business affairs that's going to be impacting her administration and the policies she pursues or demolishes and other political and legal implications. My concern regarding her marriage to Bill Clinton isn't about their "personal" life.

You seem to have faith and hold dear her cozy connections with Wall Street.

There in lies the great divide.

This is a class struggle, a struggle between the 1% and the rest of us. she has a strong Neo Liberal Record on economic and foreign affairs, which is just about too close to Neo Conservatism for my objectives.









BootinUp

(46,928 posts)
44. The battle
Fri May 13, 2016, 04:07 PM
May 2016

should be fought on the up and up without smearing someone without any evidence, at least in my view. Fight it over the issues not some imaginary evil that only you and other "right" thinking people can see. The fact that Bernie tried his damnedest to take her down on her alleged nefarious Wall Street connections and lost should be enough to settle that. Look at her issues on Campaign Finance Reform and all her other issues which she put a lot of work into. The game must be played to win if you want to reform it. That means you don't limit your campaign donations just to look pure.

Agony

(2,605 posts)
60. No fear here… just a deep burning anger and rage that truth, empathy and decency are at risk.
Sat May 14, 2016, 09:32 AM
May 2016

No, I am not saying that Hillary=Trump

jpmonk91

(290 posts)
23. Another great post!
Fri May 13, 2016, 12:41 PM
May 2016

This one kind of speaks to me directly. As you might know I have a lot of anxiety in public situations. Speaking from the experience of anxiety you are 100% correct. The only remedy for anxiety is to just simply get out there and do what it is that you are afraid of. Even medication won't help unless you atleast try to push your self. Thank you for the informative and inspiring post. As FDR once said the only thing we have to fear is fear it self.

H2O Man

(73,333 posts)
28. Thanks!
Fri May 13, 2016, 01:58 PM
May 2016

When I was your age, I was completely comfortable boxing in front of 5,000 people ....but experienced anxiety when presenting to a group of twenty. In the many years since, I've gotten a little more used to public speaking, though I recognize it is not something that I'm good at. It's funny -- two of my children were born to perform in front of audiences -- talking, singing, you name it -- while the other two strongly dislike it.

Zorra

(27,670 posts)
53. "we are simply claiming what is rightfully our property -- our conscience, our beliefs, our future."
Sat May 14, 2016, 03:03 AM
May 2016

sorechasm

(631 posts)
62. I thought PBO was fearless. Bernie has been fighting fear his entire life, undeterred, for the
Sat May 14, 2016, 10:11 AM
May 2016

middle class and the under represented. His focus on the cause, against all odds, is leadership beyond compare.

Bernie Sanders’s campaign s unique, as it is the only one that doesn’t appeal to fear. Rather, although Bernie is honest -- we are in a dangerous time -- he encourages people to step it up, and fight that Good Fight. He encourages the grass roots to take care of business. To act for themselves, now, rather than waiting on some hero to save them tomorrow.


Thank you H20 Man for this excellent essay!

haikugal

(6,476 posts)
64. It seems to be too much to ask of some people. They have no idea what we're talking about, or
Sat May 14, 2016, 02:15 PM
May 2016

they want us to believe they don't. I personally think they know exactly what we're talking about and they just don't give a damn, or, as you say their various fears are dominant in their brains. Maybe it's a bit of both with greed mixed in.

Thanks for another great post!

Latest Discussions»Retired Forums»2016 Postmortem»Fear