Fearmongering

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Posted by Connor on June 7th, 2007

A common element in politics is fear. In order to efficiently expand government and encroach upon civil liberties, politicians must constantly wave an impending threat in our faces in order to keep us frightened and clamoring for security. The following clip demonstrates this tactic and how saturated modern political discourse has become with propagandist fearmongering.

Note: The last part of this clip shows several photos, a few of which are somewhat graphic in detail (people, including children, maimed because of the Iraq war). Viewer discretion advised.

Even cartoon characters understand the benefits fearmongering can have for pursuing their political agenda:

Fear will not help America. Fear will not solve our problems, both foreign and domestic. Fear will not provide safety. Fear will destroy (and is destroying) our nation.

Neither a man nor a crowd nor a nation can be trusted to act humanely or to think sanely under the influence of a great fear. (Bertrand Russell, via Quoty)

See fearmongering for what it is. Shun any politician that uses this shameful tactic. Search out honest and wise leaders. As Elder Bednar has quoted, we do not take counsel from our fears. Politicians would do well to learn this counsel.

Did you enjoy this article? Read Latter-day Liberty!

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One courageous individual has opined already. Care to pontificate as well?

This from “Whither the Remnant“:

If the public is to be kept obedient, it must be kept in a constant state of fear. Frightened people huddle together and look to those they regard as more capable than themselves for protection. This explains why, in the words of Randolph Bourne, “war is the health of the state.”

#1 Connor | June 7th, 2007 3:00 PM