The Value of Fear

I have heard from a variety of political pundits and politicians the use of the word "fear" as a form of insult or counter-argument to a policy or stance. Some claim that fear was used to push the United States into the War of Terror. Even the name itself seems to imply that fear and terror are the same thing and that the war on one would collaterally eliminate the other. In a way, fear is used to combat fear. Although I would not easily consider this as fighting fire with fire. In this case fighting fear with fear is more an act of hypocrisy since you don't fight alcoholism by more drinking, and you don't fight hunger with hunger. By embracing the tools of the enemy, you become your own worst enemy. In fact it would seem that using fear to try and sell a plan to dispel fear is a very common political tool and is the act of a desperate and manipulative elected official. Bush used it, and Obama has used it - both in the pushing for use of Stimulus money and continued war efforts. To a certain extent I think both sides of the Nationalized Health Care debate use fear to push their own agenda.

While many consider the use of fear to be a low blow tactic, I want to point out something that is very useful in the emotion of fear. Fear helps us humans, the natural man, foster a greater sense of purpose and strength in their own beliefs. While I disagree with the direction our current elected majority is taking the country, I do realize that such a time has awakened a sense of purpose and power within the power of the people. Perhaps that is the result of fear, fear of their future and the future of the country they so love.

Additionally, it would seem that fear has another added value that is perfectly articulated by Sterling Sill when he wrote, "We are afraid of the future. We are afraid of circumstances. We are afraid of people. We are afraid of ourselves. The scripture says that in the last day men's hearts shall fail them for fear. And yet, there is a very constructive fear that can actually prevent failure. When we are frightened and have our backs to the wall and are fighting for our lives, we feel a great new power stirring within us" (That Ye Might Have Life p.130).

As with anything that is good and valuable, there are those who wait to deceive and gain power over us as a result of fear. Perhaps instead of a fear of failure, the token argument for both continued war effort and with continued efforts to spend tax dollars on or in obtaining private companies, we should fear loss of freedom, and loss of life. Fear what matters most. Failure happens, and in some cases failure should happen. Fear of failure can often be failures root cause.