Fear gives terrorists a foothold on our lives

Let us support our government’s efforts to thwart terrorism, but let us try to be circumspect about it.

Our fears are understandable; but let us help keep the threat in perspective. Let us refrain from passing on unverified information and warnings that only raise levels of anxiety, panic and paranoia. Stop the hatred, divisiveness and dichotomy. These will only inflate the hubris and vileness of the terrorists.

Terrorist attacks are premeditated and systematic, designed to generate psychological effects far beyond the actual attack. A culture of fear, to weaken our confidence in government and political leadership, attract global attention, gain recognition and legitimacy in the eyes of their supporters, and inspire potential recruits—these are the ely-sian dreams of every terror group.

Don’t get me wrong, I support information-sharing; but I support that which is reliable and follows backing from intel agencies; and to publicize them only when the info appears imminent. A politics of fear will only cause fear-based decisions and hysteria.

For if we allow fear to be pervasive, we grant terrorists a foothold on our lives. We render it possible for them to conceive victory by disrupting our routine and violating the basic underpinnings of our everyday life. We amplify their perceived power. I do not claim to be an expert, but I do believe these to be true.

Let us not allow these infernal creatures the gratification of destroying the social fabric of our society and attacking our values and what we hold dear.

Constant vigilance, faith, solidarity and decisive leadership are stronger than fear and threats.

—ERL DURANO, [email protected]