There's been a ridiculous amount of chatter in the media relating to the Swine Flu. They've tracked down every case reported on every continent, and even interviewed the family of "patient zero". It has already been suggested by several sources that this is an act of biological warfare.Now we're broadcasting the fact that the first US death visited the Houston Mall?? Come on, now. And don't give me the old "the public has the right to know" speech. While a well-informed public is truly important, a propaganda-fed public will lead to mass hysteria.
Throughout our history, fear has been used as a powerful tool: fear of infection, fear of homeland invasion, fear of death, fear of poverty, etc. etc. etc. It frustrates me that our tendency is to eat it up as fast as they can feed it to us, pushing us deeper into our shells. Ultimately, this quest for security can only lead to deeper insecurities as our unity is disintegrated. FDR was absolutely right in saying "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself". A calm, clear mind is more likely to solve a problem than one full of frantic uncertainty.
In an age where common sense is no longer common, it becomes ever more necessary to stick together and feed from each others' experiences. We are in ourselves a vast wealth of knowledge and possibility. Wash your hands, avoid crowded places, and take care of yourself and each other. What sickness has ever been cured by fear?
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