To the Editor:
Our fears have gotten us into the mess we’re in now. The Bush administration has played our fears like a violin.
We must stand up and face our threats with clarity and thoughtfulness, rather than be manipulated by our fears.
Hitler used fear to dominate the German people – fear of the Jews, Gypsies, or anyone different; much as Mr. Grant’s letter in last week’s paper tried to instill fear by referring to Senator Obama’s supposed unusual origins. I’m not afraid. Let’s judge a person by the content of his character.
As far as hammering on Mr. Obama’s associations – enough of that was done to make the Republicans realize that people weren’t buying it, mainly because there was nothing important there. Mr. Grant has not accepted this yet and is still playing the fear card. How scurrilous does he want them to be?
To complain about Mr. Obama receiving the majority of the black and youth vote, as if that somehow invalidated the results, is quite strange. Are not black and young people citizens? Are not all Americans created equal? Does not the majority opinion prevail in our democracy? The rich people have been overrepresented for too long.
I say it’s time to stop being afraid. Stop being manipulated by fears of “destruction and mayhem” that Mr. Grant is selling and insist that our new government deliver construction and harmony. It’s up to all of us, and fear just gets in the way.
Alan Lowe, Waldoboro
