Fear of fear? Be brave

FDR said,”The only thing we have to fear is...fear itself.”

Fear of things going out of control, fear of my neighbor, fear that those who don’t look like me or who weren’t born here might hurt me and if their skin color or faith is not the same as mine, they are a threat.

Hitler said, “Darn those Jews, let’s restore German pride, pledge your support to me”. and he took over - for a while.

Now I hear “Darn those Muslims and Mexicans, let’s make America great again, pledge your support to me”. Uh-oh, here we go again? Our children hear from leaders with loud voices, we will send you or your parents away, your religion does not belong here. How Sick is that?

I likely can not convince the loud minority who support this thinking to reevaluate. What I must do is no longer sit silent. Experts say, “differences need to be resolved but abuse just needs to stop.” There is nothing to debate. It is plainly fear driven “hate” that must just stop.

Our children are watching and listening. The silence of the majority is more deadly than the noise itself.

For my friends of different heritage and faith, for my women friends and for any young person within earshot. I say this, like Trump, I and many others were born into white male privilege. He does not speak for us. His hate and fear have no place in a Great America, but you do. Be brave.

This story was originally published May 4, 2016 at 8:29 AM with the headline "Fear of fear? Be brave."