Fear appears to be one of the most popular peddled commodities on the planet, currently and has been for some time. Tomorrow, across the United States “No Kings” protests are planned in communities large and small; these folks are afraid of Donald Trump.
U.S. immigrants—and not necessarily illegal ones—are afraid of ICE (Immigration, Customs, and Enforcement) agents. Many federal employees are afraid about losing their jobs or benefits, while receivers of federal funds fear losing them.
Europeans worry about Russian aggression and that the United States will abandon them. Meanwhile in the Middle East—Gaza, Iran, and Israel, primarily—citizens fret the next bombardment of missiles from aircraft or drones. World War III is a popular topic everywhere. Many people are convinced that it’s underway right now. Yeah, they’re afraid.
Environmental liberals fear climate change, and many are convinced that 2030 demarks the point of no return. Meaning: The planet fries and we all die. Health and medical professionals continually warn about the next pandemic. “Did you get your current Covid and flu shots?” they ask. Mask up! (That’s something protestors do to hide their identity rather than protect themselves or others from disease; they’re afraid of being identified and caught.)
People fear Alzheimer’s, cancer, and pain of any sort. “Can I pay rent?” or “Feed the kids?” “Will the cops confiscate my tent as an illegal encampment—leaving me worse than homeless?” I could go on and on and on. That’s pointless.
Don’t be afraid, regardless the concern or difficulty. Fear is a crippling emotion capable of sapping the will or turning control over you to someone or something else.
In the opening sentences of his first inaugural address, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt said:
Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.
Be bold. Be courageous. Be strong. Be confident. Don’t be chicken. Don’t let fear lead you to the slaughterhouse with the other birds.
Love is the opposite of fear. Give a little love to somebody. Anybody. Watch how a little love given (and received back) can vanquish fear.
Well, hell. I buried the lede.
The Featured Image comes from Nikon Zf and NIKKOR Z 24-200mm f/4-6.3 VR lens, on April 21, 2025. Vitals: f/11, ISO 200, 1/125 sec, 42mm; 12:02 p.m. PDT.