The Politics of Fear (or How to Generate a Following)

Recently, while cleaning out the loft of the barn, on the property we purchased, I found a pamphlet entitled "What Can I Do About Communism?". I thumbed through it, a bit and considered it worthy of saving. Later, when I had the opportunity to read it completely, I discovered it was copyrighted in 1962 by Guideposts Associates, of Carmel, NY.

Now, before anyone jumps on the origination of the source, know that you will be ignored. That will be considered trolling and/or deflection. The source of the material has absolutely nothing to do with the topic of the thread. It is, simply, a source of information.

One of the articles, within the pamphlet, is written by Stella Shepard. She relates a brief description of her time as a member of the Communist Party, in the United States. One of the examples, of her observations of the Party, is a story of the funeral of 17 year old Harry Simms. She describes the funeral being used as a platform to promote the Party.

"I saw William Z. Foster, a Party head, stride to the coffin. He raised his fist, his voice boomed out: "Someone will pay for this!" An angry roar came from the crowd. I had seen the secret of moving masses."...."I learned that hate is the easiest of human emotions to arouse. Find a sore subject: magnify a hurt, fan a fear, threaten a self-interest--then name an enemy. Fighting words, angry gestures and a thousand people howl for action."

I am far from a political science scholar, so I may be the only person who finds this tactic interesting. I found very interesting, the similarity of the politics of today (in the U.S.) with the politics of the Communist Party, during its early organizational days (in the U.S.) Both the Democrat and Republican Parties are guilty of using the exact same methods, to develop a following. Be it "Health Care Reform" or the "War on Terror", the intention is to create an evil, point a finger toward the opponent in an accusing manner and pretend to have the "only" solution.

My hope is that the American people are awakening to the lies being perpetrated upon them, which are not in the interest of the people, but in the pursuit of the expansion of power. We all need to take pause, when presented with the fiery anecdotes of politicians. We must recognize the fact that there are, at least, two sides to every story. We must accept that "facts" are, quite often, left out of the story, to tilt in favor of the story teller. In short, we must think.


[edit on 17-3-2010 by WTFover]

I have pretty much given up on politicians. IMO, they unite to divide the people and then meet in the bar to laugh about the division they created.

Reps and Dems are closer than what we think. They run among the same crowd, breathe the same air, and are constantly spewing trash to the American people.

Yes, I hope Americans are waking up. But after they are awake, then what?

Then what seems to be million dollar question.

reply to post by WTFover


Many ambitious opportunists have learned that fear (and anger) unite people like nothing else. Especially fear. Virtually every political movement and every government has utilized them to some extent.

I'm saying this as someone left of center: I once agreed to write an article for a socialist publication and then declined when pressure was put on me to slant what I was reporting. I try not to do yellow journalism.

I do, however, have a preferred ideology. Everybody does to some extent. Whenever we think we have perfect objectivity we are usually just not recognizing our own biases. Our ideologies shape our thinking and perceptions to a greater or lesser degree.

My father worked for the government and I grew up in Washington so I am familiar with the ins and outs and slippery maneuverings of both parties and several administrations. Politics there is like warfare.

My own perception now is that the right is using fear more than the left. This is because I believe most of the fears of the left are justified. That's my ideology, I admit.

Sometimes you just have to pick your team -- the one that most represents your view of things -- and in the process try to achieve some clarity at least. Not easy, but the only other alternative is to get out of the game entirely and let others call all the shots.

Originally posted by jam321
Then what seems to be million dollar question.

And it'll take a million solutions to repair what has been destroyed.

I think the first step is to remove the purse strings from grubby hands of those who don't know how to close the purse.

reply to post by Sestias

Sometimes you just have to pick your team -- the one that most represents your view of things -- and in the process try to achieve some clarity at least. Not easy, but the only other alternative is to get out of the game entirely and let others call all the shots.

I agree, but sometimes one has to stand up for what is right when the team goes astray.

IMO, too many people are followers and never see the direction the team is headed.

The best team to be on is your own.

After the last election it was pretty apparent that the media will make 90% of the populations conscience decisions and the rest will be here to debate something we most likely cannot change.