Sunday, October 24, 2010

To those who sympathize with Juan Williams

I understand the root of your fear. We were all afraid. Nine years ago, when the towers fell, and the pentagon collapsed, we were terrified. At first, we didn't know what was going on, or how long it would go on for. We had no sense of what was safe. In this, we were all united.

Where I stop sympathizing with you is that you have kept your fear. We are in a war. We are continuing to strike at those who would harm us, to work for the safety of our selves and our nation. The only thing our enemies want is our fear. And you are giving it to them.

You are an adult, so you have the capacity to deal with your fear in an adult fashion. Do so, because you are an American and have a responsibility to do so. As the quote says "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself." The most they can take from us is our lives. They cannot take our dreams, our ideals, our nation. Only our fear can.

Fear can cause us to destroy our laws and traditions in pursuit of safety. Fear can make us suspect our own citizens are enemies, dividing us against ourselves. Fear is the root of panics and riots. And all we have to do is stand up, and decide to be unafraid.

The statistics are there if you cared to look for them. A minuscule fraction of the Muslims in the world are terrorists. A similar fraction of Christians are terrorists. Same with just about any religious group. Terrorism is one of the least likely ways to die. You're more likely to be killed by a loved one.

I would say remain a willfully ignorant coward if you must, but I can't. I share a nation with you. I need to work with you, live with you. I need you to continue on with me so we can build a future. I need you to conquer your fears and educate yourself. Do so.

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