I was saddened and frightened today when I came across the results of a recent poll regarding the fear of a terrorist attack in the United States (
Frightening Poll). Apparently, 41% (Yes, FDR, 41%!!!!) of Americans are very or somewhat worried that "[they] or someone in [their] family will become a victim of terrorism." Forty-one percent!!! How can people so full of such irrational fear possibly be functioning members of a democracy???
How does the risk of terrorism measure up
against everyday dangers?
Even with the September
11 attacks included in the count, the number of
Americans killed by international terrorism since the late
1960s (which is when the State Department began counting)
is about the same as the number of Americans killed over the
same period by lightning, accident-causing deer, or severe
allergic reaction to peanuts.
More below...
You all may notice that the 41% is eerily similar to Bush's "floor" approval rating in several recent polls. This of considerable significance to recent events, as those so stricken with fear are unlikely to hold a President accountable for anything done in the name of "preventing terrorism."
Some other recent diaries regarding the pervasive fear in American society today:
Pinche Tejano's Front-Porch Theory of America
Gmoke's Fighting Fear Itself
The same poll is attached to examine fear in the Dailykos community...