Hurricanes and the politics of FEAR
June 02, 2006 @ 9:47 PM
Down here it should be a holiday or a national day of mourning. June 1, the beginning of the dreaded "Hurricane Season". It seems that today we live in a media induced frenzy of fear. Yes, fear hurricanes and prepare for them, but do we have to be traumatized every day with news reports and the word "TERROR".

If there was a concern by government officals about people becoming immune after 9/11 to the need for vigilance it has been realized by this author. I am beyond tired of the word "terror".

That reminds me, are not "fear" and "terror" the tools of facist regimes trying to control people. Scary thought! Well yes, I am terrorized by hurricanes and I am fearful of them. So I prepare the best I can and respect mother nature. Thats all I can do.

Wouldn't it be nice to know that our government instead of finding fear and enemies, or objects of national security concern, took the time to prepare and promote the kinds of things that might take the fear out of our lives. Perhaps development of alternative energy so that we no longer have to Fear Mother nature, fear terrorists and wacky dictators. Perhaps we need to get prepared. Thats all we should be doing!
Gators Gone Wild?
May 23, 2006 @ 10:08 AM
Lately there have been several highly publicised accounts of "Gator Attacks". Yes, its mating season for the Gators and they are more aggressive. But should we fear them or be aware of our surroundings? Perhaps even stop feeding them? My experience is quite vast in interacting with these hold overs from pre history and I can assure you that they are pretty mellow fellows unless fed or during mating season. Recently out back of my home I heard a crash in the water and sure enough a 4 foot gator was pursuing his future ex-wife. A little 2 footer. She ran away as she should, this guy was a child molester! Anyway he came right over toward me and displayed very aggresive "stalking" behavior! Frustrated he swam away. She remained in hiding in the lillypads! This is typical at this time of the year and is nothing to fear. As with all things respect and understanding go hand in hand and a little knowledge about something will go a long way toward preventing misunderstanding,fear and terrible tragedy!