There is Nothing to Fear But Fear Itself!

Guglielmo Ferrero, Italian historian and author, pointed out, in his book The Principles of Power, that the basic human trait underlying all illegitimate governments is that of fear. But more than that, he showed us that this fear is obsessive, holding ruled and ruler alike in its clutches, playing no favorites. The one sure and certain characteristic is that of the ruler’s fear of the people and the people’s fear of the ruler.

In his book State of Fear, Michael Crichton points out how fear is used by governments to control their citizens. While a work of fiction, it contains a poignant message to those willing to listen. For those whom have read his book I would like to ask, what happened to “Global Warming”?

No manufactured psychosis of continual crisis, like “Global Warming”, or Oz like image of dynamic leadership, based primarily on power and government spending, even when served up with demagogic platitudes, can substitute for a diet of truth – for honest news. Nothing like this can cure the dangerous internal wounds, nor fill the spiritual void and restore domestic tranquility.

On the contrary, even when people are denied the facts of national life, the truths essential to their very survival, they intuitively sense that there is something wrong, and since confidence in one another must be mutual a lack of confidence leads to confusion, from confusion to suspicion, from suspicion to distrust and finally from distrust to national disunity. Reaching the point at which the confidence between the governed and the governing is destroyed by mutual fear. This is not a cause, but a natural and inevitable result of illegitimate government.

By defalcation of Congress, and Judicial usurpation, all with the connivance and willing support of the Executive Branch, the Federal Government has been corrupted into an instrument of vast and unrestrained power over the lives, property and affairs of the American People.

This state of distrust cannot be cured by shallow deprecation of “hate”, the vilification of patriots, or the extorting of peace while appeasing evil. These are dishonest resorts which serve only to exacerbate instead of healing the malady. Such fear cannot be overcome with propaganda. Trust can only be restored by principle; principle based on moral character. Trust must be earned.

On the other hand government devoid of fear, whatever the form, from a hereditary monarchy to a constitutional republic, is firmly embedded in the principle of legitimacy. When this prevails, confidence and unity, outward calm and inner peace, are reflected in the lives involved, whether subjects or citizens. It naturally follows that any country, lacking respect and consent on the part of the people, and restraint and concern for all on the part of those in power, is sick and in serious trouble.

For several generations the United States has been a victim of fear and is now ruled by an illegitimate government. A friend of my father’s once asked him what the difference was between “freedom” and “liberty”. After a moment of consideration my father replied that, “rather than define freedom and liberty let’s look at the lack of freedom and the lack of liberty… the lack of freedom implies confinement, while the lack of liberty implies oppression.” When was the last time you heard a politician use the word “liberty”?