Hostage negotiations

Politicians are adept at playing on peoples' fears. Of the unknown, of the other. And the sad thing is that it's effective. They prick the conscience and tap into the things that shouldn't motivate us, but they do. And we allow them to get away with it.

It's a horrible position to be held hostage by fear. You're constantly looking over your shoulder, always wondering where or when the next incident will occur. And most of the time, nothing ever happens. You become afraid of your own shadow. I'm not saying you should blithely go through life not being aware--far from it. There are monsters and dragons out there. Just not in every corner. Life is to be lived, not feared.