Fear and Sorrow in America

Follows is my response to Rosa Brooks' column in today's LA TIMES

You are so right. Obviously you are neither running a media outlet or for public office. Every point and comparison you make is valid and, unfortunately, unique in today's conventional mindset.

Why do so many Americans want to view themselves as victims? Is it a corollary to our need to feel afraid? The entertainment and broadcast news media thrive on fear. Weekend grosses and TV news ratings are calibrated according to their ability to deliver fear and dread to their viewers.

I don't know why it is so, but I have long recognized Fear as mankind's major motivator. Love and Comfort come in a distant second and third, not necessarily in that order. But I digress.

Thanks for your support.

B.J. Merholz