Fear Incorporated

How can we win the war on terror? Isnít terror an indelible part of the human condition? Does anyone really think it can be eliminated? The Bush Administration, in its religious fervor to stamp out terror, is bent on stamping out terror (and winning the next election) by terrorizing its own constituency into submission. Strike three for reason.

Yesterday, the Republican Party released its first ad that drives the nail of 9-11 deep into the hearts of unsuspecting Americans who still operate under the media-influenced opinion that the Bush Men are busy protecting us from their bunker in Washington, DC. The fact is, as I stated in my ìSpeech for the End of Timeî last April, ìthe gravest danger facing America and the world, [is] the existential darkness that has possessed our government, that grips its soul.

In the ad, Bush chimes, ì"It would take one vial, one canister, one crate slipped into this country to bring a day of horror like none we have ever known.î

Clearly, the US government is intent on instilling a deep fear in the American psyche for political gain. Maureen Dowd, in her recent op-ed column in the New York Times, entitled ìScaring up Votes,î warned, ìInstead of a shining city [referring to Ronald Reaganís famous statement], we have a dark bunker. But the only thing we really have to fear is fearmongering itself.î

Homeland insecurity is on the rise and the real terrorists who have the capability of carrying out the most lethal damage with their weapons of mass destruction (real, not virtual) are the Crusaders and Fanatics who inhabit the White House.

Through this political ad, they continue to accuse those who dissent of not being patriotic. The ad continues: ìSome are now attacking the president for attacking the terrorists.'' In the 2004 presidential campaign, which has now fully descended upon us, we must combat this deadly reign of terror by openly expressing our views, and acting on them.

As I stated last spring, ìNo mental infection, no derangement, will divert us from our mission. They [Bush Men] are blind to the fact that, with all their rationality and efficiency, they are possessed by "powers" that are beyond control. We will not stop until their hidden desires and dark fantasies are revealed.î

It is only reason that can win the war on terror, and they are trying desperately to take even that away from us.

Randall Packer
Secretary, US Department of Art & Technology