When I was young this date stuck in my mind as “The Epiphany”. Recently the date marks a recent upheaval in a national election certification. However, it also is the date on which a famous speech was made at the critical time that much of the world was at war. The US was on the brink of that conflict. It was a speech intended to quell anxieties about America’s possible movement away from its stance of isloation. The United States was starting to lean towards resisting the perils of aggression. In 1941 the then US President delivered what is now known as the “Four Freedoms” speech. I urge you to read that speech and consider it in the perspective of the time.

Freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear are as essential and needed now as was the case 82 years ago. The emphasis of course is on freedom. Bad actors still exist in today’s world. Dictatorships flourish when freedom is reduced/eliminated. Even well-intentioned leaders can cross the line of restricting freedom in the name of good. In our representative republic there is a fine line between our cherished individual freedoms and some necessary restraint on actions/activities that harm the common good. Where that line lies is always an appropriate discussion to have in society.

It’s easy to identify the tin horn crackpots that want and wage war. Another land war in Europe? Have they learned nothing? Elsewhere, millions and millions are enslaved by communism. Or, by dictators of other political philosophies. Those who wish to control freedoms in the name of their perceived rightousness of cause come in all manner of political stripes. Such dangers to freedom are usually easy to spot. However, there are also forces needing to transgress on freedom to achieve a goal that does not equal war or enslavement. A prime tool to manipulate and cajole is simple fear.

For example: the recent hub bub in congress over conflicting convictions in selecting a speaker scares some folks. Why? What’s to be feared about politicians arguing? A bunch of hot air by politicians instills fear? Some people recently seem to have a fear of anything not homonginized. What comfort is taken from a government that is united to such an extent that there are no ripples in civic life, where everyone can parrot their colleagues’ thoughts and all are adept at the latest in step matching. Conflict seems better suited to America. But, there is a fear that conflict will make the Speaker’s job hard. Sometimes Papa feels it is best to leave the popular annointment process to medival church lore.

It is up to you to weigh and balance the fears that will come towards you. I try to resist fears that restrain freedom without a good basis. We are flooded with the tactic of fear. We all may die is an attention grabber. Death is a legitimate concern but is it the stuff that should control every aspect of life? When everything is declared to be dying is it no wonder that despair and cynisim overwhelem? You and I are supposedly on the brink because of industrial age horrors. Oceans are dying as are fish and birds. Exticntion hovers over many species. Even the planet doesn’t stand much of a chance. One or the other political party will destroy the nation. But, luckily we all know who is at fault for our impending demise. We are told everyday. You can tune in and read all the “predictors” that are passionate in their beliefs and who know what you are or are not doing to save us all. Just get with the program.

There is nothing to fear but fear itself. FDR spoke those words prior to 1941 during his first inauguration. That thought goes back at least to the 16th century. Beware: there is always someone out there trying to stir the pot to create anxiety. Use your noggin when it is your turn to evaluate legitimate fear from fear mongering. The world is not as bad a place as some claim. Get a good night’s sleep; eat healthy foods; pay attention in school; don’t hurt people; develop and follow a moral code and always be kind to grandfathers.