Roosevelt Was Right - “We Have Nothing to Fear but Fear Itself”

I was watching some old reruns of a TV series from about 1992 the other evening that was called “Northern Exposure” and it got me thinking about a number of things. To be honest with you, I watched episode after episode until its conclusion; I was hooked and fell in love with the storyline.To be quite honest I was disappointed when it concluded, I guess it left me wanting a little more and if that’s the case the writers and cast did a great job. 

It also got me thinking about my own life and the various twists and turns it has taken and those that have been a part of it. It also got me thinking of three words that have been a part of most of our lives.  

The first of those three words is “change.”   Whenyou google that word, it produces a number of definitions. “To substitute one thing for another.”  “To become different, be altered or become modified.”  You can find a number of different definitions regarding the word, all with their own meaning and depending on whether the word is used as a noun or a verb. 

Words are just that, words, but dependent upon how they are used. They can be twisted and tweaked, depending upon the person’s intent. Another of the three words is “trust.” A very important one which can mean; “The firm belief in the reliability, truth, ability or strength in someone or something.” Once again, you can always find a number of definitions for the simple word in our language which is so important to whom we are and what we do in life. 

The third word in our group and very important in meaning is “fear.” One again it holds a number of definitions. “An unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that something or someone is dangerous or will cause pain. A feeling of anxiety of the outcome of something or the safety or well-being of someone.” 

All three of these words - change, trust and fear - can be powerful words in the world that has seen them used by those willing to twist them to their advantage. I can tell you right now, with no reservations, that I find it distasteful and dishonorable as men and women come together to deliberate public policy on behalf of the public they represent, whether it be on the federal, state or local level. 

The one word in that group of three that has been used so effectively is “fear,” as has been used to crush the hopes and dreams of those seeking “change,” as well as the “trust” which has been bestowed upon them. I was too young to have personally witnessed how the public was manipulated by U.S. Senator Joseph McCarthy in the 50’s as his use of the “fear tactic” ruined the lives of so many Americans. 

I believe that President Franklin D. Roosevelt said it best in his 1933 inauguration speech when he famously said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself” as he sought to calm the economic fears that had gripped the nation, give them hope and rally themto support his economic policies. 

Fear is a tool used to destroy any of the trust you might have as we seek to move forward rather than stay stagnant with no hope of progress toward policies that might bring relief from some of the problems that face your neighbors and friends. 

I’ve been here 37 years now this August and have seen a great deal of progress seen some disappointments also, but have understood that you can’t make progressunless you are willing to take the first steps towards it. To stand still and fail to bring potential solutions to the table regarding issues, or to close your eyes to the issues before us is not an acceptable solution. 

We have a great community, one which through dedication, sweat and donations has built two outstanding beacons of hope for the children of our community, has created one of the most exceptional Veteran Memorials here in Florida or anywhere in the nation due to the support of our citizens, many of which are veterans themselves from numerous conflicts including World War II, Korea, Vietnam and various Middle Eastern Conflicts.  

Our citizens have also built a wonderful playground for our children as they grow and mature and have also stood behind efforts to develop Veterans Community Park which is only now beginning to come into its own as well as the new Mackle Park Community Center which is utilized by young and old alike. 

We are a very young community that is only now coming into its own as we look at the many  challenges that will face us. I believe we will face those challenges together because of the trust we have in each other, despite some of the fears we might justifiably have as we deal with change which is natural in life. 

Thanks for listening to me, for it’s from your strengths that I draw mine.