A Mythic Reality

Paul Krugman's NYT editorial today addresses the phenomenom that occurs when war psychology takes hold. The public believes in a "mythic reality," a world where we are good, and they are bad. We are pure, and they are evil. When this happens, those in power benefit greatly. The people will more willingly stand behind the leader, right or wrong. Even the least deserving leader (Bush would, of course, qualify there) can become an heroic figure. Bush has taken advantage of war psychology. He has exploited the surge of support after 9-11 for partisan gain. The fight against Al Qaeda became a universal "war on terror." Then we heard about the "axis of evil." Nobody knows where it all ends, according to Krugman.

If we Americans ignore the real world situation and allow ourselves to mindlessly panic and buy into the fear, we will risk a Bush win.

But I do have confidence in the citizens of America. We are smarter than that- at least a majority of us. If ever there were a good fight, this one is it.

[Click on the blog title to take you to Krugman's article.]