To the editor:
Fear not and behold great joy!
Humanity is evolving on Earth — we have no choice — it is time for a radical change in consciousness, a universal realignment with nature and each other, if we are to survive and thrive and prosper in ever-greater joy and celebration of our interconnectedness, not our antagonisms.
It is time for US in the UNITED States to drop war and hostility and fear of the enemy in favor of understanding, reconciliation and celebration of diversity.
To do this requires that we concentrate on loving acceptance, reaching out to those who are desperately alienated from society and life and feel the loving connectedness rather than the fear and mistrust that separates us all.
From this perspective, the fearful messages broadcast on our ferry boats are totally counterproductive to our true “Homeland Security,” and must be dropped in favor of live music, dancing and merriment.
What purpose does it really serve, other than instilling fear, to remind us that our fellow passengers could be terrorists leaving bombs neatly disguised as a package or backpack under our seats?
Why do they show us on the visitors’ video display action scenes of cops and dogs pinning down a terrorist in the parking lot? That’s supposed to make us feel secure and cozy?
Do the authorities behind these insidious messages really believe they are protecting us by reminding the terrorist not to leave his bomb unattended and to take it with him as he leaves the ferry? Has a bomb ever been found on our ferries? Has a ferry ever sunk, so that we must be continually reminded of the procedure to follow in case we have to man the lifeboats? The crew knows well what to do in such an unlikelihood.
Why do we publicly project fear? How epidemic is the swine flu? Is it any more lethal than the avian flu, the anthrax scare or other recent health scares and diseases of diverse nature we fear we might contract?
Let’s put things in perspective here. Why is this fear-mongering allowed and sensationalized here and from our media?
As a society, we must become conscious of these negative programs and pro-actively replace them with positive messages that make us feel empowered and bring us together in heartfelt support and friendship.
We on south Whidbey Island are already setting a shining example in so many ways. Now, that is newsworthy information we could project on those video screens instead, along with local news updates straight from the grapevine. We could invite live participation of musicians and entertainers and information tables and chicken vendors, like in India.
Let’s use our creative imaginations to make the ferry ride a truly delightful experience. Imagine how the tourists will remember over-the-top Captain Hightower in stilted stance straddling the oncoming traffic, as aerialists swing overhead to the music of the improv band, and festive Boeing commuters dance their blahs away.
Larry Dobson
Clinton
