There is such an element of fear in our society that I could write three posts a day and never cover it all. Why are we afraid? What aren’t we afraid of?

Every day the news tells us about the crime in our communities; the kidnappings, the murders, the accidents, and everything in between. Many Americans only get their news from TV. TV news is built for profit. Built for sensationalism because it sells. Would it really be as interesting if they reported that everything was good, and all those “rates” were dropping?

Well, for starters telling you that crime rates were dropping or leveling off would be speaking the truth. Since the 1980’s, violent crime rates have consistently gone down or remained the same, even when population growth is taken into consideration. Have a look for yourself – Go to www.census.gov, and search on crime rates. It’s all there. The facts.

There are not predators on every corner waiting to steal your child, but you wouldn’t know that if you watch your local nightly news or the ever-sensational Nancy Grace. They would have you believe that your child must be kept under lock and key where you can see them 24 hours a day.

Some think that driving down a specific street means certain death by random gunfire. The majority of shootings occur between people who know each other. Contrary to popular belief, there are not people just waiting on street corners to shoot at passers by.

Those are just the crimes. Our fears run deep. From different cultures and beliefs to medical advancements and technology, I’ll make an attempt to make you think about your fears and those around you. Are they valid? Are they created by sensationalism? What facts support or discredit your fears?

In other words, do they hold a bit of sanity or are they pure insanity?