Thursday, October 18, 2001

Fear Factor
Common sense nation’s best defense

In the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Americans have been encouraged by government officials and the media to return to their “normal” lives.

Yet now, for some people, a more pressing cause for concern is the bioterrorist threat of anthrax. As more cases are reported, the threat becomes a larger worry for the public.

Anthrax is a threat, but widespread panic and paronia when checking “snail mail” will only add to the problem. Being cautious is certainly called for, but we must also use common sense before jumping to conclusions and being afraid to open letters or packages.

America is at war, but for the most part it is a silent war. Here on the home front, damage cannot really be assessed, since widespread fear can also be considered damage. Fear, panic and similar emotional effects of the terrorist attacks and response to anthrax are hard, if not impossible to accurately measure.

This war is being fought in the information age. It only makes sense that information is the best defense against widespread fear. People don’t panic when they understand what is being said in the media, when they understand the details of a biological weapon like anthrax.

Anthrax is not just a biological weapon. It is not found only military warehouses in different countries. The bacteria can also be found in agricultural regions, animals and animals products, including food if not prepared correctly.

The government has yet to determine a link between the anthrax cases in New York, Washington and Boca Raton, Fla. and an international terrorist organization. The perpetrators may or not be connected to those who committed the Sept. 11 crimes.

Only one person has died from anthrax to date. Headlines Wednesday said more than 30 people who work on Capitol Hill have tested positive for anthrax exposure, which does not mean they are infected. Experts say preliminary anthrax tests often deliver false positives.

Remembering these details will help combat fear and keep the nation’s people in a clear mindset as the war on terrorism continues.