Just how scared are Americans?

Or... How effective have they've been in abetting terrorism within their own borders?

I am extremely jaded when it comes to those with a vested interest in fear telling me just how afraid I should be. The politician that tells me that he will get tough on crime makes me wonder just how bad it really is or is he actively or passively participating in a feedback loop of fear. The average person who fears being murdered on the street but yet smokes or even talks on their cell phone while driving has a flawed sense of risk assessment.

Of course, terrorism is a hard thing to get a sense of risk about. We can't be told how effective our counter-terrorism measures are as that would be a security risk. If the counter-terrorist lobby got lax in keeping the fear up, funding might be reduced. Money, power, and fear - huge powerful human motivators. I'm not suggesting that there isn't any risk of terrorist attacks. I'm just saying that we should take with a grain of salt risk advice from the guy selling the protection.

What sparked this blog was what followed up an American political survey. The survey was about should Hillary quit the democratic race. After participating in the survey, I was presented with an opportunity to buy, and a big discount, radios sponsored by Homeland Security. With these radios, I would always be able to hear the reports I needed to hear to be safe. Every American should have one is the message.

But, why am I getting flogged a Homeland Security message in the context of a survey about the presidential race? I just find the association to be just a bit odd. A nation in terror. It's every where you look.