Words that Strike Fear

To the Editor:

I wonder why some folks are afraid of certain words. Words that conjure up feelings of caring, love, empathy & concern for those in trouble or less fortunate. For example, welfare means the good fortune, health, happiness, and prosperity of a person, group, or organization; also well-being; to look after a child’s welfare- the physical or moral welfare of society. Conciliate means to overcome the distrust or hostility of. Asylum means any secure retreat-a safe place. Truth is the actual state of a matter; conformity with fact or reality. These are words we should embrace as comforting not to fear.

I think back to a time I was teaching my young children what to be afraid of. I didn’t put their hands on a hot stove to prove it would hurt, nor did I let them run into the street to get hit by a car. I taught them to listen to the experts, at the time their parents.

When I hear the fear-mongering of immigrants seeking help or fear of experts urging vaccines and masking to save the younger and elderly, I’m reminded of a quote I have often used. The quote is from a wellknown Scottish poet, George Burns, “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.”

Patty Reid

La Grange