To the editor:

It seems to me that during the past few years our nation has become increasingly stymied by fear. To be sure, this is a fearful world we live in, but it always has been. It is how we react to that fear that is important. Do we wall ourselves off from what we fear, or do we make ourselves vulnerable so that we, too, can have a hand in dealing with it? It makes the difference between alienating others or helping them.
On the wall by my desk is a quote that I often look at which I would like to share. It was written by a former Peace Corps Volunteer, Duaine Goodno, while he was in Afghanistan:
ìI canít say whether you will be safe or secure, nor can I say that you should or shouldnít come. My being here is a testament to my feelings. I would hate to think my epitaph will say, ëhere lies a stupid man.í nor would I want it to say that Iím brave. Rather, I want it to say that I choose to live life. So my question to you is, ëHow do you want to live your life?í If not now, when?

ìA man is afraid of what is outside so he lives his life indoors. He is afraid that someone will break in and harm him, so he bars his windows and locks his door, unable to venture out. Does the man live in a house or a jail? What is the quality of his life. What has he given to mankind? What will he say about his life on the day he dies?î

As FDR said in his first inaugural address, ìThe only thing we have to fear is fear itself.î There is a healthy way in which to face terrorist threats, and a negative way. Let us turn and face our fears. What will we see? Our former friends. Is forgiveness required? Let us not be afraid to be the first to ask for it. We always have another chance.

Kriste Ericsson
Grandy

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