When fear becomes a phobia itself

Canada collective is grieving the tragic events of October 22 and the loss of one of our country defenders Cpl Nathan Cirillo.   Terrorism has struck close to the heart of the country and unmasked our fears.  

For some the events and actions will be remembered for the heroics and a system that contained the damage when the horror could have been much worse.  For others, the sensationalist reporting and stirring into a frenzy will feed percolating fears.  Terrorism survives because it incites fear.  It restricts individual freedoms not through edict, but by activating phobias.

Decision makers are not immune to becoming phobic.  We can expect calls for enhanced security in parliament, in government buildings, in public places, in critical infrastructure.  Perhaps we can learn from the misguided response south of the border where dollars from social programs into homeland security.  The thousands that die annually from preventable deaths because services are not available in order to reduce the risk for an unseen threat.  

Terrorism has struck home.  The threat of terrorism will test our collectivity, rationality and our confederation.  The stresses and phobic reactions will fertilize our fragile mental wellbeing.  

The best words to recite and remember at this time were written by Calixa Lavallée in 1880.   

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

  O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.