Fear

EVER wonder why most of us are afraid of snakes or why we jump when there's a loud noise? A new exhibition developed by the California Science Center explains that those reactions are among the many ways our brains and our bodies help keep us out of harm's way. "Goose Bumps! The Science of Fear" (not to be confused with R.L. Stine's popular children's book series, "Goose Bumps") explores the ways our bodies respond to a perceived threat.

In the predawn chill of Saturday morning, Anna Plank of Huntington Beach was here to see her 21-year-old son, Marine Cpl. Jason Plank, begin the trip back to Iraq for his third tour of duty. The waiting and worrying never get easier for the families of Marines, particularly those of the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, which has a reputation for drawing the most dangerous of assignments.

THE fear pervading the American media is stunning. The latest show of fear is Comedy Central's refusal to broadcast an image of Muhammad in last week's episode of "South Park" ["Viewers Didn't See the Humor," by Scott Collins, April 15]. Given that a scene in the same episode showed Jesus defecating on the American flag, it is clear that Comedy Central's decision not to show Muhammad was motivated not by good taste or concern for religious sensibilities but by fear. If Comedy Central had reason to fear violence from Christians, it wouldn't have allowed a scene with Jesus either.

Re "Rates of Slayings and Gun Violence Are Up," Sept. 11 While we are remembering the nearly 3,000 people who died Sept. 11, 2001, are we forgetting the nearly 17,000 victims of homicide who died in 2005? Those deaths also changed lives forever. Most were also innocent victims. If we are now living in fear of another 9/11, how about the millions who live in daily fear of drive-by shootings and deadly crossfire? Is this the civilization we are fighting to defend? Where is the real war on terror being fought?

Re " 'The common defense,' " editorial, Dec. 27 Reading the editorial along with the statistics on the deaths and maiming due to automobile accidents made me really think about security. Maybe we need to realize where the true dangers lie. Is it possible to totally protect ourselves from terrorism, and should we live in fear because of our inability to do so? If one were to consider the possibility of being killed or injured in a terrorism attack versus what could possibly happen when we get into an automobile, perhaps our fears would diminish.

Re "That need for opium," Opinion, Oct. 6 Gregory Rodriguez makes two assumptions: that religious faith cannot be grounded in evidence; and that we must therefore find some psychological explanation for it, which, from Marx and Freud on, always turns out to be "fear." Both, methinks, are painfully condescending. People of faith believe for the same reason a person holds to any worldview -- it makes sense of a wider range of our deepest experiences. The view that religion is ultimately grounded in fear is thus just as much an article of "faith" as any. And less cogent, for it fails to consider the possibility that faith appeals not to our weaknesses but to our strengths, that believers believe not because their fears are soothed but because, like hearing a great piece of music, they have been awakened, emboldened, "surprised by joy."

Re "Fear is getting students down in Highland Park," Column, March 22 How sad to read about the recent uptick in violence near Monte Vista Elementary School. However, what disturbs me most is not merely the tragedy of these events but my own ho-hum attitude about it all. Have I become one of the apathetic and fear-driven "me first" citizens who, by negligence, contribute to the decline of our city? Where is the collective will to truly care? It starts with me breaking through the numbness to a place of compassionate action.

Actor Hugh O'Brian: The Classic Hollywood column in Wednesday's Calendar about actor Hugh O'Brian said his first film was director Ida Lupino's "Not Wanted" in 1949. It was "Never Fear," another 1949 Lupino film.

Re "The angry, fearful American," Opinion, Sept. 27 Frank Luntz would have us believe the anger and fear of these Americans is warranted because of nefarious politicians alone. The real reason rests with the new American character. Selfish, greedy, ignorant and irrational -- these are the characteristics that define the typical American today. When you vote for politicians based on ignorance of the issues or because you are incapable of rational thought, or you vote based on your personal pocketbook instead of what will make a better world, you don't get leaders who will enact policy that improves society, you get politicians who dance for dollars.