We seem to be experiencing a relentless stream of tragic events from around the globe, arriving with disturbing regularity.
Over the past 15 years since 9/11, terrorist incidents occurred intermittently, but today’s news cycle presents a different reality. Each morning’s headlines bring reports of violence perpetrated by ISIS-inspired terrorists, individuals motivated by political grievances (Dallas and Baton Rouge), police officers acting with racism or inadequate training, or simply violent individuals (Nice, France).
In searching for explanations, politicians, commentators, and citizens alike attempt to identify common causes. Understanding the roots of such acts would help us make sense of them and develop responses.
War, by contrast, presents a clearer framework. We can name our adversaries and pursue a defined objective to eliminate them.
The violence we have witnessed both internationally and domestically resists such straightforward solutions. Whether through military campaigns against ISIS leadership in the Middle East, implementation of reasonable firearm regulations, or improved police training for high-stress encounters, we recognize that no single remedy exists for the epidemic of violence claiming innocent lives.
What these moments demand is rational thinking rather than fear-driven reactions. Despite the world’s apparent instability, we must resist the urge to withdraw from public life. Boston’s French consulate proceeded with its traditional Bastille Day celebration in the Back Bay, disregarding suggestions to cancel. When we voluntarily surrender our freedoms in response to those who threaten them, we effectively concede victory to our adversaries, and this we cannot permit.
Leadership and inspiration remain scarce among the world’s elected officials, and the upcoming political conventions offer little promise of either.
We must therefore turn to history for wisdom to guide us through such times. Franklin D. Roosevelt captured the essential truth during the Depression:
“The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.”