"...Asked whether the findings imply a fearmongering strategy for conservatives, New York University psychologist David Amodio responded, "Yes. And some people believe that they are actively using this strategy." The Bush administration has been accused of exploiting fears, though it's hardly a new approach. "The whole aim of practical politics," wrote journalist gadfly H.L. Mencken, "is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins." Jost condemned such tactics. "From an ethical standpoint, conservative campaigns should not exploit feelings of fear in the general population," he said. Of course, ethics tend to be forgotten during election seasons -- but fear-mongering may be counterproductive. "From a practical standpoint, I think that there will eventually be a backlash against those tactics as it becomes more obvious how exploitative they are," said Jost."
"When the bio-survival circuit flashes danger, all other mental activity ceases."
Robert Anton Wilson