Larry King and Homeland Security....

I caught Larry King on rerun this morning. He actually had a decent program for a change, with Christiane Amanpour and some clerics from the three monotheistic religions which are causing so much trouble in the world today. It was a discussion of fundmentalism and its inordinate impact on power structures in the world as well as an opportunity to advertise Amanpour's specials this week, "God's Warriors". It was actually a good and civil discussion.

Right in the middle of the program and during a commercial break, Homeland Security ran a "public service" spot--term loosely applied. Question asked during this was "do you have a plan if there is a terrorist attack?" Basically, after skimming over the idea that you NEED a plan, the ad went on to show little kids in a variety of situations and ended with an ominous note to the effect that you have good reasons to be prepared.

Right in the middle of this program designed to promote dialogue, we have this jarring fearmongering doom-and-gloom threat dropped like a bomb.

Be afraid, people. Don't talk with one another. Be afraid.