That was true when FDR said it (or something like it) in his first inaugural address in 1933. And it’s true now, in the policy arena, where legislators often use fear – or worse, exploit the fear of the public – as an excuse for their inaction on the critical issues that face our economy. It’s always easier to find an excuse to do nothing than it is to find the courage to act.
Fear isn’t just paralyzing for politicians, it can be paralyzing for ordinary citizens too. Even when faced with legitimate grievances, it can be hard to muster the courage to stand up or speak out.
This fear factor was almost palpable in the parking lot outside the Wal-Mart store in New Britain last Wednesday afternoon. Representative Tim O’Brien, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal and others had gathered to protest yet another outrage at the hands of the retail giant. (Read the Courant story.)
Workers there certainly had plenty to be angry about: the store was closing and many would be losing their jobs. A loophole in the company’s severance policy had many workers in a frenzy about possibly loosing their severance pay too. But they also had a lot to fear: managers had told “associates” that if they participated in any rallies or demonstrations they would be fired and lose unemployment benefits.
But as television crews, elected officials, and protesters gathered at the edge of the parking lot, a few employees also mustered the courage to join in the demonstration. Blumenthal spoke passionately about how Wal-Mart is not above the law, and privately assured workers that it was their constitutional right to speak up on their own behalf.
By the time the rally was underway, Wal-Mart had already reversed its policy, stating that all employees at the store would be offered severance pay if they did not accept another job at a different store.
Over the next few days, Wal-Mart employees (and their spouses) distributed flyers at the store to inform their co-workers that Wal-Mart had changed its position and their severance pay was assured.
In the grand scheme of things, it may seem small. But for scores of Wal-Mart employees in New Britain, this is an important victory, and an important reminder: we have nothing to fear but fear itself.