Appeal to Fear

   One of the basic fallacies taught in Logic 101 is the Appeal to Fear in support of an argument.
   Sometimes a fear may indeed be real and justified. Other times, as used in a fallacious argument, a fear may not be real but is manufactured and touted as a way to gain support for government actions.
   We see this today, when politicians warn of danger unless citizens approve, asserting that things are bad and likely to get worse unless drastic action is taken.
   Therefore, the argument concludes, we must act first to ensure victory.
   The problem with this tactic, especially on a national level, is that it too often leads to war. And that is an incredible waste of resources, both material and human.
   An appeal to fear often starts by identifying an enemy, real or imagined, and persuading listeners that this "enemy" must be defeated. To do that, resources must be devoted to national defense, starting with protectionist policies and withdrawing into isolationism. And the definition of "enemy" is expanded to include any and all who disagree with or criticize a political leader's comments, especially those from an independent news media.
   The chant "America First" was first heard during the isolationist years of the 1930s, which also saw strong measures to restrict immigration and keep out refugees.
   We hear demands for these same strategies today.
   In addition, we hear calls for increased military spending, not only in America but also in allied countries, coupled with a warning that unless these other countries spend more on defense. the U.S. may not come to their aid if or when they are attacked.
   The warning is phrased as an appeal to fairness, but it's really an appeal to fear. The danger is that this appeal to fear can easily spread, and lead to a reality of war.
   And reality is no longer an entertaining TV show.