Be Not Afraid

Some children are afraid of worms, but that is a fear that is easily overcome. Some peace and justice activists are afraid of the FBI, and that fear is not so easily overcome.

In a week where 100,000 persons gathered for peace and justice in Washington D.C., all I hear about from local peace groups is protesting the FBI inquiry into peace and justice persons in three or four other states. No person has been charged, but the reaction has been great all over the nation. The issues of war and peace and discrimination seem to get lost in this reaction to the FBI investigation.

Today I heard on public radio that the Obama administration was introducing into congress a new law for new media, like the internet or social networks, like Twitter and Facebook. The law would require them to give the same access to government as the 1994 law forced phone companies to give. This would mean that with a warrant the FBI could tap into emails, tweets and Facebook pages. The commentator thought the new law would pass since Republicans are big on domestic security and Democrats want to please the president.

Could the latest FBI raids be a diversion to get peace and justice groups reacting and away from the real issues facing our nation? Also, reaction to the raids could set the stage for this new invasion of privacy bill to get passed.

I remember in the sixties that the FBI and other law enforcement groups used to tap our phones and follow us around. We never protested and often made light of it. We just kept our focus on civil rights and stopping the war in Vietnam. My simple message to this age of peace activists is “keep your eye on the prize” and fear not the FBI. Like the working worms, they are just doing their job. Reacting, rather than responding, can only strengthen fear and be a diversion. Fear Not the FBI.

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