Pogonophobia

Today's word of the day is Pogonophobia: fear of beards.

Perhaps the coolest fear possible. Why? Because if you are a sufferer there's help in an Obama change inspired website. 

That's right. If you have uncontrollable dread when this guy 

goes walking by, you are not alone. (Perhaps Mel Gibson is an awful example for pogonophobia, as I'm sure Melophobia or Zealotophobia is a far more dangerous and widespread affliction.)

Funny thing is, people are afraid. Whether its things we think are rational to fear (snakes, spiders, death, Barry Manilow) or the very irrational (the dark, pickles, beards) fear is a constant aspect of our lives. 

In many ways my generation has been defined by it. The spoof, although rather weak, that I was somehow now a Republican shocked many people my age. Many of the people I know are Democrats, or at least opposed to the GOP. Why? Because we grew up with eight of our formative years under George W. Bush. Fear.

As a 12 year-old I saw towers crumple as I took a religion test. The images on the morning paper September 12 didn't end there, but persisted to haunt every year since. I am part of a generation of a changing world. When older people say that "in their day" kids weren't like this, its because the adults weren't like this either. And if they were, they never had to live with such exposure.

I think regardless of what artificial party lines we draw for ourselves, we all have been built with the fear of that day. And it took our country time to recover. But, to the credit of the absolute failure of the terrorists, the fear only made us stronger. We came together to share our grief and fear. It made us sensitive. Sensitive to the world around us, to things that are different. 

And that is why I am now saddened to see this. 

Glenn Beck has decided to capitalize on that day, and our fears, with his new 9/12 Project. He is part of the very reason I could not consider myself a Republican. His fear tactics and attempts to strum up those very emotions again for political profit are disgusting. He is abhorrent. These tactics only give the terrorists of nearly eight years ago that much more ammo. And so the very clowns who hide out in Pakistani caves get to sit back and laugh, as all their work is done by greedy men like Beck who let their own egos do the work.

Mr. Beck, my generation lived through this and was affected greatly, as I am sure you were as well. However, we are sick of this type of politics (Reference:2008 Election). If you'd like any political capital, perhaps watch the news yourself. You'll find our generation cares about real issues.

And so, whether beards or pickles, fear is something we all share. It brings us together and allows us to bond in ways otherwise impossible. Its when people force these fears to create artificial bonds or advantages that they become terrorists. So, perhaps allow me this moment to terrorize you with Glenn Beck, and perhaps we shall bond.

Oh. And speaking of pickles: