Mom and the State of Fear

Just below, I posted a question about whether government needs to keep us in a state of fear, and whether it uses the PLM forces -- political, legal, media -- to accomplish its ends. I also noted that it seemed to work on my inside-the-beltway-liberal Mom.

Well, she just e-mailed to say she's leaving the inner ring to move way out, to Hawaii. Included in her e-mail was this statement, that may just justify the PLM theory:

Also, being in Washington is stressful – with this administration, and this president, we are in a constant state of distress and concern for the future of our country and its citizens as well as our relations with other countries. Here [in Hawaii], with so many positive things, our agony will be diluted.

Watch out, Palm Tree Pundit, a gloom cloud (very charming and witty, but gloomy nonetheless) is heading your way.