Miner Queries: As election approaches, can we overcome our fears?

As part of my work in ministry, I send kids to church camp, and this week I’ve been thinking about it as I seek testimonials from some of the kids about their experiences.
Last summer, one of my new campers was away from home for the first time. As a mother, it was hard to watch this young lady wrestle with her homesickness, yet I knew she must.
And what is homesickness but fear – fear of losing the family left behind? But as the days went by, this girl fought to conquer her fear and to participate in activities, make friends and talk with her counselors. After dinner one evening, she broke down and cried, finally releasing all the emotion inside.
She was smiling and herself again for the rest of the week. She’d done it – faced her fears and moved on. I can’t help thinking the American electorate needs to go through the same process.
Right now, American voters are tied up in knots over a host of fears: fear of immigrants, fear of government, fear of terrorism, fear of economic instability and fear of each other, including family, friends and neighbors whose political views differ from our own.
But how realistic are those fears? And is our helplessness real or imagined?
As a writer and artist, my imagination is as fertile as anyone’s. Yet I have learned from experience that my fear doesn’t usually live up to reality, and that facts and knowledge help dispel fear of the unknown. That’s why I read and ask questions continually.
Yet in the battle for political power, facts and knowledge have become a casualty. Large swaths of media, including newspapers and TV and radio stations, have been bought by a small group of corporate owners. In addition to retooling these outlets for maximum profit, these owners filter information to protect their own interests. They choose what to tell you, as well as how it is presented.
And as I have said before, fear sells.
If we all stop and think about it, how realistic is it that poor, traumatized immigrants fleeing violence are going to pose a serious threat? In Iowa, our immigrant population has actually revitalized struggling rural communities.
How realistic is it that the government, which provides schools, flu shots, mail service, air traffic control, roads and bridges and a military called out to assist in weather emergencies and for our defense, is a threat?
Do you really believe the U.S. is a major target for foreign terrorists when we are two oceans away from the most extreme factions?
And do you really believe your liberal family, friends and neighbors are evil? Or do you share common history, experiences, interests and concerns?
Before we vote in the next election, we need to face our fears and dig for some facts outside the usual sources. We need to talk to each other and share information civilly, even if we disagree.
Because as long as we’re divided, we really are helpless.