I read a great definition of fear the other day.  It was described as an unpleasant emotion caused by the belief that someone or something is dangerous, likely to cause pain, or a threat.

On the surface fear is a valuable emotion.  It can help you to craft appropriate response to danger.  This could save you from suffering unpleasant consequences.

Unfortunately fear is also a tool that can be used by the unscrupulous to gain advantage.  There are multiple examples through the ages where power seekers have used fear to gain and sustain power.

For Example

Last century the German dictator Hitler leveraged attacks on Jewish people (and  other groups like the Communists or what he called inferior races, for example Slavic) to achieve and maintain absolute power over the German populous.

As far back at ancient Greece humankind has recognized the power of using enemies (real or imagined) to achieve personal gain.  Like a magician, this use of misdirection can hide the dictators true nature.

And now Donald Trump

Last Friday the President of the United States (Donald Trump) signed an executive order to stop vistors from seven largely Muslim countries.

He is leveraging fear of terroism to advance his own agenda.  Obviously the majority from the targeted countires are normal contentious, caring humans.  Like anywhere there are a few deviants    and this can in no way be ascribed to where you live or your religion.

Having a visible enemy to direct enmity toward for his own gain is President Trumps purpose.  It is sad the American populous appears unable to stop him.