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Back to To the Point

To the Point

After Boston: The Climate of Fear

Monday's deadly attack on the Boston Marathon has penetrated the consciousness of Americans in different ways. The target was not a symbol of power or dominance, but a crowd of people at play, a strike at "the heart of America" that makes many feel insecure.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Monday's deadly attack on the Boston Marathon has penetrated the consciousness of Americans in different ways. The target was not a symbol of power or dominance, but a crowd of people at play, a strike at "the heart of America" that makes many feel insecure. Does giving in to such fear mean that "terrorists" win? Do we really know this was a "terrorist act?" What can Americans learn from other countries? President Obama rallied Boston at an emotional memorial service today, mourning the dead and cheering the wounded. He said Boston represents the best of American values, as exemplified by support for runners along the way and help for the victims when "celebration turned into tragedy." He vowed again that the perpetrators will be found and brought to justice, but officials still haven't discovered who they are or why they committed such atrocious crimes. We hear from his address and get a variety of opinions amid a cloud of uncertainty.

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

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    Caitlin Shamberg

    KCRW

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    Evan George

    Director of Content, News

  • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

  • KCRW placeholder

    Ron Fournier

    National Journal

  • KCRW placeholder

    Haider Warraich

    Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

  • KCRW placeholder

    Martin Miller

    Duke University

    NewsNationalPolitics
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