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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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