Another introduction to the New Normal.

[Hortensis]

19. Well, we raised our children in California, earthquakes,

fires, people, etc, so probably that's a reason. That was the era of serial killers in our city. We didn't just start looking for exits in THIS century, but it was part of being sensible, not about inflating real dangers beyond all rationality and running scared.

I knew where the exits were in our big mall because...earthquake, fire, and yes, dangerous people who could run out one with a child or follow me into a bathroom. Gang fights were rare in ours but possible. Nothing's changed in that respect.

Now, one of the old dangers has become less incredibly unlikely. Yeah, it's sad, but our job is to put an end to it. Reevaluation is in order, but with a cool look realizing personal danger's still extremely unlikely, a way of clearing the mental decks.

Because the REAL, NEW danger we did not have before is that FEAR, outsized, irrational fear, may cause society to make very dangerous, horrible decisions. To vote for fake safety over freedom. That's exactly what these people want.

Cool evaluation time. But for a touch of bravery if necessary, and surely for being pissed off too?