Partial list of public policy based significantly on fear. Read into it what you will about how well or poorly fear fits as a justification for the policies. I am simply contending that fear is a significant driver.
- Trade Protectionism (tariffs, et al.) – fear of losing economic competitiveness
- Gun Control – fear of violence
- Drug Prohibition – fear of self-destructive behavior
- Immigration Restrictions – fear of others
- Age-Based Welfare Programs such as Social Security and Medicare (that’s right, everyone collecting SS and using Medicare is on welfare) – fear of insufficient future preparedness
- Need-Based Welfare Programs such as SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, et al. – fear of a poverty trap
- Zoning – fear of change to the familiar
- Criminal Justice Punishments – fear of bad actors repeating and fear of bad actors not suffering
- Campaign Finance Limitations – fear of wealtharchy
- Military Growth and Expansion – fear of succumbing to the might of others
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