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Don’t give in to terror
Before the attack in Belgium, my radius of fear when traveling by plane was generally confined to the actual plane ride. Because that’s where the really scary things happen, right? In the air. Bombs, hijackings, crashes. The most terrifying things imaginable happened on the plane. And even though I have felt a quiet fear while flying, I silenced my fear and flew.
But today, after Belgium, my radius of fear when traveling by plane knows no boundaries. Horrific things can happen when you’re standing in line to check-in. Just to check in. Before security, before ID verification, before any official person can do any kind of screening, a terrorist can do unimaginable damage.
Before Belgium, I refused to give in to hysteria or fear. And after Belgium, I still refuse. I refuse. My heart bleeds for the people of Belgium, and the world. I believe in love over hate and hope over despair. And I believe that terrorism will wilt in the face of our strength. I believe, and I will not be afraid.
EJ Batchelder
Spokane