Global paranoia map

There is an interesting map here showing all (possible) terrorist incidents in a given timeframe.

The map can also be set to show illegal alien activity, bird flu outbreaks, amber alerts and apparantly, coming soon, USA school "incidents".

While the map itself is somewhat fascinating I can't help but think that it is things like this that contribute to an overall fear of everything, and fear is always a bad thing. It leads to rash acts. It can be used by governments to control the populace "in their own best interests".

Not only that but it further publicises events that only happen because they get publicity. Of course the media will pick up on them anyway but put this map into the hands of a concerned citizen and pretty soon you could well end up with a paranoid agoraphobic afraid to go outside lest they be hit by a falling plane, shot by a schoolkid or attacked by angry infected birds.

Obviously heads planted firmly in the sand is not a sensible option either but there is a fine line between awareness of the dangers and out and out paranoia.

I prefer to live my life, not spend it hiding from incredibly unlikely events.

I think it was Dave Allen (the comedian) that commented on the fact that you are safer in a plane than in a car - "well of course you are at 30,000 feet!"

In truth the likelihood of any one person being injured in a terrorist attack is so close to zero that we should be more worried about spontaneous combustion.