This is the credo of news organizations and politicians. They both instill fear – the immigrants are overrunning the country, Iran is going to nuke us, and ISIS is coming ashore on our beaches. Folks in Iowa can’t see the beach so why would they doubt Fox News? They feed uncertainty – who knows whether climate change is real or man-made. The water around your ankles is probably due to an abnormally high tide. They quote an obscure “scientist” from Lapland who states global warming is a hoax. Are you sure he isn’t right – there’s the uncertainty. Try this one on – the African-American teen was probably reaching for a weapon when he was shot.

Florida legislators will tell you, with a straight face, that you will be safer on a college campus if people with carry permits – about 1 in every 14 people in Florida – are allowed to carry their guns on campus. Sounds like a good idea to have a citizen police force blasting away while the unarmed scurry for cover. Actual statistics show that the violent crime rate on college campuses is one-fifth the rate off campus. Fewer guns lead to fewer violent crimes. The politicians don’t want you to confuse facts with your fear. Parents with a son or daughter in class can allay their fears, knowing there are lots of guns around to protect them.

Planting doubt is the final part of this triumvirate. Usually accomplished with a leading question. “Do you have any idea how many murders there were in our community last year?” The actual number could be zero, but you don’t know, hence the doubt. By simply asking the question, they have made you doubt your safety.

Politicians, the news media, and advertisers always use these techniques. Going back to the murder rate example, if a politician makes a statement, ask them to answer it. If a news media uses it as a headline, they had better provide specifics in the body of the report, or they are not journalists. Advertisers would use this type of statement to try and sell you a gun for protection. Advertisers will state anything to get you to buy their product. Any truth in advertising is purely accidental.

Your life will be much calmer when you learn to identify and eliminate FUD.