Fear, a gift? Think about it. If we listen to our fear, it can keep us from doing some incredibly stupid things.

In 1997, Gavin de Becker wrote a self-help book called "The Gift of Fear." In it he discusses fear and it's role in keeping us safe in the face of violence in a number of circumstances, dating, the workplace, home...

He doesn't mention politics or voting, but I can see the application. Think of it in terms of fight or flight.

I stayed away from the 9/11 coverage today, well, now yesterday. The mosque controversy has left me feeling disgusted, and I just didn't want any part of it. But I did see a few pictures on the front page at TPM a few minutes ago. The hateful people at the rally...the ignorant signs...I just don't feel connected to this America.

I mean it wasn't supposed to be a celebration, so it's not like they spoiled the fun or anything like that. But they spoiled something.

Not too long ago, I was up late one night going back and forth with a few of my night owl friends over at TPM discussing President Obama's performance. After signing off, I went to bed, and after a few fitful hours of sleep woke to words going through my mind that made me wonder if I am living in an alternate universe...one that appears on the surface to be the same one many of you are living in, but way different in many respects. I'll get to that alternate universe in a minute.