Our fears are growing. Catastrophic events can’t be ignored, but the overall trend is that of a safer America. Crime is down. Terrorism is as likely to happen from within as without. The world is never a totally safe place, unless it is made sterile. But, in general, things are better. Unfortunately, politicians and pundits amplify fears and worries. That hasn’t changed. It has been part of human nature to tell ghost stories or to gain support by identifying common enemies. The data don’t care. We are safer.