It’s hard to believe how terrified Americans were just three years ago. I’m currently at my summer refuge on Whidbey Island and I recall that my town had painted yellow lines every 6’ to make sure residents and tourist literally “toed” the line.

Americans have historically low levels of tolerance for difficult and coercive times. We recall the end of the Great Recession when Americans had had enough and began buying iPhones and iPads en masse and ended the recession. Nonetheless, there is a hard-core “bitter ender” remnant that continues to mask even astride bicycles on country roads. I don’t presume to analyze them, but is does seem neurotic.

Another terrified demographic is the elderly driver population on the island and in the Seattle area in general. A road that I often take has a posted speed limit of 45 mph through a scenic winding and wooded stretch. I swear that many of the drivers I’ve followed have set their cruise control at 37 for fear of a disaster. Then, as they make the gentle descent towards Bayview, they apply their brakes for the entire mile-long stretch. I simply take a few deep breaths and, exhaling and climbing the voice register, say “Terrified” in my best Frankie Valli impersonation.