I was pretty surprised by the amount of fear I could see in the American media.   I understand the shock caused by the unfortunate events of September 11th, 2001, but I think this doesn't only have to do with that.

The messages you hear in TV, in the news and in the street talk about fear: fear of terrorism, yes, but also of immigration, poverty, bad health, poor eductaion, peak oil, etc.  I find it sad that such an entrepreneurial people can be held back by thinly veiled propaganda of fear.  Awareness is extremely important, but frightening your audience won't take you anywhere.