George W Bush 9/11 Rhetoric

In response to the attack on 9/11, former President George W. Bush gave a speech before Congress, detailing America’s plans in this war against terror while rallying a confused and broken nation. Bush began by highlighting the good deeds coming out of this tragedy. From Republicans and Democrats pushing ideologies aside to come together to the overwhelming support across the world, Bush thanked several nations and pointed out specific people before getting to the meat of the speech. Bush answered the question, “Who attacked our country?” by placing the blame on al-Qaida, a terrorist group practicing an extreme form of Islam. He speaks to every region in the world, saying, “Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists.” Bush goes on …show more content…
As he worked through the ranks of government by being elected governor up to being elected president, Bush’s use of religious rhetoric increased over the years and became a staple of his speeches to the American public. In the speech addressing the attack on 9/11, the first mention of religion came when Bush praised Republicans and Democrats for coming together to sing “God Bless America.” While members from both political parties came together to volunteer within their communities and offer words of encouragement, Bush specifically pointed out the unity between two opposing groups singing a song that asks for God to watch over the US. When responding to the question of what Americans should do in response to this attack, Bush asks Americans to uphold American values and continue going on with their days without showing fear “in the face of a continuing threat.” But the last request he made was to “please continue praying for the victims of terror and their families” because “prayer has comforted us in sorrow.” The call for prayer was distinct because Bush pleaded with Americans, adding more emotion that was lacking in the previous