Wednesday, November 2, 2016

TOW #7

On September 11th, 2001, two jets flew into the twin towers. This was the first time Americans had experienced an act of terrorism, and President George W. Bush addressed the country right after the incident.
While his general audience is American people, it is also evident that he is speaking to those behind the attack and to other countries, to prove that we are a strong nation. Not even thousands of deaths can bring us down. This is evident when he says, "These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos and retreat. But they have failed. Our country is strong." This quote is sort of like a 'take that' to the attackers, and 'we are still here' to other nations.
Bush uses metaphors to appeal to pathos. He says, "These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve. America was targeted for attack because we're the brightest beacon for freedom and opportunity in the world. And no one will keep that light from shining." This quote appeals to Americans' emotions, making them feel like they are a strong country and were only attacked because of that.
Bush also appeals to ethos, portraying himself as the responsible president whom we can trust to take care of the situation. He says, "Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government's emergency response plans.... The search is underway for those who were behind these evil acts. I have directed the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find those responsible and to bring them to justice." These quotes show that Americans can trust Bush because he is qualified and knows what to do; he's already doing what he can.
Bush wants to prove to other countries that America can not be beaten, while at the same time assure American citizens that everything will be okay. He achieves this as he says at the end, "None of us will ever forget this day, yet we go forward to defend freedom and all that is good and just in our world." This proves that there is time to mourn, but we will continue on and fight for what is right no matter what. Because we are America, land of the free and home of the brave.

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