Speeches Given by President George

¶ … speeches given by President George W. Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Specifically, it will compare and contrast the speeches and their points-of-view. Bush and Blair are addressing two different audiences who experienced the terrorist attacks in different ways, and this is the major difference between their speeches. Bush leans on patriotism and a sense of justice, while Blair views the attacks as a turning point in history and for humankind in general.

President Bush's speech was geared to buoy up the American people, instilling patriotism and the need for justice. Most of Bush's speech refers to the attacks on America, what Americans suffered, and how Americans and the world have reacted to the attacks. He also places blame for the attacks, and begins to indicate how it will punish those who are responsible. Blair's speech is far less full of blame and far more based in tragedy and lack of understanding. Blair questions the justice of the attack, while Bush begins to set the stage for retribution. Blair says, "I believe their memorial can and should be greater than simply the punishment of the guilty. It is that out of the shadow of this evil, should emerge lasting good: destruction of the machinery of terrorism wherever it is found; hope amongst all nations of a new beginning where we seek to resolve differences in a calm and ordered way" (Blair One). Already, the differences in reaction between America and other nations are set by these speeches. America has an agenda, while Great Britain hopes something positive can come out of a terrible situation.

Blair refers to the world reaction to the attacks, and Bush alludes to that support as well. He says, "And on behalf of the American people, I thank the world for its outpouring of support. America will never forget the sounds of our National Anthem playing at Buckingham Palace, on the streets of Paris, and at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate" (Bush).

Bush is on the attack, while Blair attempts to reassure the British people that civilization will not collapse due to economic and political conditions around the world.

Both men place blame on Osama bin Laden and the Taliban. Both men urge action, but Blair is far gentler in his statements. For example, he says, "Whatever the dangers of the action we take, the dangers of inaction are far, far greater" (Blair One). Bush's remarks are far harsher and already allude to many of the controversial actions Bush will take to "win the war on terror." He says, "Our response involves far more than instant retaliation and isolated strikes. Americans should not expect one battle, but a lengthy campaign, unlike any other we have ever seen. It may include dramatic strikes, visible on TV, and covert operations, secret even in success" (Bush).