West Stanly High School President Bush 9/11 Speech SOAPS Analysis

Using SOAPS, analyze the rhetorical situation in President George W. Bush’s 9/11 Speech, posted below. Refer to the chart for an example of the quality of work I’m looking for.

9/11 Speech

George W. Bush
Good evening.

Today, our fellow citizens, our way of life, our very freedom came under
attack in a series of deliberate and deadly terrorist acts.
The victims were in airplanes or in their offices — secretaries, businessmen
and women, military and federal workers. Moms and dads. Friends and
neighbors.

Thousands of lives were suddenly ended by evil, despicable acts of terror.
The pictures of airplanes flying into buildings, fires burning, huge structures
collapsing, have filled us with disbelief, terrible sadness, and a quiet, unyielding anger.
These acts of mass murder were intended to frighten our nation into chaos
and retreat. But they have failed. our country is strong. A great people has been
moved to defend a great nation.

Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they
cannot touch the foundation of America. 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.

Today, our nation saw evil, the very worst of human nature, and we responded
with the best of America, with the daring of our rescue workers, with the caring
for strangers and neighbors who came to give blood and help in any way they
could.

Immediately following the first attack, I implemented our government’s emergency response plans. our military is powerful, and it’s prepared. our emergency teams are working in New York City and Washington, D.C., to help with local rescue efforts.

Our first priority is to get help to those who have been injured and to take
every precaution to protect our citizens at home and around the world from
further attacks. The functions of our government continue without interruption.
Federal agencies in Washington which had to be evacuated today are reopening for essential personnel tonight and will be open for business tomorrow.

Our financial institutions remain strong, and the American economy will be
open for business as well.

The search is under way for those who are behind these evil acts. I’ve directed
the full resources of our intelligence and law enforcement communities to find
those responsible and bring them to justice. We will make no distinction between the
terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.

PreviousNext