"Today, We've Had A National Tragedy"

Busch's Speech

Short Summary of Speech: This is George W. Busch's initial speech to the tragedy of September 11, 2001 at Emma Booker Elementary School. He remarks briefly about what had happened and what he plans to do about it. It is a short speech respecting the victims of the terrorist attack and announcing that terrorism will not stand against the United States.

Move 1: Suspend Judgement

Busch does not immediately jump to conclusions and blame someone for the attacks. He simply just states that there has been an apparent terrorist attack. He could have let his emotions enrage him and put blame on someone.

Move 2: Define Significant Parts & How They're Related

Busch states that this is a difficult day for America and that today, we have had a national tragedy. He then goes on to state that he had spoken to certain officials and had ordered that the full resources of the federal government go to help the victims and their families, and -- and to conduct a full-scale investigation to hunt down and to find those folks who committed this act. So not only was he empathizing with the families on this horrible day, but he had a plan for investigation and retaliation.

Move 3: Make the Implicit Explicit

In his speech, Busch states that two airplanes have crashed into the World Trade Center, which would be explicit. Something implicit would be the death and destruction caused by this act. Another could be the brave acts of the men and women of New York who volunteered to help find people trapped underneath the rubble, knowing that in turn they were risking their own lives.

Move 4: Look for Patterns

Patterns of Repetition:
President Busch really doesn't repeat himself in his speech. However, if you listen to the audio of the speech you can hear the constant sadness in his voice, and his nervous stutter.

Pattern of binary opposition:
In one sentence, Busch states that he has spoken to authorities to make sure that the families victimized by this tragedy are taken care of. He shows sympathy and care for the people who have been hurt. In the same sentence, he also tells that he has ordered authorities to conduct a full-scale investigation to hunt down and to find those folks who committed this act. By using the words "hunt down", Busch shows that he is enraged without necessarily raising his voice or showing that he is mad. Within this sentence he shows two completely different emotions.

Move 5: Keep Formulating Questions and Explanations

What is really being done to help the families?

How many people are killed or injured?

Who could have done something like this?

Why would someone do something like this?

What will the USA do to retaliate?