Lacking the military strength to challenge us directly, the terrorists have chosen the weapon of fear. When they murder children at a school in Beslan or blow up commuters in London or behead a bound captive the terrorists hope these horrors will break our will, allowing the violent to inherit the earth. But they have miscalculated: We love our freedom, and we will fight to keep it.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Bush asserts that terrorists use fear to break wills but claims Americans love freedom and will fight to keep it.
- In plain terms
- Terrorists try to break us with fear, but we will fight for our freedom.
- What can you take from it?
- Fear tactics may fail against a determined populace.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does fear always weaken societies?
- What sustains resistance in crisis?
Another view
The quote simplifies complex motivations and assumes unified national will.
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