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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bush says terrorists can disrupt but cannot threaten the country itself.
In plain terms
Attacks hurt us but won't destroy the nation.
What can you take from it?
Resilience matters more than fear.

Where it applies

  • speeches
  • reassurance
  • policy

Putting it to work

  • calming public
  • boosting morale

Questions to consider

  • When does disruption become a threat?
  • How resilient is a nation?

Another view

Minimizing threats may understate real risks.

More from George W. Bush

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  2. Lucky me, I hit the trifecta.

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  3. I want justice. And there's an old poster out West, I recall, that says, 'Wanted: Dead or Alive'.

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