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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bush frames the fight against terror as a binary choice where neutrality is not an option.
In plain terms
You must support us in fighting terror or you are against us.
What can you take from it?
Neutrality is often rejected in times of conflict.

Where it applies

  • war declaration
  • political mobilization
  • crisis management

Putting it to work

  • mobilizing support
  • drawing lines
  • uniting allies

Questions to consider

  • Is neutrality possible in global conflicts?
  • Does this binary limit diplomatic options?

Another view

This framing ignores nuanced positions that might oppose terror without full alignment.

More from George W. Bush

  1. Well, you know, I think the American people are sacrificing now. I think they're waiting in airport lines longer than they've ever had before.

    Permalink to quote #73
  2. I was sitting outside the classroom waiting to go in, and I saw an airplane hit the tower - the TV was obviously on. And I used to fly, myself, and I said, wel…

    Permalink to quote #75
  3. We are fully committed to working with both sides to bring the level of terror down to an acceptable level for both.

    Permalink to quote #72

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