Terrorism
The Patriot Act
This document is a summarized version of the Patriot Act which was passed following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. It was released by the US Department of Justice. The wording of this document seems to be very defensive. In the first paragraph the Department of Justice makes sure that it is clear that their goal is to "prevent future terrorist attacks." They continue on by explaining the positive impacts that the Patriot Act has already had on the United States. The introduction explains that, " the Patriot Act has played a key part- and often the leading role- in a number of successful operations to protect innocent Americans from the deadly plans of terrorists dedicated to destroying America and our way of life." This statement defends American actions and also includes a punch of fear. The Department of Justice is trying to make people believe that the Patriot Act is necessary by associating fear with what would occur if the Patriot Act did not exist. Following 9/11 the Patriot act was able to pass fairly easily because people were afraid that more attacks would come. Today, people are more adjusted to the fear and are just as wary of government spying as they are of terrorists. The Department of Justice is hoping to remind the citizens of the fear they once felt, in order to limit opposition to the Patriot Act. The Department continues to defend the Patriot Act by explaining that, "Congress provided for only modest, incremental changes in law." This part of the introduction is basically saying that even if someone does not agree with the act itself, it is still technically legal. It is a way that the Department is defend themselves against the accusation that the Patriot Act goes against the Constitution.
The Patriot Act was passed out of fear of terrorists, those moving to the United States and those who were already here. Only fear could cause people of all different religions and political ideologies to pass an act which basically gave the government the power to do what it wanted to stop terrorism. The most controversial part of the Patriot Act is the fact that it "allows law enforcement to use surveillance against more crimes of terror." This means that our government can wire tap more conversations and open more mail than ever before. The people of the United States would usually never allow this to pass but due to the absolute terror that the terrorist attacks caused many people were willing to support it. Some could say that the passing this act was a result of tunnel vision. It was an automatic reaction to the fear which wasn't well thought through. Recently the Patriot Act has been brought up for renewal. There has been major battles over this section of the act because many people believe that it goes against the Constitution. They believe that allowing our government to collect private information on citizens oversteps a government's power. These are the questions which weren't asked when the bill was first brought to the floor because the nation had been in a state of terror. This document is a perfect of example of the role that fear can play in our lives and how it can sway a whole nation to its side.
The Patriot Act was passed out of fear of terrorists, those moving to the United States and those who were already here. Only fear could cause people of all different religions and political ideologies to pass an act which basically gave the government the power to do what it wanted to stop terrorism. The most controversial part of the Patriot Act is the fact that it "allows law enforcement to use surveillance against more crimes of terror." This means that our government can wire tap more conversations and open more mail than ever before. The people of the United States would usually never allow this to pass but due to the absolute terror that the terrorist attacks caused many people were willing to support it. Some could say that the passing this act was a result of tunnel vision. It was an automatic reaction to the fear which wasn't well thought through. Recently the Patriot Act has been brought up for renewal. There has been major battles over this section of the act because many people believe that it goes against the Constitution. They believe that allowing our government to collect private information on citizens oversteps a government's power. These are the questions which weren't asked when the bill was first brought to the floor because the nation had been in a state of terror. This document is a perfect of example of the role that fear can play in our lives and how it can sway a whole nation to its side.
Middle East Threat
President Obama addressed the nation, speaking of the reign of terror that ISIS (ISIL) has created. The way that Obama is portrayed places him front and center. He stands with a flag on either side while he stands on his podium. He is portrayed in this way to show his power and to show that he is working for the American people. The purpose of this speech is to bring attention to the Middle East Threat. Obama wants the American people to understand the threat that we face. He wants us to understand that we should be afraid of this group of terrorists. By making us afraid Obama can then begin to curb that fear. He makes it clear that America is strong and will not fall. Obama is clear that "we will degraded and ultimately destroy ISIL." He then continues on to explain the actions he will take. The main objective of this speech was to gain American support for his actions in the Middle East. Obama is displayed a a powerful figure who stands for the American people. By reminding people of the pain that American's have already faced at the hands of ISIL, 9/11 and other attacks, he can show the possible solutions. By starting the speech off with fear, Obama can continue on to attack that fear and work to limit it. This tactic is a means of convincing the American people that he is taking the correct actions.
The rhetoric of “terror” actually increases the likelihood of terrorism. ~ Tomis Kapitan
Terrorism is a major issue in our current day and age. It is also an issue that many people fear. The fear comes from past events, such as 9/11 and the Boston Bombing, along with our daily news reports which report the recent activity of ISIS. Our fear is driven by our society. US Citizens wouldn't be as fearful if they didn't see the results of the terrorists actions displayed every day. Politicians and many other people use this fear to their advantage. Actions can be taken with little opposition when it is completed in reaction to a fearful event. Fear is a major means of persuasion. Using the slippery slope fallacy just for one line can evoke a sense of fear in a reader. Fear can and has convinced nations to go against what they originally felt to embrace a new stance. It is the ultimate rhetorical device.