How Bush's Politicization of a National Tragedy Put an End to Post-9/11 Unity
On Oct. 11, 2001 the American people were more united than at any time since World War II. A month after the life-changing Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Americans were nearly undivided in their support for President Bush and Congress, as well as in their response to the attacks.
Bush's approval rating stood at 92 percent, a record high for any president. The Patriot Act would pass with little opposition a few weeks later.
Three weeks before, President Bush, in his address to a joint session of Congress, praised members of both parties. His speech was constantly interrupted only by applause from both sides of the aisle. A month before, on the night of the attacks, congressional members from both parties stood on the steps of the Capitol and sang a stirring rendition of "God Bless America."
Pundits declared that partisan politics would be put aside for an extended period as members of both parties worked together in responding to the attacks and crafting new measures that would keep America safe. Citizens were disappointed that the United States didn't prevent the attacks, but were united in their belief that the government would work together to prevent the next attacks.
In the month since the attacks, sympathy and support for the United States came from every corner of the globe. The North Atlantic Trade Organization invoked the self-defense chapter of its charter for the first time as NATO planes helped to patrol the Atlantic Coast.
South Korean schoolchildren prayed at the American Embassy in Seoul. "The Star Spangled Banner" was played at Buckingham Palace in London. The French newspaper Le Monde ran the headline, "We are all Americans."
Because of this sympathy and goodwill, the limited war initiated to remove the Taliban from Afghanistan received support from the global community. Likewise, American citizens supported the military action in Afghanistan because it took the war on terrorism to the terrorists.
But over the next two years, American unity began to dissolve and the international community's blank check of support ended. Partisan bickering returned to Washington, even increasing in breadth and fury.
It's easy to blame the Iraq War for this cessation of goodwill and unity. But really, the war is only part of a larger explanation of these changes.
The Sept. 11 attacks have been politically abused, and the Bush administrations is largely at fault, although Democrats haven't been immune to politicizing the tragedy.
Bush and Karl Rove used the politics of fear to lead the Republicans to victory in the 2002 midterm elections, to launch the Iraq War in 2003 and to triumph over John Kerry in the 2004 presidential contest. Because of Sept. 11, a president lacking a mandate gained an overentitled sense of purpose that has led to a flagrant disregard for the law, along with the well-being of the nation.
Five years later, Bush's approval rating is at 35 percent. The global community hates the United States, or at least its government. Congress is mired in political gridlock and accomplishes little. All because Bush and Rove decided to politicize Sept. 11.
Due to the heroism of police officers and firefighters, as well as resounding response of nationwide unity, Sept. 11 isn't a day that will live in infamy. It's Bush's politicization of the tragedy that will.
Benjamin van der Horst is a College sophomore from Cincinnati.
This column ran in the Emory Wheel on 9/8/06. For more check out www.emorywheel.com
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