Terrorism In The United States

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Jon Kegley
Mr. Nathanson
English III
April 1, 2009
Terrorism in the United States
Terrorism is one of the most important events in the last 10 years of this country. America was targeted by terrorists because it is seen as a major, global, political, and economic leader-terrorism wants to weaken America to strengthen their own cause (Headline: Why terrorists target American n.p.).   Politically terrorism has had an impact with many people wanting to find someone to blame or even scapegoat. Economically an increase in gas prices and the cost of war had a negative effect on the US. Even the way people travel changed as a result-travel became more difficult and costly. Finally, terrorism forced the US to react to 9/11 type attacks by using war, as in the case against Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein.
      In 2004 the memories of September 11, 2001, were still raw and vivid during the Republicans national convention in New York City. Democrats complained that the GOP was exploiting 9/11 for political purposes. This was a safe bet considering that one of the major advantages for both sides was in the public’s perception of how George W. Bush handled himself during that time (Moran 1). The Democrats would have been better off if Iraq turned into a huge success. The reason is that it would have served “to dampen the impact of the strongest asset working in President Bush's favor, which was the post 9/11 world” (McIntyre: n.p.). Bush’s response to 9/11 framed the entire campaign and its
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theme of strong leadership. The more the Democrats and Kerry talked about Iraq and the war, the more they unwittingly played into the President Bush's strength. But what Kerry and the Democrats didn’t realize is how big of an effect the 9/11 attacks would have on the American voters (Moran 1-2).
The Republicans walked fine line between exploitation and political gamesmanship. Using images of 9/11 was considered out of bounds, but using victims of the tragedy was...