In his speech today, announcing the death of Osama Bin Laden, US President Barack Obama said something that was cut from most of the news broadcasts. It came right at the fag end of the 9 minute speech and as such has little significance in relation to the gravity of situation. Taken by itself, it may seem like just another platitude. But these messages within messages are put out there for a purpose, they serve to reaffirm the tenets of a nation (highlighted in red below). They are meant to convey, in this case, a sense of consistency and justice and thus their righteousness.
Excerpt:
"The cause of securing our country is not complete. But tonight, we are once again reminded that America can do whatever we set our mind to. That is the story of our history, whether it's the pursuit of prosperity for our people, or the struggle for equality for all our citizens; our commitment to stand up for our values abroad, and our sacrifices to make the world a safer place.
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Let us remember that we can do these things not just because of wealth or power, but because of who we are: one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
Link:
Text of the Speech: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/barackobama/8487354/Osama-bin-Laden-killed-Barack-Obamas-speech-in-full.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_character_studies
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