George W. Bush calls on Americans to confront violent domestic extremists on 9/11 anniversary



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In a speech marking the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Bush said the United States had seen “growing evidence that dangers to our country can come not only from borders, but also from the violence that gathers around it. ‘inside’.

“There is little cultural overlap between violent extremists abroad and violent extremists at home,” said Bush. “But in their contempt for pluralism, in their contempt for human life, in their determination to defile national symbols, they are children of the same filthy spirit.”

“And it is our permanent duty to confront them,” he added.

Bush’s speech at the Flight 93 memorial in Shanksville, Pa., Came eight months after violent insurgents violated the United States Capitol on January 6 in an attempt to prevent Congress from certifying the 2020 election for President Joe Biden.
Read Former President George W. Bush's Speech at the Flight 93 Memorial Service

The former Republican president openly condemned the violent mob of Trump supporters who stormed Capitol Hill that day. “This is how election results are contested in a banana republic – not our democratic republic,” he said in a statement at the time, adding that he was “appalled by the reckless behavior of some political leaders since the elections “.

Law enforcement officials brace for clashes and potential unrest at a right-wing rally in Washington, DC, scheduled for September 18, which aims to support insurgents accused during the Capitol riots, according to a memo. internal Capitol Police reviewed by CNN.

Bush lamented the division in the United States on Saturday, contrasting the current political climate with the spirit of unity he said he observed in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. “A malicious force seems to be at work in our common life which turns every disagreement into an argument and every argument into a clash of cultures. Much of our politics has become a naked appeal to anger, fear and resentment, ”said Bush. “It leaves us worried about our nation and our future together.”

He said he had no “explanations or solutions” but went on to recount what he said was the America he saw in the aftermath of the 2001 terrorist attacks.

“At a time when religious bigotry could have flowed freely, I saw Americans reject prejudice and embrace people of Muslim faith. This is the nation I know,” Bush said.

“At a time when nativism could have sparked hatred and violence against people perceived as foreigners, I saw Americans reaffirm their welcome of immigrants and refugees. This is the nation I know,” added Bush.

His comments come as some members of his own party have expressed concerns about the resettlement of Afghan refugees in the United States after the United States withdrew from Afghanistan last month.

In addition to Biden and Bush, former President Barack Obama took part in commemorative events on Saturday, bringing together all of the American leaders of the post-9/11 era, with the exception of former President Donald Trump, who instead commented on a boxing match, although he commemorated the 20th anniversary in a short video in which he expressed his thanks to first responders, and also lambasted Biden.

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