In what context does President Bush use the word freedom? According to the Gage dictionary, freedom is "the condition of not being under another's control." There are many different degrees and means of control

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The English language has many words which lack clear definitions, and as a result of their ambiguity, lack true meaning. Consequently, when using such vague words, the possibilities are limitless, for their versatility accommodates to one’s liking.  Thus, as George Orwell explains in “Politics and the English language”, meaningless words are appealing, especially to politicians, because they help to hide true intentions and to rationalize actions.  President George W. Bush of the United States of America demonstrates this problem, (of one who uses meaningless words in order to mislead his audience.  When the “President outlines) when declaring his “steps to help Iraq achieve democracy and freedomwith words such as “freedom, security, democracy, and terror” to describe the situation in Iraq.  By using the words without specifying their meaning, he fails to specify his role in Iraq.  Also, by contrasting abstract words, particularily “democracy” and “terror”, President Bush trivializes the issue surrounding his occupation of Iraq.  The President’s success in hiding his real ‘agenda’ and in rationalizing his presence in Iraq indicates the power of language and its potential as a tool for manipulation.

“Our agenda is freedom and independence, security and prosperity for the Iraqi people” (Bush).  Upon further examination of this statement, what initially sounds promising and clear seems vague.  In what context does President Bush use the word freedom?  According to the Gage dictionary, freedom is “the condition of not being under another’s control.”  There are many different degrees and means of control which President Bush fails to specify. Freedom could imply relief from dictatorship and not include freedom from foreign domination by American. Therefore, becasue the meaning is so ambiguous, the actual intent or actions, and thus the truth, are obscured. (Therefore, freedom can mean anything.) 

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New IP - Likewise, independence, security and prosperity lack definite meanings.  To what extent does President Bush want independence in Iraq?  Should the country become completely self-subsistent?  How secure should the Iraqi people feel?  Enough to be able to walk the streets at night or enough to leave the house without being shot for no reason?  Prosperity would be for which Iraqi people?  A fraction?  All of them?  Orwell explains that “words of this kind are often used in a consciously dishonest way” (Orwell).  Because his goals are not described specifically, President Bush has avoided having to bluntly display present his plans in ...

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