After debating about several instances of kairos being used at an opportune moment, I thought a perfect example was the terrorist attack of the World Trade Towers on September 11, 2001. In conjunction with the bombings, US patriotism sored. The United States used one of the most devastating times in our nation’s history to band together and to show national pride. People also decided to take a more forward approach to being civic and a good citizen. Flags were displayed from windows. Blood donations for the Red Cross soared throughout the country, and there was an increase in appreciation for local service men and women. President Bush and his administration, however, also used this national pride to fuel the invasion of Iraq as well as to revamp the United States security system with little to no checks and balances standing in their way. 
Using the fear of Al-Qaeda and other terrorist organizations that had developed after the attacks, President Bush urged for an increase in the United States defensive department. With the backing of the majority of the American public, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created. New laws, however, were also put into place without the majority approval that allowed for sweeping surveillance of American citizens. I find it fascinating that these surveillance systems are just now being widely criticized with infringing on privacy rights after being in place for years. 
It goes to show that the surveillance measures could only be put into place because of kairos (the opportune time) and would certainly not have been approved now with current public opinion. By using the timing, Bush’s administration was able to convince the American public of the necessity of both the DHS and sweeping surveillance security.
Similar events can be seen for the United States invasion of Iraq. By blaming Iraq for the trade tower attacks (although there was actually little to no correlation between the attacks and Hussein’s government), the Bush administration was able to use American patriotism and need for revenge to find support for an invasion of Iraq. A process that should have involved hundreds of debates and intelligence sessions was rushed through and approved without fact checking.
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This was a good topic to pick, and very relatable to Kairos. Yes, after that day people felt scared and bonded as Americans probably more than ever. Even before the wars, negative aspect of this kairotic patriotism emerged; a Sikh (non-Muslim) was beaten to death by a mob because of 9/11. Kairotic opportunities are very powerful; how that power is exploited is another matter altogether.
9/11 is a really great example of kairos. I have not seen our country become so patriotic since. I like how you discussed that Bush and his administration used 9/11 in order to pass more defense and surveillance laws, which infringed on many American’s privacy rights. Really good post!
9/11 is such a devastating issue in our history. The urgency to take action increased tenfold as people were wondering what could happen next if they didn’t tighten security and increase their defense. This was definitely an issue that employed Kairos, and you explained it very clearly and concisely! Nice work!
September 11 was a terrible day in American history, which led to public opinion being altered, perhaps even too much. Now that people are beginning to look toward the future rather than the past, it is important to ensure that the policies put in place after 9/11 are not actually infringing on human rights. However, the power of kairos certainly made these changes justifiable at the time.
September eleventh is a prime example of kairos. I could tell you understand the kairos concept, as you mentioned several instances of strategic timing. I also liked the use of the pictures to break up the facts. Great job!
I immediately thought of 9/11 when I heard about kairos, as well! I think that the attack led to the strongest upswell of emotion regarding an issue in possibly our nation’s history. Bush really did seize this atmosphere as the perfect timing to further his own goals. Good points!