On April 29, 2013, Attorney General Eric Holder spoke at the Anti-Defamation League's Centennial Summit. In his speech, we find the following comments in regards to the recent bombings at the Boston Marathon.

"Our investigation into this matter remains ongoing and I want to assure you that my colleagues and I are determined to hold accountable, to the fullest extent of the law, all of those who were responsible for this attack. But I also want to make clear that just as we will pursue relentlessly anyone who would target our people or attempt to terrorize our cities the Justice Department is firmly committed to protecting innocent people against misguided acts of retaliation."

It has been said that the word "but" stands for "Behold the Underlining Truth." No matter what was said before this word the most important information in the sentence is what comes after this word. Consider the following statements:

"I love you but I won't marry you."
"The food was good but you could have used less salt."

We find the word "but" in the Attorney General's statement; "But I also want to make clear..." Prior to using this word he talked about holding accountable those individuals responsible for the Boston Marathon bombing. However, he then goes on to say, "But I also want to make clear...the Justice Department is firmly committed to protecting innocent people against misguided acts of retaliation." Based on his language, the Obama administration is more concerned with protecting people against misguided acts of retaliation than finding out who was responsible for the bombing.

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