The infamous checkers speech came as the result of an accusation of corruption, foreshadowing President Richard Nixon’s lengthy struggle with candor. 20 years prior to the scandal that changed the way the American people viewed the federal government, Nixon had the ability to utilize the modes of persuasion to his advantage, with few attempts being made at uncovering any discrepancies. This essay will explore his application of ethos and pathos in the first part of the checkers speech and how it enabled the American people to resonate with his narrative, with logos being far less of a factor. Establishing credibility in a case of potential corruption is seemingly impossible; however, President Nixon’s utilization of ethos throughout his
The author mentions a couple of these turning points in the
Throughout the book, Collins presents an in-depth study not only of political and economic history to Reagan’s presidency but also delves into the social and cultural issues of the times. Collins provides a timeline of technological advances, and gives a picture of what daily life was like. While some critics viewed Reagan as inept, often referring to “the desert between Ronald Reagan’s ears” and to his mind as “such barren terrain.” Collins strives to demonstrate that Reagan was a very hard worker and that he thoroughly researched issues that were plaguing his administration (Collins
Americans are still achieving their dreams today by working hard. In the essay “They Live the Dream,” Dan Rather stated, “Delores Kesler… began her career at twenty-two with a series of dead-end jobs, struggling to make ends meet” (41). She was trying to provide for her child,
The American Dream has a different meaning from what it once was, but according to Brandon King it is still alive. His beginning question, “What is the true state of the so-called ‘American Dream’ today” (Page #610, Para. #1) appeals to his audience’s own thoughts of his or her own personal beliefs for their futures. Most people have an idea of what they want in life, and their dream may not be the rags to riches dream of yesteryear, but is uniquely theirs.
The American dream was born again, but this time it proved to hit a little closer to home for many
Paper 1 Ronald Reagan was and still is a very dynamic figure in American politics. Brought up on the values of the New Deal, Reagan underwent a major transformation in the 1940s and 1950s. His acting career dwindling to a series of guest roles on television shows, and a new conservative family chirping in his ear, Reagan would be heavily swayed by anti-tax and anti-government rhetoric. This shaped the cocoon for Reagan’s ideological metamorphosis and his entrance into the political spectrum.
He introduces the concept of secular time, which focuses on the presidency, and how big-picture change shapes the executive branch, such as technology. To contrast this is political time, which focuses on the president himself, and how the order of him taking office restricts and shapes his actions. He fuses these two concepts with a four-celled typology that establishes the notion of regimes structures meaning, “leadership efforts are themselves formative of… shaping and driving…patterns of political reconstruction and decay” (Skowronek 2011, 84). These theories allow Skowronek to explain that President Carter’s liberalism was in a touch spot because he had the job of “repair and rehabilitation” (Skowronek 2011, 87) and unfortunately for Mr. Carter, “breathing new life into an old order seems to be beyond the political capacities of the presidential office” (Skowronek 2011, 88). Eventually, Reagan took up the expected mantle of “Great Communicator” because reconstruction presidents naturally take on this role.
In "Idiot Nation", Michael Moore openly and honestly expresses his feelings about the American system and education. He presents this as an essay, selected from his novel Stupid White Men, in which he submits his arguments as a political activist, concerned about the state of this nation. Moore spends most of his time in this selection, proving the sorry situation of American society. His arguments present a current issue that concerns the country today. He aims at politicians and other leaders to make the audience aware of all the corruptness in office.
“It’s called the American Dream because you have to be asleep to believe it.” (George Carlin) America characterizes itself as a concerted dream because of this belief America is known for an immigrant magnet; but also has accustomed domestics to the downfall of the economy. The reason for this happening is because the inequalities and self-doubt ordinary Americans have. In Edward McClelland’s “RIP the Middle Class” he persuades the audience to believe that the middle class is deprecating, thanks to the “laissez’ faire” concept that approached in the 80’s which then lead to the Great rescission that then tumbled to the issues in 2008. Edward McClelland made a rhetorical choices and used rhetorical appeals effectively to persuade a middle class
Reagan became President of the Screen Actors Guild, the largest organization of Hollywood performers. He battled communist members who wanted to lead the guild away from American ideals. When Reagan appeared before the congressional committee investigating Communism in Hollywood he said that “democracy is strong enough to stand up and fight against the inroads of any ideology” (Schweitzer Pg. 14-16). Regan made speeches around the country promoting democracy and warning against communism, showing that communism couldn’t compete with our political system.
“Requiem for the American Dream,” a documentary arranged by Peter D. Hutchison, Kelly Nyks, and Jared P. Scott, features an MIT professor of linguistics, Noam Chomsky, who narrates the film on the topic of inequality, democratization, solidarity, and unjust systems of today’s economy. Noam Chomsky intends to convince American citizens that the economy and democratic systems have negatively changed over the 20th century and into the 21st century. Additionally, Chomsky emphasizes that a shift in the economy from manufacturing to financial institutions is the result of the concentration of wealth and the Republican agenda for reformation. Due to the changes in the economy and the unjust vicious cycle, Chomsky is passionate and persistent in informing American citizens of the problematic economic shifts, spurring from the ideologies of recent presidents. Furthermore, Chomsky informs the public about how these illusory changes, implemented by the government, are negatively impacting the unaware lower class.
The thirty seventh president’s tone throughout the speech was genuine and anguished. He stated frequently his regret towards his resignation; when this passage is read aloud, it is stressed heavily on pathos and that Nixon defended his decision with the selflessness of his own emotions and did what is better for the country (“American”). In his speech, Richard Nixon establishes his credibility and then goes on to show the logic of why he is resigning along with sparking the reader’s emotions in defense of him through the use of frequent fallacies and rhetorical devices. Nixon goes on to speak of his accomplishments and the tasks he hopes the American people will achieve with a new president, but those ideas are shadowed by the steady reminders by Nixon himself of the circumstances that are causing him to resign the Presidency that overall make Nixon’s arguments to logic and his credibility seem
The American Dream has undergone a metamorphosis from principles to materialism. " - John E. Nestler,
I love your perspective on flexible seating! I have to admit, it is something that makes me skeptical to think of for kindergarten. I would love to see how it can be implemented in a kindergarten classroom. The diverse behaviors and social backgrounds of my students have created a very busy and active classroom. I have several students who cannot sit still or control their bodies, therefore I agree with you, I always have the urge to contain and control them at their tables.
