During the recession in 1962, US steel companies greatly raised their prices. Many people at this time voiced their opinion on the issue. In the April 11th new conference in 1962, current president to the time, John F. Kennedy addresses this hike in steel prices. His commentary criticizes the steel companies as evidenced when he establishes his own credibility and as he appeals to the public’s emotions. By mentioning notable people, President Kennedy establishes his own credibility while portraying his criticism toward steel companies. Even with his presidential status, he shines light on important people, such as the secretary of defense, who share similar views. In line 32, JFK names Secretary Robert S. McNamara as an informant to this …show more content…
He uses powerful words to express the seriousness of the issue. The start of his commentary summarizes wat said companies are doing and how they “constitute a wholly unjustifiable and irresponsible defiance of the public interest.” (lines 4-5). With this Kennedy shows his audience how the big steel companies don’t analyze how the public will be. It is negative to the steel industry while supporting the people. Not much later does President Kennedy present a conflicting situation between steel companies and the people. It is the “tiny handful of steel executives (line 17)” that oversee the price spike and they did so without any consideration “for the interests of the 185 million Americans (line 20).” Here Kennedy is siding with the people, considering how they were neglected in the choice. While doing all of this, he negatively discusses how the steel CEOs are, and should, be held responsible. Finally, near the end of speaking, Kennedy supports the people and their wishes. With “Price and wage decisions in this country” the people, and the president, want them to be “freely and privately made…than has been shown in the last two days (lines 99-103).” Kennedy agrees with his audience to evoke their emotions and trust. He agrees that the steel companies did something wrong, and he agrees with the people that they deserve for the steel companies to go back and reverse the jump in