Rhetorical Analysis Of Op-Ed Article By Robert Barnes

Modern American society advocates for equality among all people, but these are just all talk and no true action taken upon word. Reporter Robert Barnes addresses this in his op-ed article titled “Supreme Court won’t check Maryland’s law banning sales of ‘assault weapons’”. By utilizing rhetorical strategies, Barnes conveys his message that even as we fight for equality, the dream will never occur with the prideful existence of class in the federal government. He appeals to the ethos-centered feeling in his audience, stating, “That court went further than other appellate courts that have reviewed similar laws [...]” (Barnes 5). His compromise between the central court and the state courts reflect the inferred views of the Supreme Court, that

The explicit way he writes shows that he understands their passion for their own community and relates to such, as his own writing holds a passionate tone as well. Obviously, Barnes’ article may offend to justices of the Supreme Court, but because of the knowledge of their packed schedule, any of the justices reading or even knowing of an existing op-ed article is very low. This enables for Barnes to criticize the Supreme Court in any way he wants, thus allowing for his article to be more effective. Moreover, Barnes enable his own writing to hold more significance with a greater presence gone, also emphasizing how fervent attitude to the case and the results with the repeated inclusions of direct quotes of the justices who spoke out on the court statement. With every quotation, Barnes demonstrates the conflicting ideologies of statement and action in the Supreme Court. He cleverly directs the hateful attention towards the judges instead, as his cunningful diction implies that the decision the court had made was unappealing to those who supported the review of Maryland’s gun control law. Altogether, Barnes writes effectively enough to strongly and clearly exude his message to his readers, and with a compelling conclusion, he leaves open for his audience the opportunity to create their own thoughts and take action to what they believe