Blog Entry #7

The essay that I read for critique was by Scott Cooper. In this essay, I do agree with what he is arguing for. Scott argues that Obama’s speech is on point with the connecting ethos, pathos and logos in order to make an even more convincing speech. One of the main things that Scott could work on in his writing, however, is he use of quotes. He uses his quotes as chunks of his paragraph instead of successfully weaving in his quotes to make the paragraph flow.  However, I like the fact that Scott tells the reader exactly what the speech is about, instead of inferring that the reader has already read Barack Obama’s speech. Furthermore, I believe that Scott does appeal to his audience emotionally by bringing Obama’s childhood into his argument and how Barack Obama found his faith.  In the original speech, Barack Obama is speaking to a religious crowd about the connection of faith and politics.  In addition, on a scale from one to ten I would rate Scott Cooper’s use of ethos at a seven. I does explain to the reader what exactly the rhetorical use of ethos is, and he gives examples of Barack Obama’s use of ethos, however, the quote that Scott uses for his example takes up the majority of his paragraph. Also, I believe that Scott could use more commentary after his examples to also help the paragraph flow better. Scott Cooper’s essay is a good role model for this assignment because it has a clearly stated thesis, and his paragraphs back up what he is trying to prove. Although I do believe that Scott could fix up a few things on his paper, the overall essay is good quality.  As the essay stands, I think that Scott included a great amount of research in attempts of perfecting his essay. In the introduction paragraph, Scott mentions the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in order to introduce the first amendment, which is freedom of speech and religion. Scott also incorporates Barack Obama’s original speech to a religious crowd, although he does not state where the speech was originally held.  In addition, other than using the speech as a direct source, I believe that Scott could have gone outside of the speech and researched other factors of the connection of faith and politics. Since Barack Obama’s speech is the only credible source, it makes the reader feel as if it is only Barack Obama’s view on the subject that is being accounted for.  Finally, in Scott’s conclusion he simply restates the meaning of logos, ethos, and pathos, without giving any further insight about the speech. Even though Scott Cooper has flaws in his rough draft of the critique, I believe that he successfully makes his point throughout the paper.

Entry #6

            As I said in entry number five, I personally believe that extreme on hands jobs are not going to be completely taken over by technology.  For instance even though some surgeries, such as some specific eye surgeries, are being replaced by machines because their might be better precision with the machines, someone is still needed to read the outcome of the surgery or an exam to the patient. Not all jobs are capable of being taken over by machines, therefor it in fact is survival of the fittest. Furthermore, in order to ensure a job in the future economy, people could major in studies such as CIS, computer information systems. This major not only teaches you how to work with technology, it also helps you run it. Furthermore, the government could limit the use of machinery. The reason that so many people would be out of jobs is because the government is allowing technology to run certain things instead of humans.  In reality, a lot of technology is not reliable, therefore it is humans who have to fix the problem.  Limiting the amount of technology that is available to use would help boost employment and eventually the economy.

Blog Entry #5

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Entry #2

Lexie Buttle (1205040846)

Dr. Oshea

Eng 102

1/15/13

            Throughout Barack Obama’s speech on “the Connection between faith and politics” he used many manipulative tactics to grasp the audience and influence them to see his opinion in a brighter light. Not only does president Obama use pathos in his speech, he also uses ethos and logos. Barack starts off by going in to the depth of the character of his opponent of US Senator of Illinois back in 2004. He informs the audience that his opponent, Alan Keys, was an extremist. Also, using pathos, Keys tried to “persuade people to hate an enemy”(p41). Barack Obama connected the emotion of the religious impact while not going overboard.

            Furthermore, Barack Obama made a theme that “religion matters” throughout his speech by relating the influence of religion throughout his life and political career. “Just like writers mention their affiliation”, Obama mentions his Christianity background through a church in Chicago. By connecting his own beliefs and experiences to focus principles, Barack directs the attention of the audience to his character. He also touches base on important political figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr. to assert the idea that faith is the underlining guide in politics.  Barack Obama also shows respect for his audience by neither going “above nor below [the audiences] capabilities”(p62). In addition, the president provides facts and percentages of people who are believers in God, angels, and people who do not believe in any higher power. The president goes to the core of    cultural values and makes a strong argument using facts and logic.

                                                            Works Cited

Everything’s an Argument. Andrea A. Lunsford & John J. Ruskiewicz 5^th ed. Boston:                   

              For Bedford/St Martin’s 2010

The Connection Between Faith and Politics

In Barack Obamas speech of “the Connection between faith and politics” Barack speaks at the “Call to Renewal’s Building a Covenant for a New America” and opens his debate on the subject of religion by giving an example of his opponent for US senator of Illinois in 2004, Alan Keys, and how Keys used Barracks faith as ammunition for a personal attack. Alan Keys criticized Barack Obamas beliefs by stating that “Jesus would not vote for Barack Obama”.  Although Obama states that there is a fine separation between politics and faith, he also implies that with faith comes politics and vise versa. He continues his speech by relating the topic of faith and religion to his own personal experiences. Although he did not grow up with any certain religion, Barack Obama found a home in the Christian faith when he moved to Chicago. He gives examples that many politicians and freedom fighters have indeed acted on faith and faith alone to persuade people in to agreeing with their point of view. For instance, he connects to Lincolns Second Inaugural Address and Martin Luther King Jr’s “I Have a Dream” because both influential figures relate to God in their speeches. Furthermore, the president gives a percentage of American’s who believe in God, who are atheist, and who also struggle with their faith. Obama also states that that he does not want religion to “belittle or divide” any persons from what they believe in. Barack Obama concludes his speech by stating a personal prayer that he wishes all of us could live in peace with every faith and belief.