Chapter 3, Rhetorical Activity

I chose a recent editorial in the Pueblo Chieftain.  There were not many to pick one so I settled on one that was about the El Centro del Quinto Sol on Pueblo’s east side.  Recently, this center has lost its director and the city is unsure about what to do with the center.  The person who wrote the article argues that La Gente, a program that runs youth events, should get to manage the center.  

This argument rests at Conjecture, and needs detailed information about the history of La Gente programs in order to further the argument.The writer is attacking the others who think that the center should be handled by the city’s parks and recreation department or some other organization other than La Gente.  Also, the author says that just because the director of La Gente has some familial ties with the Council President, some are not approving of La Gente, even though, in the author’s opinion, it would be the best choice to take over the center.  The writer can achieve stasis with his opponents given the way he has stated his issue and the ground on which he has taken his stand.


Link to Editorial

Chapter 2, Rhetorical Activity

Gun control is a very pertinent issue in America today. It is more important at times, like when there is a mass killing like Columbine or the Virginia Tech Shootings, but it has definitely not fizzled out. The kairos has changed as many new state laws come into play. In 2008, when the elections were going on, gun control was an issue that had importance to the voters. Below are a few articles that show that Gun control is still a controversial subject in America.

http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9628490

http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/hunting/news/story?id=4845612

http://www.politicsdaily.com/2010/01/19/obama-gets-failing-grades-from-gun-control-group/

http://www.wtkr.com/news/dp-va--xgr-virginia-guns0118jan18,0,7556256.story

http://www.salem-news.com/articles/january202010/2nd_amd_dj.php

One of the ways to see if an issue is relevant to modern culture is to look at different forms of communication. At this time, a very popular way to express ones opinions is to do what I’m doing right now – blog. There are a considerable number of bloggers that are mentioning about gun control. I have listed those links below.

http://onemansthoughts.wordpress.com/2010/01/21/vermonts-answer-to-gun-control/

http://www.createdebate.com/debate/show/Gun_Control_7

http://rightwingnews.com/2010/01/dc-proves-gun-control-laws-work-for-criminals/

http://www.americablog.com/2010/01/gun-control-groups-give-obama-f-im-not.html

http://www.covenantnews.com/ronpaul/archives/065303.html

CHREIA

“The root of education is bitter, but sweet are its fruits.” –Isocrates

ENCOMIUM: Isocrates was an ancient Greek philosopher and also a teacher. He is the perfect person to make a quote about education.

PARAPHRASE OF SAYING: At first, getting an education means overcoming tough obstacles. In the end however, the results of hard work that was put forth in trying to get an education are worth the end results.

CAUSE OR REASON FOR SAYING: Education, and the lack of motivation, are important, and well discussed topics in America. There is a lot of talk about the failing educational systems of our country. A big reason that there are ignorant people everywhere is that they are not fully prepared to take on the responsibility, or hardships of an education. So then, if they do try to go to school, they are shocked at the amount of work, and withdraw, or drop out.

A CONTRAST: If an education is not gained, then the “fruits” that Isocrates talks about can never be experienced. The great things that come from being educated are never vied by an uneducated person.

A COMPARISON: Just as a man and a woman put much effort into raising children so that they grow up well, so must a scholar put effort into achieving an education so that they might be able to experience the benefits that come with being educated.

AN EXAMPLE: It is not uncommon to read a college advertisement telling its audience the differences in salaries of a college graduate and a person without a degree. It may take 2 to 4 years to get a degree, but the end result, in this case a higher paying job, makes the journey worth it.

TESTIMONY: Like many others, I have experienced the struggle of getting through school. Last semester, I took 19 credit hours. Everyone said I was crazy, and mid-semester I realized I really was. I made sure to spend enough time on each class, however, and in the end, I earned the grades I wanted for the most part. I have been accepted to the Colorado School of Mines, and am waiting to hear from a few other prestigious universities. I know that had I not been able to get through the obstacles that a hectic schedule presented, I would have not gained acceptance to more opportunities.

EPILOGUE: This is an important concept to remember in everything, academic or not. If the road seems dark and tough to travel on at first, it does not mean that there are not brighter conditions ahead.

Nope, Not an English Major...

Just a short introduction: My name is Hannah Romero, and I do not plan on becoming an English major. *Gasp!* I am currently in my fifth and final semester at Colorado State University - Pueblo, and I would like to transfer to a school out of state next semester to pursue bioengineering. In my spare time (Which I really never have), I love to sew and create new designs, especially dresses.

In this class, I would like to learn how to argue better. The knowledge of rhetoric is important for people in every field, and I look forward to a semester of blogging, learning, and arguing. :)