The Death of Ted Kennedy
Monday, August 31st, 2009No matter what side of the political isle you sit on you have to give Teddy Kennedy his due. As the only Kennedy brother to live long enough to make long lasting change in America, he was revered and well respected by people from both parties and from all kinds of backgrounds. Teddy Kennedy will be sorely missed in the Senate as someone who would fight the good fight and compromise to get a deal done as long as it moved forward and progressed the cause.
Listening to all the fine words that were spoken throughout his funeral by so many, you would think that those individuals would come together in his honor to pass a health reform bill that would make him proud. However, the one thing that even Teddy Kennedy’s death cannot do is unit the parties in this ever divided congress. Though the powerful spout their pretty words, as they should, and as Ted Kennedy is laid to rest with honor, the battle rages on for dignified change to a healthcare system that does not work for everyone in this country. Will Senator Kennedy really rest in piece until the rest of congress wakes up and faces reality? While I hope so, it is doubtful that he can, considering how much he fought for this throughout his career.
Defining Racism
Monday, August 24th, 2009Here are the three ways racism is defined by dictionary.com;
1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
While it seems most people cling to the definition of #3 when we are throwing out accusations of racism, it is the definition of #2 that is getting my interest right now. I saw a clip of one of Fox Televisions talking heads (Bill O’Reilly) where he talked about the challenges of the immigration to the “white, Christian, male power structure”. I find this a fascinating study to think there are people who believe our government has not only been practicing racism but believe that it should continue to do so in favor of this “white, Christian, male power structure”.
Here are a couple of things that come to mind; where are the women mentioned that have died, sacrificed and worked for America; where are the Hispanics and Blacks that have sacrificed and worked for America not to mention the Irish, the Native Americans and the plethora of other believers and non-believers alike that have built this great nation? The issue is fear and nothing else. Fear of loosing some elusive power that white Christian men feel they have. Well, as one white, Christian male to another, “For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” 2 Tim 1:7 I would prefer to see a little more love and self-discipline to go along with the power instead of enacting fear that is not according to the spirit.
The Dream of Unity
Thursday, July 2nd, 2009The Civil Rights Movement was a period of time that occurred between 1960-1980 in which there was much racial injustice, civil unrest, and popular rebellion. The process of moving towards equality and peace was hard, protracted, and risky due to stringent and unjust laws such as the Jim Crow laws and literacy tests set in place to hinder the efforts of African Americans gaining equality or even respect. However, one man, named Martin Luther King Jr., dared to take a stand towards accelerating this equality and peace by presenting a powerful speech that served to inspire and uplift his audience during such rough times.
This historical speech entitled I Have a Dream was delivered at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C. on August 28, 1963. King frequently employs metaphors that play upon patriotism, American history, and American culture. By coupling these nationalistic metaphors with sermonic anaphora, he attempts to draw his audience toward a peaceful movement of unification instead of separation (which is often misconstrued to be the purpose of the first half of his speech). His words proved to be a hallmark for understanding the social and political upheaval of the time. Consequently, King’s speech served as a stepping stone to racial justice in America.
The Cunning and Subtle Voice of America
Thursday, June 25th, 2009Rhetoric is an aptitude of persuasion relying on reason, authority, or emotion. Many people such as politicians, debaters, and spokespeople use rhetoric to sway a group of individuals to a concept they believe to be true. However, not every politician, debater, or spokesperson excels in this refined mechanism of speech. In the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson uses an eloquent but simple writing structure to convey his vital premise: King George has exercised tyranny and oppression over the colonies and the colonies have a duty to rebel.
Throughout the Declaration of Independence, Jefferson uses logical, ethical, and pathos appeals. This powerful combination serves to set up a strong foundation which can draw and engage his audience to his premise. One specific logical appeal that Jefferson brings to the surface is the purpose of government. He states that
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its power to such form, as to them shall seem mostly likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.
By using a logical appeal, Jefferson helps his audience to think, reflect, and become cognizant of a concept the he wishes them to believe. Thus, the audience can use their common sense to rationalize and conclude that what Jefferson is saying is analytical.