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Arrogance of power

Senator J. William Fulbright essay named on the Arrogance of Power was aimed at convincing

the American people to rethink their strategies in dealing with other countries. The writer

acknowledges that the United States is considerably more powerful than any other country in

which case it could play an incredible role in the global space. The key thesis or position of this

essay is that it is no longer viable for powerful nations to equate key responsibilities with

universal missions and power with virtue. This is a position paper that tends to be organized and

incorporates a logical flow. It starts with the position of the author and continues to draw various

examples relating to the position and explaining them appropriately. The organization method

comes in handy in creating a vivid picture in the minds of the learners and convincing them as to

the appropriateness of the position that the author has taken. This method allows the reader to

stay on course with the position of the author, while bombarding them with examples and

reasons why it is the best option.

The essay “Arrogance of Power” draws support from ethos, pathos and logos. It draws upon the

credibility or character of the speaker while maintaining an emotional connection with the

audience and making a logical argument. The credibility of the author cannot be doubted as he

was a senator at the time of writing this essay. In this case, he was privy to the dynamics of the
political world and had an incredible capacity to analyze this issue. In addition, he uses an

emotional connection with the audience where he draws the example of Saigon demonstrators

burning American jeeps and assaulting American soldiers. This is bound to elicit feelings of

betrayal among the American readers, so that they can rethink the way in which they deal with

other countries. In addition, the author draws on the readers’ logical thinking by giving an

analogy of what may have resulted to that assault. He states that, as much as the Vietnamese are

dependent on Americans the strength of America is a rebuke to their weakness. He states that the

Vietnamese people resent the disruptive effect of the American culture on their fragile one.

The essay “Finding a Middle Ground” claims that the unaddressed flaws pertaining to the

American exercise approach lie in its inability to reconcile an individual’s way of life with the

discipline necessary for proper health. The author supports the claim by drawing on the high

incidence of yo-yo dieting and the exercise drop-off that typifies the standard fitness experience.

In addition, the author warrant’s this statement by drawing from his experience as a personal

trainer where he states that clients find their biggest challenge in trying not to fall in self-

sabotaging behavior rather than in exercising once they are committed to a standard exercise

program. The author qualifies the claim by stating that the troubling reality is that the pleasure

that comes with newfound health can easily be channeled into distinctly nonhealthy activities.

While the author agrees with fitness professionals that such habits are simply foolish, he rebuts

the statement by stating that there is no point in having one’s life being controlled by health to an

extent that one does not live his life.

My choice of this essay was informed by the prime position that oil occupies in the economy, as

well as the conflict that exists between it and the environment. Finding a way of ensuring

environmental sustainability while reaping the benefits of oil is, evidently, a herculean task. This

is especially considering that the drilling of oil, its handling and its usage pose incredible risks to

the environment. While oil companies have been looking for a middle ground on environmental

sustainability, this would be impossible without sacrificing its profitability. This essay is not peer

reviewed. It is not an evaluation of any creative performance or works by other writers in the

same field. It does not aim at enhancing or maintaining the quality of the performance or work in

that field. The main claim of the essay is that the oil industry cannot have a middle ground as far

as environmental issues are concerned. The author uses Toulmin method as he incorporates a

claim, data, warrants, backing, rebuttals and qualifiers in the essay.

This is a persuasive essay that was written in an effort to garner the support of the parties

involved to a certain course. In this case, the speaker (Patrick Henry) aimed at convincing the

house to allow the soldiers to take up arms against their oppressors rather than submit and be

under the command of their enemies. It is evident that the speaker applies ethos, logos and

pathos in pushing his point. In ethos, it is worth noting that Patrick Henry was a Virginia

military colonel at this time. In essence, it goes without saying that he had tremendous

experience as far as matters concerning war were concerned. This meant that he could be trusted

to give sound advice on such issues. In addition, he creates an emotional attachment with his

audience especially when he states his deep belief in patriotism. This is bound to create the

impression that he would do anything for his country. In addition, he drives the point home by

equating it with a choice between slavery and freedom. He invites his audience to make a logical
deduction of the occurrences and asks whether armies and fleets are necessary for reconciliation

and love. This points to his main point that the enemies were for war and not peace and

reconciliation. Patrick Henry used both Rogerian and Toulmin methods of argument to make the

persuasive speech.

Smoking is known to result in lung problems. It is worth noting that cigarette smoke affects both

second-hand and first-hand smoke. Scientific research and findings indicate that, apart from the

smoke, cigarette smoke may cause health problems including lung cancer. While many may not

agree with this position, I believe cigarette smoking in public places should be banned. Smoking

in public places exposes more people to the harmful effects of smoke emanating from cigarettes.

My position is different from that of individuals who opine that smoking should be banned

altogether. Banning smoking altogether is tantamount to an infringement of fundamental rights

of human beings, in which case it is not acceptable. I hold the position that smoking should be

restricted to private places, in which case people would be free to smoke in the privacy of their

homes. Smoking in public not only posses health risks to people who smoke but also the

nonsmokers who have nothing to do with the cigarettes. In essence, it should be banned so as to

protect the nonsmokers who have no business inhaling the fumes from the cigarettes.

I must admit that the lessons learnt here would go a long way in complementing my career and

education. It is expected that, on numerous occasions, I will be required to make a choice or

decisions, some of which will be involving considerations about other people. In essence, it is

always imperative that I learn how to argue my case so as to ensure especially when decisions

have to be made. This would ensure that the best decision is made, whether or not it is exactly
the one that I had propagated. However, I have learnt that the arrangement and presentation of an

argument would work towards or against its incorporation in any setting. I must admit that I have

learnt quite a lot about making my case. My writing skills have, with no doubt improved

tremendously as to allow me to express myself appropriately, both in writing and speech. This is

obviously a positive change that has resulted from the analysis of various works, especially real-

life speeches or works of literature.