March Pundit #4
Unite to Defeat Radical Jihadism
Peggy Noonan
Wall Street Journal
25 March 2016
Peggy Noonan’s article, “United to Defeat Radical Jihadism (2016),” dissects the controversy and fear behind radical jihadist Islam along with our current immigration policies. Noonan’s purpose is to comment on how our political leaders are too prideful to take initiatives to change our border control mechanisms. Moreover, the author claims how elected officials sneer at the “racism” of their citizens rather than respecting their anxieties about immigrants. Given the content and simplistic language of the article, Noonan is most likely targeting the general public or those with fears of terrorism.
Noonan first establishes logic by solving an equation before the reader. The author starts off by stating how there are currently 1.6 billion Muslims in the world, most who are peaceful, regular human beings. Noonan then states, “Let’s say only 10% of the 1.6 billion harbor feelings of grievance toward ‘the West’… That 10% is 160 million people. Let’s say of that group only 10% would be inclined toward jihad. That’s 16 million. Assume that of that group only 10% really means it—would really become jihadis or give them aid and sustenance. That’s 1.6 million.” Furthermore, this quotation allows audience members to put the subject of radical jihadism into perspective, where they are able to fully grasp the severity of the situation. The columnist then discusses the “sheer power of pride” in Western life. Noonan establishes her position with an idiom by stating, “They’re stiff-necked, convinced of their own higher moral thinking…” Nonetheless, Noonan highlights the haughtiness of elected officials by consistently recognizing them as conceited when it comes to valuing the concerns of American citizens – thus reflecting the frustration of readers.
March Pundit #3
Will the GOP Break Apart or Evolve?
Peggy Noonan
Wall Street Journal
17 March 2016
Peggy Noonan’s article, “Will the GOP Break Apart or Evolve (2016)” examines the fate of the Republican party as a result of Donald Trump’s steadily increasing support. Throughout the article, Noonan questions the cause behind Trump’s massive amount of encouragement from American citizens as well as expresses her distaste of the candidate. Noonan’s purpose is to explain how individuals are fed up with the political system, thus they feel as though they have nothing to lose if they give Trump a chance at running the country. Nonetheless, the author hypothesizes that if Trump eventually wins the Republican nomination, the ideology of conservatism will be redefined. Given the colloquial language of the article and its nature of condemning Trump, this article is most likely directed towards individuals with the same political view of Noonan.
Noonan starts off her piece by amplifying the general opinions of those who despise Trump, “From those Republicans who are Never Trump, I hear an unchanged refrain: I can’t back a man who’s essentially an improv act, who has no qualifications for the office, who’s in it from some mad sense of personal destiny.” By capitalizing “Never Trump,” Noonan subtly puts a label on those who loathe the candidate, thus allowing readers to categorize those who are for and against Donald Trump. Furthermore, Noonan describes the candidate through a well-known quotation from Oscar Wilde, “He knows ‘the price of everything and the value of nothing.’” Adding this reference not only allows the article to become relatable towards Noonan’s audience, but also emphasizes Trump’s arrogant attitude and inexperience.
Lastly, Noonan ends her article with an antanaclasis by stating, “America is an imperfect country populated by imperfect people, but there would be a reason Mr. Trump draws the particular kind of garbage he draws. What is it?” Though Noonan recognizes American citizens are often uneducated and flawed in their political thought, she asks a rhetorical question, begging audience members to ponder over the reason for Trump’s backing. In addition, by referring to Trump supporters as “garbage,” Noonan maintains her tone of hatred towards the candidate and his followers.
March Pundit #2
Farewell to Nancy Reagan, a Friend and Patriot
Peggy Noonan
Wall Street Journal
11 March 2016
Peggy Noonan’s article, “Farewell to Nancy Reagan, a Friend and Patriot (2016),” expresses admiration and respect for Nancy Reagan as a result of her recent passing. Noonan affectionately creates a tribute to Mrs. Reagan by describing her as an elegant, yet charming first lady who possesed an intricate personality. In general, the author’s purpose is to express to audience members that the death of Nancy Reagan was not only the loss of a significant political era, but also the loss of a dear friend in the eyes of Noonan. Given the article’s content and language, Noonan is most likely targeting well-educated individuals with knowledge of the Reagan administration.
In the beginning of the article, Noonan explains how we could create comparisons of the Reagan era to the current moment, but we should not. “Instead,” writes Noonan, “a mere and affectionate remembrance of the lady we lost.” The following quotation sets the tone for the rest of the article, establishing to readers that the piece will be an homage to Nancy Reagan, rather than a critical evaluation at the Reagan administration. Furthermore, the topic of Noonan and Nancy’s friendship is then explored, as Noonan affirms with the antithesis, “We’d talk about nothing, everything.” The juxtaposition of “nothing” and “everything” causes readers to make comparisons of the two ideas while consequently creating a sense of complexity in Nancy Reagan’s character. In addition, Noonan creates anecdotes of two sides of Nancy, separating them as “Steely Nancy” and “Nancy the Mystic.” All in all, the two stories allow readers to gain a glimpse into the way Nancy thought and acted on different occasions, supporting the notion that she was a complex, yet interesting individual apart from being a first lady.
March Pundit #1
The Republican Party Is Shattering
Peggy Noonan
Wall Street Journal
3 March 2016
Peggy Noonan’s article, “The Republican Party Is Shattering (2016),” examines the downward spiral of the Republican Party as a result of Trump’s recent success during Super Tuesday. Noonan backs up her argument by explaining how Democratic and Republican ideologies have shaped themselves into completely different views, with not even the slightest agreement on fundamental issues. In general, the author’s purpose is to point out that the slow collape of the Republican Party could result in a drastic change in political thought. Though the author is Democratic, Noonan’s fearful tone while describing the consequence of loosing the Republican party suggests that she is writing towards well-educated Americans who respect Republican principals.
Noonan starts off her argument by establishing credibility through her narration. The author starts off by stating, “For me the Republican Party was always the vehicle of a philosophy, conservative political thought…” Though the columnist goes on to voice her opinion on topics she disagrees with compared to the Republican Party, yet she ends her list by writing, “at the prospect of the party’s shattering I feel somewhat shattered too.” Furthermore, Noonan’s first person narrative not only establishes ethos, but it also provides relatability to her audience members. Throughout the article, the author also throws around loose quotes about Donald Trump but does not reveal who said them, thus reflecting Trump supporters’ common thought. For example, Noonan states, “‘He can think outside the box.’ Can he ever.” Overall, the addition of general sayings and commentary about Donald Trump sprinkles some comedic relief in Noonan’s writing as she describes the severeity of Trump potentially becoming the Republican nominee.
Monthly Pundit Project
February Pundit #3
‘Anyone but Ted Cruz’ — will debaters’ tale repeat itself?
Eric Zorn
Chicago Tribune
25 February 2016
Eric Zorn’s article titled “‘Anyone but Ted Cruz’ — will debaters’ tale repeat itself?” describes Ted Cruz’s success in debates as a result of his participation in the college parliamentary debate circuit 25 years ago. In addition, Zorn continually displays his disapproval of Cruz as a presidential candidate in order to persuade his readers to vote for “anyone but Ted Cruz.” In general, Zorn’s purpose is to point out that although Cruz may have noteworthy debate skills, he is still not the finest candidate. Given the content of the article, Zorn is most likely targeting an audience with at least a minute amount of knowledge on the presidential race.
Zorn first explains what exactly a parliamentary debate contests are, by describing them as “ideal venues for fiery, theatrical orators. They’re not the research-intensive, rat-a-tat fact fights of policy debate in which many schools engage, but largely extemporaneous battles of wits in which competitors joust on topics given to them just moments in advance.” By using an onomatopoeia such as “rat-at-tat,” readers gain a sense of the atmosphere of the competition – debaters bouncing back and forth between facts. Zorn then displays his personal dislike of Cruz, by using the antithesis “He’s not a guy you want to have a beer with. He’s a guy you want to see punked.” He colloquial use of the “punked” not only generates comedic relief, but it also allows readers to connect with Zorn by creating a conversational tone. Lastly, Zorn adds credibility to his article by citing a quote from an article by Sacha Zimmerman, a former Columbia University debater. Zimmerman says, “We debaters understand how he thinks, how he sees a multitude of situations and consequences unfolding in his mind’s eye…I watched Ted Cruz debate in college. Don’t count him out.” By including a quote from an outside source, readers understand that Zorn’s information is accurate and reliable. However, the author a response to Zimmerman’s quote in order to express his distaste for Cruz by writing, “I won’t. Though I’ll pledge my vote right now to any candidate who’s not him.”
Comment to Author:
Mr. Zorn,
It is important to consider that because Cruz is such a great orator he has the upper-hand in persuading voters. The debating skills of presidential candidates are a topic that is not often talked about, usually it is their policies. However, Cruz may be able to “sell” his ideas to audience members as he would back in his college competitions.
Free Post #2
There is something exhilarating about Speech and Debate tournaments. Although these tournaments seem like a dull way to spend one’s Saturday, classrooms are filled with an indescribable energy. Anxious yet prideful teenagers pace around the cafeteria, awaiting their competitions. The majority of participants speak in hushed tones, their behaviors consequently introverted and timid. However, when they get up in front of vast crowds, it seems as though they turn into a different persona.
I first experienced this while talking to a girl my age, asking her how long she has competed. She looked down at the floor, intimidated by our conversation. She did not seem rude, but rather withdrawn and shy. While she nervously paced up to the front of the room to read her competition piece, I felt concerned for her. I feared her performance would be mediocre at best. How could a person like this girl, uneasy and quiet, possibly project her voice loud enough for the judges? How could she have the courage to speak in front of a dozen people, when she could barely hold a conversation with one? Needless to say, I was surprised. The girl started off with a song, her voice booming in the small classroom. She confidently spoke with her hands, portraying different characters with variations in her voice, speaking clearly and assertively with poise.
What I have learned from these tournaments – as cliché as it sounds – is never to judge a book by its cover, but the content inside. All in all, I strive to no longer develop prepositioned ideas of people by their outward appearance or mannerisms.
February Pundit #2
Students to get free help as the new SAT takes over Illinois
Eric Zorn
Chicago Tribune
19 Februrary 2016
Eric Zorn’s article, “Students to get free help as the new SAT takes over Illinois (2016), explains how with the introduction of the new SAT, the College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to offer free study materials. In addition, Zorn subtly comments on the ridiculousness of some aspects of the old SAT, such as it’s impossible vocabulary. Zorn asserts this by offering logical information through quotes from the College Board and educational specialists, as well as credibility through personal anecdotes. In general, Zorn’s purpose is to point out that although the new SAT has gotten its fair share of criticism, it will be beneficial to students as it requires them to think rather than memorize useless facts. Given the simplistic language of the article, Zorn is most likely targeting the general public – or anyone who has taken the SAT in the past.
Zorn first explains how next month students nationwide will begin taking the redesigned SAT that “will no longer emphasize recondite, sesquipedalian vocabulary words such as ‘recondite’ and ‘sesquipedalian.’” By using complex words such as “recondite” and “sesquipedalian,” readers begin to feel the confusion students in the past have had to face while taking the SAT. Zorn highlights this through his satirical use of diction, by pointing out the unreasonable vocabulary of the past SAT. Although Zorn realizes the flaws of the past SAT, he still provides a personal anecdote, letting audience members know that he is sad to see the unusual words go. Zorn mournfully writes, “‘SAT words’ were a thing in my youth, and I still have, at arm’s reach on my desk at home, the handwritten list from which my best friend in high school and I quizzed one another as we prepared to do battle with those knotty analogy problems.” Lastly, Zorn quotes from Elizabeth Slavitt, Khan Academy’s vice president of learner strategy and operations, that “Trying to create an end-to-end digital solution for the problem of educational inequality was a first for us.” By including this quotation, readers are aware that although Zorn is nostalgic to see the old SAT diminish, the new SAT will be better suited for all learners.
Mr. Zorn,
I have always felt that standardized tests, such as the ACT and SAT, are an unequal playing field. Of course being well-educated is important in making an adequate score, but one’s score really depends on the preparation. Books and tutors can be incredibly costly for students with a low socioeconomic status, so I am happy to see that Khan Academy is offering a helpful alternative.
February Free Post #1
Cautiously stepping onto our plane, I immediately felt a sense of relief. Just a few minutes ago I was speedily making my way towards the gate, jogging and sprinting in a frenzy, encouraging my grandmother to hobble along faster. I was surprised the wheels of my suitcase were still intact after I had completed a course of zigging and zagging through nameless bodies.
My breath started to slow while I slowly sauntered along aisles of deep green leather seats. We had finally made it after a morning of rushing and fussing to catch up to the time. My family and I started to take our seats, exhaling our anxiety. We began to listen to the flight attendant talk about fires and face masks and flotation devices and emergency exits until it was time to take off. Turning my cell phone off, I sat back and listened to the hum of the aircraft while it lifted up into the soft blue sky until the clouds were no longer a floating mirage.
My imagination soared along with the plane. In fact, this was the first time in weeks I was completely still and alone with my thoughts. Thousands of miles up in the air, I could not reach social media, homework, or grades. It was only me, myself, and the skyline.
Pundit Project 