Pro-Romney Political Cartoon

This visual text is a political cartoon. It appears that it is written from a republican viewpoint. It sends the message that, since Obama hasn't gotten enough done in his presidential term, Mitt Romney should be given a chance to change Washington. Randy Bish created the piece. Bish is an author/artist for the Chicago Tribune that specializes in political cartoons. This November, voters will decide that path of America for the next four years. Many Romney supporters believe that to reelect Obama for another four years would be a terrible mistake. They believe he has had enough time to turn things around, and has failed to do so. The purpose of this cartoon is to point out these faults and gain support for Romney, who campaigns on being able to fix Washington. This piece was intended for readers of the Chicago Tribune. I believe it is actually more geared towards democrats, because it attempts to point out the flaws of Barack Obama rather than the advantages of Mitt Romney. An appeal to logos is made in an attempt to logically show that Obama is not the right president for the next four years. It also involves some satire, using Barack Obama’s own words against him. I don’t believe that the author does a very good job of achieving his goal. A direct quote from Barack Obama is used, however it is evident that it is taken extremely out of context. This diminished the credibility of the author and in turn the effectiveness of the cartoon.

The cartoon: http://www.politicalcartoons.com/cartoon/0d33e2f4-1a1f-4d0e-b887-eb91d34dfcc4.html 

A turning point for freedom in America, 150 years later

IThis weekend is the 150^th anniversary of the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation. This document is arguably the most significant one since the Declaration of Independence in 1776, because it played a very large role in keeping America together. Donna Brazile, who is a CNN contributor, vice chairwoman for the Democratic Nation Committee, and Georgetown professor, wrote the article. There is a very important context for the publishing of this article. In less than two months, Americans will be voting to decide the future of their country. Brazile compares Lincoln to Obama in the fact that they both are attempting to close the opportunity gap as well as reduce economic inequality. Therefor, the text was written to help gain Democratic supporters and remind the readers how far our country has come in 150 years. We may be in tough times now, but they were far worse when Lincoln was in office. It will take a strong leader and effective economic reform, but our goals can be reached with the right president in the White House. This article was most likely intended for voters who are still on the edge and unsure whom they wish to vote for come November. Brazile uses compare and contrast and appeals to both ethos and pathos. I do believe that the author accomplished her purpose. Too often when politics is being discussed it is in dollar signs and numbers. This article does a very good job or reminding voters that there are many other things of equal importance. She ends the article with words that effectively urge the people to take action: “Abraham Lincoln would be proud to see the progress we have made. But he also would understand that there is still more work to do. Together. Claim it.”

http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/22/opinion/brazile-emancipation-150-anniversary/index.html?hpt=us_c2

Anti-Japan Protests Erupt in China

Tensions are very highly strung in Beijing over some disputed islands. The Japanese currently have control of the land, but the Chinese feel it has been part of their tradition for quite some time. Protestors congregated outside of the Japanese embassy chanting things such as “down with Japanese imperialism.” The article was written by Steven Jiang, a current employee of CNN with employers such as NBC News, CBS News and Channel NewsAsia on his resume. Chinese maritime surveillance ships disobeyed direct orders from Japan by entering the island’s territory. Pressures have risen between the two countries, especially in the Chinese citizens who believe the land is rightfully theirs. The article is instrumental in informing the reader on the current dispute between the two nations, and providing a rationale for each party’s viewpoint on the islands. It seems that it is intended for any person that is not a citizen of either Japan or China, because even though the journalist is Chinese no apparent bias appears in his writing. He uses instances of logos to describe why each nation feels the land belongs to them. Steven Jiang definitely achieved his goal of providing non-bias news. To do this, it was essential that he represent both sides of the argument fairly and equally. He references the context in which the island disputes have started, and ensures a non-opinionated approach.  

For more information see: http://www.cnn.com/2012/09/15/world/asia/china-japan-islands/index.html?hpt=wo_c2