Maintain Neutrality

Consider the source and audience.

The argument found in the article is between members of the Texas Education agency. This article was found in the Dallas Morning News without a certain columnist being recognized for writing the article. The article is written to inform everyday normal citizens. The arguments presented in the story are not meant entertainment purposes so there is nothing to change to help keep an audience.

Lay out the argument and the underlying values and assumptions.

The basic argument is between two different parties, the Texas Education Agency, or TEA, and Chris Comer. The TEA is forcing Comer to resign because of an e-mail that she sent which the TEA says it show that Comer is not neutral about intelligent design and evolution. The e-mail that comer sent announced "a presentation being given by the author of Inside Creationism's Trojan Horse. In the book, author Barbara Forrest says creationist politics are behind the movement to get intelligent design". The values that the TEA find important is being neutral and they believe that Comer supports one side stronger than the other.

Uncover the evidence.

The argument between the two parties are supported with facts and evidence. The TEA came strait out and talked about the e-mail and why what Comer did was unacceptable. The TEA as a whole decided they did not want the upcoming ideas or curriculum to be talked about outside the agency which is what they believed she did when when she sent the e-mail.

Evaluate the conclusion.

I believe the argument is successful because I can see why the TEA believes Comer should not have done what she did. It does convince me that TEA was justified with the forced resignation of Comer. The reason I believe that is because if your job or boss requires something of you and sets guidelines you have to follow those or there are consequences. The article did not change any of my beliefs because of what I just said. If your boss tells not to do something and you do it anyway you will face repercussions.

Sort out the political implications.

The political significance of the argument is that it can influence the way intelligent design and evolution are presented in classrooms across the state. This article shows me that the political world is just like any job were you have a boss. There is always somebody higher than you that you have to answer to.

The article commented on above can be found bl clicking here.

Response to "Why You Should Vote November 6th" by Carrie

I agree with the article but only to a certain extent because I am torn on the issue. I believe that everyone should vote to maximize the potential of a democracy. If everyone does not vote it is possible that some of the bills or elected officials are supported by only the select few that voted. On the other hand I think that it is a good thing that a lot of people don't vote. The reason I believe this is because I think a lot of people are ill informed on issues and may not vote for things that are in the best intrest of the state.

Kids Health Bill

Consider the source and audience.

This article was found in the San Antonio Express News. It was written by Associated Press special correspondent David Espo. There is an argument because many people believe that it is wrong for young children to have to go without health care because their family is too poor. The article is written to inform the general public on political figures beliefs. I don't think Espo needs to do anything different to attract more of and audience.

Lay out the argument and the underlying values and assumptions.

The basic argument is that all children should have health insurance even if your family doesn't have enough money. The argument relies on the fact that several children are uninsured. The values that are being argued about are basically between the President Bush and the democratic party. Bush doesn't believe that taxes should be raised to support pay for the children's insurance while the democratic party thinks they should. The article is very clear and well explained.

Uncover the evidence.

The article is supported by facts and evidence. For example in the article it was stated that there are 6 million children that benefit from the current financial support and that 4 million more will be covered if the new bill is passed. It is also stated in the article that children have to provide a birth certificate to make sure that no illegal aliens will benefit from the program.

Is the argument successful?

I believe that the argument is very successful because it can make people feel bad for the children. That is very important because it could sway someones political views and try to get someone in office who will get the bill passed. I'm not quiet sure that I completely support the new bill. Yes I feel bad for the kids but I don't believe in other people have to help pay for their bills because of higher taxes so my opinion really didn't change.

Sort out the political implications.

The political significance of this article is that if the bill is never passed and put into effect a large portion of lower class families will vote for a democratic president so you can bet they will have an great effect on the next presidential election. The article once again shows how important money is in politics.

The article commented on above can be found bl clicking here.