Bush's Message to Saddam and The Whisper of AIDS - Essay Example

Bushs Message to Saddam The techniques used in the introduction of the speech are numerous. Given the importance of the speech, the aim of the introduction is to attract and appeal people to listen to the rest of it, and this is why the introduction seeks to gain attention, create interest and establish credibility (to strengthen the arguments made and convince people of the sincerity and validity of the things mentioned). For instance, right at the very beginning, Bush says that "events in Iraq have now reached the final days of decision" and this creates interest and gains attention, stating the situation in Iraq as one that needs change and that the time for change is right now. Also, it is said that the regime in Iraq holds weapons of mass destruction which theyll be able to use against anyone, including USA citizens- this gains attention as it explains the imminent threat. Furthermore, actions done by the USA since 1991 are described to establish credibility. 2. The organizational pattern used in the speech is a chronological one. It approaches the people in a current point of view and perspective and moves chronologically along time, starting from the past (Iraqs long disobedience to UNs decisions and the actions done by the USA to stop Saddam), continuing to the present (Iraqs serious threat on all countries of the world and the dire need to bring about change in Iraq and disarm Saddam) and finishing in the future, in which Americas hopes are to see a liberated Iraq, rid of Saddam and his tyranny and empty of weapons of mass destruction. 3. As Ive just stated, the speech has a chronological sequence. It starts from the past, stating that "that regime pledged to reveal and destroy all its weapons of mass destruction… in 1991" and that the UN also tried to enforce this: "in the case of Iraq, the Security council did act, in the early 1990s". however, nothing helped, and this is why the USA now poses an ultimatum "Saddam Hussein and his sons must leave Iraq in 48 hours. Their refusal to do so will result in military conflict". Then the new Iraq is described, the one that will hopefully exist in the future- "a new Iraq that is prosperous and free". This is how the speech ends- in a vision of a better future. 4. The technique used in the conclusion is that of persuasion and summation of everything in the speech. The speech claims that a military conflict with Iraq is inevitable, and will lead to a better Iraq. The conclusion contains the vision of a better Iraq, and this wraps up everything in the speech beautifully- "we will work to advance liberty and peace… this is the future we choose". The speech ends with a positive vision of the future, of a better Iraq and consequently of a better and safer world. The Whisper of AIDS The speech of Mary Fisher of the Republican National Convention Address, made in Houston, Texas in August 19, 1992, and named "The Whisper of AIDS", was delivered to members of the Republican Party in the USA. Its purpose was clear- to talk to people and convince them that AIDS is a terrible epidemic that must be stopped immediately; to comfort and console those who are already suffering from it, to try and make them feel like theyre not alone, to make them understand they can achieve support and that they dont need to hide the fact that theyre infected; and to make everyone understand that the world is responsible for stopping AIDS, and only with a realization of the situation and of AIDS, and enough awareness and knowledge about the disease- will it finally be able to be stopped. The introduction tells us about Mary Fishers asking the Republican Party to lift the shroud of silence draped around the issue of HIV and AIDS, three months prior to the speech. Then she says that she has come there that night (the night of the speech) to end the silence, to bring the hidden and darkened subject of AIDS to light, to expose it and its meanings in front of the world. In the body of the speech Mary clearly describes AIDS as an epidemic, stating the huge numbers of lives taken by it- 250,000 are dead or dying because of it and a 1,000,000 more are infected. She adds by saying that between 40 and 100 million more will be infected within only a few years! She rightfully says that AIDS doesnt distinguish between men and women, black and white, gay or straight- it attacks everyone. She continues and tells about her own experience dealing with AIDS, being someone who is also suffering from the disease. She calls for accepting and internalizing the fact that AIDS is no distant threat, but an immediate one which is happening today and claiming many lives; therefore, it should not be hidden and ignored, but exposed to the public and be dealt with. She further claims that AIDS victims should not be ashamed because theyre not to blame- everyone is to blame, because the subject isnt properly addressed by the people and consequently it cant be counteracted successfully. Her conclusion of the speech is by appealing to different groups of people. She first addresses the millions who are grieving, who are suffering, who are frightened, and tells them that they will find support if they only have the courage to do so. Then she addresses the entire people and begs them to set aside prejudice and politics to make room for compassion and sound policy which are needed to cope with AIDS and help those suffering from it. Afterwards she pledges to her children that she will not give in or give up, shell keep fighting for this purpose of hers while still being there for them. Finally, she appeals to everyone that hears her to learn from the past so that future victims of AIDS will no longer be afraid and have to whisper and hide their illness, and that, god willing, some day they wont have to (because people wont have it anymore). Mary Fishers wording and figures of speech are excellent, and she certainly manages to approach every single one, whether he is a man or a woman, black or white, gay or straight, have HIV/AIDS or not. She approaches everyone, because theyll all be needed to stop AIDS. She uses all three main types of appeal: ethos, pathos and logos. Ethos, based on the character of the speaker, is because of her tenacious will to stop the disease, being one of its victims; pathos, based on emotion, because her entire speech is based on emotions and aims to approach people emotions, and logos because it is based on logic- AIDS is a current and major threat, not a distant one-therefore, it should be dealt with immediately. This speech is most definitely the best Ive ever heard or read. It is so emotional, so powerful, so true and wise and knowledgeable, so fierce and bold and yet tender and soft. It gives hope for the weak, and purpose for the strong. It combats prejudice, discrimination and ignorance and calls for everyone in the world to unite to stop a growing and existent threat. It appeals to the heart and I believe it manages to reach anyone and affect them deeply. It does bring AIDS out of hiding and into the publics eye, where it is exposed in daylight, for everyone to see, witness and then work against in order to stop it. It must have taken a great deal of courage to stand up in front of everyone and share in detail so much of the speakers life experiences, and appeal to everyone in hopes that they will comprehend and internalize the great threat AIDS poses. The tenacity and desperate wanting of the speaker to make a difference, to change the world and to try and bring about a future when people will no longer have AIDS one day are admirable, and extremely inspiring and inspirational. This is why this speech is totally and undoubtedly worthy of being included in the Great Speeches Collection. Read More