Promises

As I watched the Daily Show with Jon Stewart I was not surprised to see the topic of conversation and the butt of the jokes was President Barack Obama’s State of The Union. This years State of the Union was filled with pledges and statements of intent to change education in America, and lower the number of unemployed and under employed. But Jon Stewart recognized two main facets of modern State of the Unions that many people overlook: empty promises, and partisan rebuttals.


Stewart satirized the speech by titling the segment of his show concerning the address “State of the Union 2011: Night of too Many Promises.” He recognized and scrutinized the fact that many modern politicians claim to do all these wonderful things for the country, but due to the bureaucratic and partisan natures of American government little ever gets done. Politicians use persuasive and powerful rhetoric to pledge to America that their ideas will make a difference in society. Now, having ideas and taking action is what leaders are supposed to do, but making lofty promises is not a good use of political rhetoric.


Also in today’s society neither side, whether it is the Democrats or the GOP, can deliver any sort of address without a rebuttal by the opposing side or party. Last year, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal led the charge with his powerful republican response to President Obama’s State of the Union. This year, Jon Stewart poked fun at the numerous response made by various Representatives and politicians.


Understanding rhetoric and how it is used in the political world is a very useful tool to voters and non-voters alike. The American public should learn the necessary tools and language so that they can decipher political messages individually, without the help of a comedian.

Implorement

I opened up my laptop to check my mail, Gmail, and blog when Google Chrome sent me a wonderful reminder of the power of rhetoric in civic life by displaying a picture of President Kennedy as the Google theme. January 20, 1960 President John Fitzgerald Kennedy delivered one of the most powerful and remembered inaugural addresses in American history.

On this fifty-year anniversary, I am reminded of the amazing capabilities of rhetoric to unite, incite, and spark a nation in times of need. President Kennedy recognized man’s ability to help one another and solve many of the problems of the world stating that, “man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe.”

He assures the American people that their government will do everything in their power to ensure the liberties, freedoms, and rights of all people nationally and globally. But, what makes this speech so powerful is President Kennedy implores the American public to do everything in their power to individually make a difference. Using careful word choice and his delivery he inspires each and every citizen to become civically engaged. President Kennedy emphasizes the importance of individual civic leadership by delivering this command: “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Rhetoric has always been a part of our countries history, and this reflection on an extremely influential speech shines light on just how big of a role rhetoric plays in citizenship, government, and civic engagement.