Class of 2026
By Jay Cho
Every day, I look back at those shoes Those shoes I wore my whole life Thinking there would be nothing to lose But faced with a path, I need to choose All I see in the future is the edge of a knife The layer of dust on the aging shoe is thick Anchored by the one and only fear Though these shoes might help me walk quick I now notice that it was a mere trick As doomsday comes near The sole of my shoe sinks deep Frightened of the coming change Promises I am bound to keep Turn to secrets that are starting to heap Under a force that is demanding and strange Finally, I let go of the weight to make an easier climb Letting go of my old self To overcome the mountain and all the time Feels like letting go of all my past crimes To see myself at the top of the mountain in my prime
Nature is a City Nature is a city. With amazing scenery, Its trees are the skyscrapers of greenery. Whistling wind and bubbling brooks, Like teetering stacks of bountiful books. Ravenous raccoons munch on garbage, Along with folds and folds of foliage; Nature is a city. Dangerous creatures lurk in the dark, Like scary monsters hidden nice and tight. I am a quiet mouse, Hidden in the brush; Trying to hush. Or a loud crowd, Bustling into the doorway of a museum. Nature is a city. Full of bustling activity, Nature is a city.
ky house moves quickly to a dark forest winding winds hit the glass and sound like brass n forevermore with the name of Everett ed forever for throwing deadly gas the house slid through the grass n thought he maybe might pass
n muttered mangled thoughts ors creaked with sounds of dread of, aloof from the house, letting in the rain e, the mangled man muttered, I’m dead rk trees loomed ahead as he pled he man started screaming off his head.
n the woods where the house got lost p the luminous light lost its way the man’s muttered mangled screams were lost e loud sounds of the city were astray ouse that was crashed and had been blown away ack cat next to a man that had died away.
Rain or snow or sleet The ground is a blank white sheet The snow all over. The rain crashes down The lightning making loud sounds The thunder rumbles The wind blows the trees The breeze carries the small leaf Trees dance in the storm The yellow sun shines The heat scorches the small town The plant grows slowly The meteors fall A beautiful show of lights The comets all fall
2/12/26 What Remains Here once lay wrath and filth from ragged tents, Where dimples scar the field from working men. All pledge their breath to whom command is sent; Their knees bent low before swords once again.
The ground still holds the prints of metal feet; And air recalls the fire’s consuming hue. The vibrant earth had bowed to scorching heat, And memory stands in shadow of the yew.
Yet seasons came, unbothered by their claims, And rain unstitched the memory of war; The grass arose where banners spoke their names, And roots erased what boots had scarred before.
So fields outlive the fury kings employ; What men make cruel, the seasons shall destroy.
ry of greenery fills the field. ng the moment to see the world healed. phoenix reveals its gleaming emerald hue. ing pigmentation that no one knew.
restless waves spread tranquility. ng the ground were filled with stability. gs in war with the blazing sun. with nature has already begun
u Emoto’26 - Flagler
An enchantress from the stars is who jazz is a fierce lady who’s never liked squareness She can be found holding a set of matches setting cafes ablaze in velvet flames She has the grit of the coarsest sandpaper enough to expose the flesh to the frailest pink Frolicking within the sweat and the tears of those performing on the hazy stage The notes, harmonies– everything– smell of her smoke, her scent, which fails to leave the room But you also feel her gentle, soothing palm on the forehead of the lovesick, young artist The secure bebop of her footsteps on the stage as she passes by each diligent musician She will weave textiles with the lushest hues of endless blue, green, and dandelion yellow Sure, sometimes she might spiral, but in the end she will always stack fresh sheets in the closet and make sure no small groove is left unstraightened No matter how many suspicious souls whisper that the whole thing might collapse on their heads Her visits lie in the dampest and dankest
ffles the painter’s brushes and
waltzes in its bristles and hairs
a fresh pot of coffee for everyone
long, laborious day at work
jazz has come and gone in the evening
ir remains ruffled but our souls intact
jazz herself eagerly fidgets, armed
g to fill the room again with her sweet musk.
Open up your ears, and listen to your showerhead your phone your television Do you hear them? The invisible spirits leeching off of the veins of power and those who constantly weave phantom thread to the sacred tapestries and paintings that you call “environmental” They latch onto your comfort, release a tempest of sighs as a cyst, an immutable qualm, cozying up in the idleness of the objects that bring us so much Joy. The drips add up; the blinks tire the eyelids slowly but surely, like Chinese water Torture. Yet we name it efficiency; we name it innovative; we call ourselves honorable stewards and lords for recycling our cardboard and our cans While our LEDs and our machines hum away like crickets and cicadas singing in the crusted, claggy night A rare and indifferent tune.
By Danny Chu
Dawn pursues night, down into tomorrow. The dark resists, refusing to let go. So early, yet such clatter fills the streets. So busy, with people crowded on the train. Rushing out and drowning in the mob, A face off against time, who will win? Energy, pulsing through my body, The sun, spilling gold onto my face. Through the people, through Central Park, A sudden swerve, here and there. Flying up the stairs, dragging my bag Yes! I yell with seconds to spare.
Adrian Hsu
Rhetorical appeals are techniques of persuading an audience. Rhetorical appeals can be split into 3 main types, pathos, which focuses on emotions, ethos, which focuses on credibility, and logos, which relies on logic. These techniques help the speaker persuade the audience. During the Civil Rights Movement, both Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X used rhetorical appeals that responded to racial injustice in the United States. King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail tries moderates and clergymen to start helping, while Malcolm X’s Ballot or the Bullet encourages African Americans to use their voting powers wisely. Even though both of these speakers talk about racial inequality, they speak to different audiences and use different strategies to persuade them. In this essay, we will be analyzing and comparing how each speaker uses rhetorical appeals and techniques to influence the audience. Both speeches are written during the early 1960s, a time where people with different races were divided, and racial violence created an urgent national crisis that needs to be solved immediately. King writes his message while imprisoned in Birmingham during a nonviolent protest. The goal of the message he wrote is to justify the strategy of nonviolent actions to clergymen, and persuade them to move from not caring to actively supporting the movement. Malcolm X speaks to unite African American communities with the support of black nationalism and self defense. X encourages his audience to use the voting system wisely to get what they want, and advocate for basic human rights if continued to be violated. The goal and solution from these speakers looks clear, but the audiences are not going to accept it that easily. The clergyman and moderates believed that civil right protests were too extreme, and rather waited instead of demanding immediate change. The target audience (Many African Americans) for Malcolm X’s Ballot or the Bullet still trust the political system to deliver equality, even though promises were broken and injustice continues. Although both speakers respond to the same crisis, the way they communicate and convince their audience differs. King treats the obstacle as confusion and misunderstanding to African Americans and uses examples that create sympathy and trust and to overcome it, while Malcolm X treats the obstacle as African Americans not knowing that they are getting manipulated by the political system and the ones getting hurt, X relies on anger and realization to persuade the
men, and his rhetoric aligns with his audience more than X’s. While Malcolm roach is powerful, more could be said about immediately solving the on. This sounds vague, but you will see the depth of King’s speech compared s as we start analyzing. For King’s target audience, clergymen, it’s them believing that civil right were too extreme and should wait instead of demanding urgent change. the complete opposite of Martin Luther King’s viewpoint, which makes it r King to convince the clergyman. King tries convincing the clergyman by arious examples that spark sympathy, which is likely to help because the udience who probably never experienced what segregation feels like. Using members and anaphora, King helps the clergyman better see what it feels be an African American. On the other hand, X’s audience obstacle is African ans still trust the political system to deliver equality, even though promises oken and injustice continues. As these African Americans hear the quote we ked about, they not only feel anger from all the things that white people did , but also confusion of why not taking this issue into the United Nations like ountries. Malcolm X answers this question later on, saying this lets the world w the self claimed leader of the free world violates more than 22 million Americans, even later on, X talked about how the only way to solve the e of civil rights is to stand up for themselves. Malcolm X’s strategy of using leads to a bit of both logos and ethos, making this quote more directly g with the audience's condition. Still, MLK’s rhetorical strategy more addresses the obstacle. Unlike Malcolm X’s example, which redirects ion towards political institutions, King’s image that was built slowly more lowers the emotional distance from segregation. Because the primary obstacle of facing King’s audience is doubt about the and extremeness, King’s strategy of using credibility in both shared moral gious responsibility directly addresses this barrier. By presenting himself as ter of a church, and framing his actions as an ethical duty rooted in anity, King reassures that his protests are morally justified. In contrast, m X’s audience faces the obstacle of distrust towards the political system. os, which is built on a shared experience, still establishes trust, but it es the barrier more indirectly by first provoking awareness of systemic e. Therefore, King’s strategy more directly aligns with his audience’s,
Clergymen don’t agree with King because of the belief that acting up is too extreme, and rather wait for change. Martin Luther King dives incredibly deep into the topic of unjust laws and comes up with the conclusion with segregation being morally wrong. King hopes the clergyman and moderates followed his thought about segregation, and would eventually be on the same track as his thought, making all his arguments stronger. Malcolm X’s target audiences still trust the political system to give them equality and a nice society to live in. X’s quote gives these African Americans a harsh reality check, then telling them that they are the ones who have the power to decide if they want a nice society to live in or not. Malcolm X believes that this part of the speech, filled with logic and reasoning, will let the audience urgently realise the importance of their voting powers. X’s rhetorical strategy aligns more with the audience because it gives a clear cause and effect explanation that shows the audience how their votes are keeping a political party that fails to prioritize them, forcing them to reconsider their loyalty. The Civil Rights Movement era was a time where people are being treated unfairly purely because of their skin color. King was arrested during a nonviolent protest, and wrote a Letter from Birmingham Jail to convince clergymen and moderates to support the movement. Moderates and Clergymen believe civil right protests were too extreme. Malcolm X’s Ballot or the Bullet talks about uniting African Americans and using the political and voting system to get a better society. Many African Americans still trust the political system to give equality, even with broken promises and continuing injustice. Both speakers succeeded in convincing the audience, Martin Luther King used structured moral reasoning, vivid emotional imagery, and responsibilities aligned with the clergymen’s hesitation about morality and timing of protest. X used direct tone, cause and effect reasoning, and shared identity. Overall, King’s rhetorical strategy is more aligned with his audience because his moral authority and structured reasoning addresses the clergymen’s doubts about the timing and other doubts. X also motivates and challenges his listeners, but his strategy and depth isn’t as strong as King’s. In important history moments like this, persuading is not simply all about just passion or logic. Persuading an audience relies on aligning credibility with emotional and reasoning with conditions of the audience.
By Ryan Yuan This poem is about the life journey of Kevin de Bruyne, a Belgian soccer player who has encountered many adversities in his life, to a lost traveler. He eventually found his new home at Manchester City and achieved glory.
A rejected traveler with a heart for goal, Awaiting the sanctuary for a shattered soul, Over God's hurdles he leaps Overcoming loss and defeat. The blue moon rises, the lighthouse shines Guiding a lost traveler through the deep abyss, Leading him through the sickening mist. A new arrival, forever home, The lion free, Boundless land for it to roam The phoenix rises, a new era comes. An innovator's vision, still waiting to be done. Out the cage comes the fearless beast, With the world trembling at his feet. The engine of a running car, He guides the flock, like the Bethlehem star. The golden crown comes out through the mist, Its presence like music to the ear, Yet the dragon needs its eyes, The last piece of the puzzle, Sitting on the stand, forever glory lies The engine of the car, The leader of the pack In anguish and pain, He turned away with a forever scar. Through years of glory, The hidden pain unveiled,
The City will forever extol thee.
In the living room, I heard of the trade, Confirmed by all sources, my body froze. My love for the Celtics flickered and swayed, I read it again, then slowly I rose. 60th in the draft, dismissed for his height, Came to the Celtics and found a true stride. For his late sister, a career night, The trade shook the Garden’s pride. King of the Fourth Quarter is what they shout, I dared to dream because Isaiah can. When Thomas had the ball he left no doubt, I’d never forget that fearless man. First game, First Jersey, he sparks old stories, Though he is gone, my heart relives glory.
Ode to the Last Bell
und rippling through the hallway, tched, a sharpness in my ear. s rattling faintly along the walls, humming, remaining in the air, es scrape across the floor, airs slouched where people left them, ll lingering longer than it should.
oment passes, and the sound fades, emains sharp and precise, blade cutting through time, amp sealing the day shut d too hard. me were being held still, e caught between obligation and freedom, to a version of myself.
ho fully disappears. llway drains faster than I expect, lowly exit, leaving behind a memory, sealed by the glass door. und of the bell replaced by footsteps, es a memory rather than a command. past the snow, my breath creates a mist, ger reminiscing, I do not look back slowly forgotten last bell.
As drums of dawn awake my bloodshot eyes, The morning’s cold persuades them toward a truce. My face, my hands, my feet in ordered lines, They serve, they shatter, in this sleepless noose.
“Five minutes more!” runs softly through the bone, But mercy bends before the ruling head; The clocks advance like drills that make it known— Perchance to dream, no order leaves unsaid.
It trades my limbs like pawns to guard its reign; How shame they dreamt of queens it’d never reach. And day by day the desk-bound king grows vain, Outshined by those whose rhythms like to teach.
But now my soldiers face the lines again; The breakfast chimes begin the work anew.
We imagined the world to be faultless, but turned out not to be spotless. Around our campus we pursue flawlessness, which motivated our boldness. Reducing energy waste provides happiness, not sustainable creates sadness. Every piece of leaf on the ground in the early fall, every sustainability posters sticking on the Evans hall, Smokes flowing in the navy sky, Humans getting sick, we sigh. Animals lost their habitats, We realized the home we’re at. We gathered together, to save the things that are not going to last forever. We go out in the nature, barely see our future, just like our honest hearts, giving us a great start. Reducing packages, Less damages,
that is what we wanted to do,
ll start from me and you.
unks hollow,
what we need to save for tomorrow.
Home mpty bags, the thought of leaving nears, tart to fill as the hours slip past. set and shelves gives sighs soft and clear, elt like an endless workout has passed.
hirt that goes in tells a unique tale, er with friends echoing in the halls. oices now faint, and moments turn pale, emories live, till time takes the walls.
start pulling away, My thoughts dart, h my mind to find what I forgot. feelings don’t fade, but live in my heart, ast the stone arch, school becomes a thought.
ive to the airport feels eternal, hways stretch through the trees dark and full. et unease stays hidden, internal, engines near us moan sounds, quiet and dull.
depart and see the moments fade, ends and memories will not be swayed.
March 27, 2026
The Case of the Vanished Sapphire It was on a most tumultuous evening that I accompanied my dear friend Hercule Poirot to Rosemere House, the dignified country residence of Lady Agatha Montrose. The rain lashed fiercely against the tall windows, and thunder rolled as thought the heavens themselves disapproved of the fathering within. Lady Montrose, a woman of commanding presence and sharp eyes, had invited a select group to dine, and, as she proudly declared, to admire her most prized possession: the Blue star Sapphire. “It is perfection,” she announced, standing beside the glass display case in the drawing room. “And very soon, it will not be mine, but someone else's." At this I noticed a subtle tension ripple through the guests. There was Henry Montrose, pale and restless; Clara vane, calm and reserved, Julian Price, the man with the nice smile, Elias Warren, quiet and observant, and Sophie Lane, who was just drawing in her notebook. Dinner went on as expected, flooded with polite conversation. However, underneath all of the compliments, I could sense the tension in the room. Some were too kind, others were a little more distant, but everyone was a tad but different as if something else was soon to happen. We ate the dessert with delight, and we dispersed around the house as the storm reached its peak.
er a short time, but one that seemed like an eternity, the lights flickered back to life.
Lady Montrose rose at once. “My sapphire!”
We all hurried to the drawing room. The glass case stood open.
The Blue Star Sapphire had vanished.
Poirot, however, remained calm.
“Mes amis,” he said gently, his mustache twitching, “we must not despair. We must
lways, we must think.”
He began to observe the room. A chair stood slightly out of place near the display.
e itself had no scratches. Inside, he bent low and peered closely.
The remaining guests stood with unusual disquietness, giving side eyes and
d disingenuous remarks.
“Ah,” he murmured. “A smudge. Très intéressant.”
Over the next hour Poirot spoke to each guest.
Poirot decided to interview Henry Montrose first, as he was the Nephew of the
e was a strong man, yet he bore a worn down visage upon his face.
“Monsier Montrose, where were you during the time the blackout occurred?”
“I was in the hallways checking on the servants.”
“I see. And what do you do to pass the time?”
“I go to the casino on occasion. Actually, I go more often than occasionally…”
“I see. You come out rich and successful, no?”
helpful.” After he had left, we decided to interview one of the servants to confirm his alibi.
We found one of them near the hallway. He was a smaller man who bore a vacuous gaze.
We quickly questioned him about Mr. Montrose. “Nae sir. I dinna ‘member mister Montrose checkin ‘pon me ‘fore the black’oot.” “Is that so? Well then good day, Monsieur… ah, I apologize, I did not get your name.” “Oh, me name’s Wullie sir. Whut’s yer name, mista?” Poirot seemed to be taken aback by this. A servant, not knowing someone as important as him? I chuckled rather discreetly. “I am Hercule Poirot, a detective of world renown!” “Ah, gatche. Sorry meesta Por-toe. I’m Wullie, by thee wey.” We left with this newfound information. We then decided to interrogate Ms. Clara
Vane, the Ladies Maid. “I assure you, Monsieur Poirot, I remained seated the entire time. The lights went out, yes, but I did not so much as rise from my chair.” “You spoke to no one? You saw nothing unusual?” “Nothing at all. It was all quite sudden, and terribly inconvenient.” “You didn’t seem all that content during the party. Did you recently argue with Lady Montrose?”
“Ah, I see. I am so very sorry about that. Well, good day to you then, Madame
With no newfound information, we decided to switch targets to Dr. Warren to see if
ws of anything.
“I was in the library, engrossed in a medical journal. The blackout was…. An
tion, nothing more.”
“And you did not leave the room at any point, Doctor?”
“Certainly not. I have little patience for wandering in the dark”
“I see. Good day, Monsieur, Warren. I bid you farewell.”
We then interrogated Miss Lane. Miss Lane eagerly recounted every detail, perhaps
rly, though nothing in her story seemed amiss.
“Oh it was dreadful Monsieur Poirot! One moment we were admiring the sapphire,
t, darkness! I remember someone gasping, and I think a chair moved, yes, I am
rtain of it.
“You have a remarkable memory, Mademoiselle. You are quite sure of every
“Oh Absolutely! I notice everything, one must, at gatherings like these.”
We then interviewed Mr. Julian Price who said he was in the room but was only
examine the gem.
“Yes, yes, I was there, naturally. I had been invited to inspect the sapphire, purely
“I.. well, it was dark of course, It’s impossible to see anything. I remained where I was, There's not much more to say really.” After more interviewing with Mr. Price, we left the room to discuss our interviews. “Ah, Hastings, I must confess, I found him most agreeable, that monsieur Price. He was exceedingly helpful, offering suggestions, reconstructing timelines, and even pointing out who had been nearest the drawing room.” Yet Poirot watched him with a curious expression. He didn’t have the sure glance in his eyes like he usually did. Poirot invited me to the private drawing room where he sat me down while the others remained in the dining room. Once we settled he gave me an unnerving look. After a moment of silence he confessed to me that for once in his career he was conflicted and didn’t know where to begin. Suddenly a flash of emotions passed through Poirot’s face. I glanced at him waiting for him to start with the solving of the case but all he asked was just a question of child’s play. “Hastings, do you recollect the tiny smudge left on the case of the gem?” Poirot asked. “Why of course. It’s our only hint as to who could’ve done the deed.” “And, Hastings, what or who do you think could’ve made that?
Shaking his head, Poirot replied “This is too much to keep in my head. I need to
s down.”
As he said that, Julian Price walked by the room.
“Ah, Monsieur Price! Would you happen to have a pen with you?”
“Mes excuses detective, I seem to have lost my pen in all this madness.” Price said
rried away.
I locked eyes with Poirot. The confused look in his eyes was gone. At that moment
He had done it again.
Later that evening, Poirot gathered us all once more in the drawing room.
“Mesdames et messieurs,” he began, clasping his hands, “this crime, it is not one of It is one of order. Of method. The thief, he plans. He prepares.”
He turned to Henry Montrose. “You, monsieur, have the motive, but not the
n.”
To Clara Vane: “You have the fear, but not the opportunity.”
To Doctor Warren: “You had an opening, but no motive to take it.”
To Miss Lane: “You have the curiosity, but not the means.”
Then, slowly, he faced Mr. Julian Price.
“And you, monsieur… you have everything.”
A murmur spread through the room.
Poirot continued, his voice calm. “You knew the value of the sapphire. You
“Precisely,” said Poirot. “You said you were in the room but only to examine the sapphire when the lights went out, so of course you had the key. You unlocked the case then. That is why there are no scratches, no damage. The case was ready.” “No sir.” Said Price. “I was actually in the hallway when the lights went out.” A simple mistake during our interview.” “Oh what a mystery!?” said Henry Montrose as a sarcastic retort. “I was in the hallway as well checking on the servants and I did not see you! Are you sure you were there?” “Were you really?” I questioned. “Poirot, the servant said he wasn’t there.” Mr. Montrose sighed. “Did you interview Wullie? Asked Mr. Montrose with a deflated mood. He has a brain condition. He’s amnestic and suffers from short-term memory loss.” “Ah,” Poirot exclaimed, “That was the only thing that would not fit in the story. Now there is no confusion, and only one suspect can be guilty of this crime. Monsieur Price?” “I-i mean, I was not in the hallway, I was actually in-.” “Monsieur Price. You can stop lying now.” Said Poirot as he stepped closer. “You were not in the hallway. When the lights went out you did not fumble. You did not search.
You simply opened the case and took what you had already prepared to take.” Mr. Price’s face had gone pale.
”
Mr. Price said nothing
“And finally,” Poirot concluded, “your timeline, it is… how do you say?
tent. You claim to have been examining the gem, then to have been in the hallway
e lights failed. You cannot be in two places at once, monsieur.”
Silence filled the room.
Then Mr.Price gave a small, defeated sigh.
“It was too perfect an opportunity. I only meant to take what I deserved.”
Lady Montrose gasped.
Poirot merely shook his head. “Non, monsieur. One takes only what is one’s own.
. Well, the rest is theft.
Later, as we departed the Rosemere House, the storm at last subsiding, I turned to
“My dear Poirot,” I said, “you did a great job once again. How do you do these
with such ease?”
Poirot smiled, tapping his forehead.
“It is simple Hastings. One must only use the little grey cells.”
Summer is the best Splashing in the calm blue pool Or resting in shade
Rhetoric Analysis of Presidential Speeches
Rhetoric has been in use for thousands of years, from ancient Mesopotamia, to philosophers like Plato, to politicians now. Rhetoric is the art of effective speaking or writing, which is split into 3 distinct appeals: ethos, pathos, and logos. These appeals target the audiences’ emotion, reason, and trust to convince them of an argument. Most politicians utilize rhetoric today especially when addressing the public. In president Barack Obama’s “Address Before a Joint Session of the Congress on the State of the Union” he addresses the struggles of the citizens during the Great Recession. Around 40 years before, president Jimmy Carter’s “A Crisis of Confidence” addressed the growing distrust in America’s leadership and future. Rhetoric played a big role for both presidents so that they could persuade their audience to trust their policies and leadership abilities. In this situation, the target audience, which the speech is addressed to, is the American people who don’t trust the government. Comparing the difference between the speakers’ strategies will allow better understanding of how to apply rhetoric well and appropriately. This essay will analyze how well the speakers use rhetorical techniques like evoking specific emotions or comparing data from the past to influence their audience. In 2008, many homes were being foreclosed because of job loss caused by many businesses at the time failing. This was the biggest financial crisis since the great depression. Citizens grew weary of the government and uncertain of their future, Obama had to address this uncertainty and prove that his policies are effective so people would want to work with the government to overcome this crisis. For president Carter in the 1970s, stagflation was a major concern for Americans as unemployment rates grew and wage growths slowed. Combined with persistent inflation and increasing dependence on foreign oil the citizens of America started to grow fearful for the future of their country. Carter had to show the citizens that he understood their struggles and promised to help them as long as they put their confidence and money in their leadership. The Americans distrusted the government because they feel as if the government has failed to regulate the economy. Although both speakers respond to similar crises, they differ in how they understand the audience’s hesitation. Obama treats the obstacle as a united front and uses examples of positive change to overcome it, while Carter addresses problems
addresses the needs of the audience in those moments because it calls for to work together with themselves and the government. Carter and Obama both had to address the crisis and show to the uncertain e that they can effectively produce good results. The audience, having d a crisis needed to see real proof that the country did better when they did in the government, without it the audience would not have a reason to trust adership. If money is being taken from the audience and they didn’t get a for why more money was taxed, then Carter’s strategy of telling them that he e their taxes for Americans like them helps because the audience will think extra tax money they are giving to the government will be used to benefit y fighting inflation. If Obama’s audience struggles with uncertainty of eness of Obama’s policies, his use of specific and comparative data is likely o help as the audience can now have a better understanding of how ful Obama’s policies are due to his concrete proof of success. While Carter mericans what their tax money is going to be used for, Obama shows them policies do work and will keep working as long as they keep believing in arter explains his reason for increasing tax while Obama shows the rise in mic success. Obama’s presentation of measurable improvement better targeted rce of resistance which was the suspicion in the effectiveness of Obama’s . Both Carter and Obama had to deal with distrust in government as a result conomic crisis, both speakers needed to prove that they are still trustworthy the public skepticism towards government leadership. The skepticism s the audience from immediately believing what Carter is saying. If the e struggles with giving support and faith into the government, then Carter’s y of showing humility and that he values the common people is likely to help e they will know that Carter understands their struggles. They will and that Carter values the welfare of the American people and so they should m with their tax money. Obama’s audience struggles with a similar obstacle suffered from recession a couple of years ago. If Obama’s audience es with trusting his leadership and new policies, then Obama’s strategy of g that he only wants the best for his country is likely to help because his e will think that the actions of the government is nationally beneficial of only benefiting a partisan and if they work together with the government,
the importance of unity and showing that the people are powerful unless they are divided because of politics. Although Carter directly interacts with some people that have similar goals and struggles, Obama is more responsive to the historical moment as a lot of frustration in the US was caused by partisan division. This lack of unity being addressed shows the audience that Obama is prioritizing diplomacy and the good of the country over power or partisan politics. Carter and Obama needed to address Americans who felt discouraged and uncertain about the future of the country. The audience won’t immediately believe the speaker after they’ve all suffered through an economic crisis they think was caused by the government. If the audience struggles with trusting their government after a major crisis, then Carter’s strategy of describing how horrible America will be to the audience if they don’t trust the tax raise is not likely to help because it will raise much more concerns for the citizens who are already scared for the future of their country. Obama tries to give the audience a glimmer of hope in the midst of a recession. If the audience struggles with hopelessness or despair, then Obama’s strategy to incorporate a relatable anecdote is likely to help because the audience can both connect to the struggles of Rebekah and Ben, and use their story as concrete evidence that recovery is still possible no matter how hard it seems. While Obama tries to let the audience feel empowered through the belief that they will get out of the recession if they work hard and together, Carter uses fear to propel change. Carter makes the people scared of the future instead of hopeful. Obama tries to show unity and hope as a way to escape the economic crisis, while Carter tries to make the audience feel obligated to pay taxes in order to prevent their country’s destruction. Obama’s strategy is more directly addressed to the nation’s current attitude as he gives reassurance to his audience struggling with despair. At the time of both speeches, the nation was not just dealing with economic instability and public skepticism, but the citizens were starting to lose confidence and hope in the future of their country. This surfaced more of the public’s skepticism towards their leadership and caused them to question the legitimacy of their government. The collective identity of the nation was questioned as Americans stopped believing in the government and became distrustful of the people managing their country. While both presidents addressed the crisis using rhetoric and reassured the public Obama focused on unity and reassurance while Carter focused on showing the benefits of raised taxes and problems that come with distrust in the
ation to solve was more responsive to the audience’s condition. He did that iring hope in the American people, revealing the data on how much their has improved since his policies, and using shared values to show the e that they have similar goals so they should work together. Ultimately, this ison demonstrated that persuasive effectiveness doesn’t only stem from motional force or volume of evidence but it is from how well the speaker ands the audience’s concerns and strategically aligns their speech with their
Reid Harrison
A sneaky bandit runs ravenously for money
Under the bridge where the homeless go
where the concrete creeks of sorrow
This is the place where the bandit flows
His home is where the birds crow
Yet his soul still glows
Beyond the darkness, the light shines
But as he runs, the darkness grows
Because the sneaky bandit craves
The moneys that expose
His true job does not glow
But only crows in death throes
2026