Friday, September 30, 2016

Stage Three Critique

The argumentative opinion article I chose to critique was from the New York Times. It was called, “What Does Immigration Actually Cost Us?” by Thomas B. Edsall. The audience he chose to write to includes most American voters. I feel like it was more of a liberal argument because the quotes from Trump were negative in connotation. Although, the perception of hostility may just be attributed to Trump’s personality and not a left wing enticement. Hillary had great things to say that alluding to a positive impression. The author of this piece is very credible. Thomas B. Edsall has been writing opinion pieces for 25 years. According to Wikipedia he has been an editor, written for many national newspapers, teaches at Columbia University, and has other political and educational accomplishments.
The claim of Edsall’s argument is about immigration hurting American citizens and their wages while having an affect on our economy. He is good at presenting the liberal and conservative perspective.  There are two quotes that supported the author’s argument on a strong contrast between the two parties. The quote from Hillary that made an impact was “because they know it strengthens families, strengthens our economy, and strengthens our country. The quote that contrasted Hillary’s argument the most was when Trump used another negative statement saying, “They should – and need to – go home and get in line.” Evidence Edsall uses includes statistics and opinions from Harvard and Dallas Federal Reserve economists. They state how immigration is good for the economy and promotes skilled workers while filling voids for laborers. The other side concludes immigration hurts lower income Americans. In the logic of this article the author presents the strong contradiction between two sides and states that all republicans agree with Trump and all democratics agree with Hillary.

I agree that there are two strong stances and that as American citizens we must evaluate the best compromise for our country. As a liberal I am like this author predicted and swayed towards Hillary’s arguments. I do believe the evidence that proves making illegals a part of our society helps not hurts our economy. The one critique I must mention is I am not sure I agree because I am liberal or because of my ethics and close family values.

Friday, September 23, 2016

Native Americans and Dakota Access, Stage Two ABC News Article


This article on ABC News is about the tensions between many Native American tribes in North Dakota and Dakota Access. The Native Americans want to keep sacred sites for future generations while respecting nature and being peaceful. They also believe Dakota Access is going to damage the Missouri river water and their sacred sites. It seemed as though they were a little aggressive when three hundred Native American protestors against 14 officers tried to stop the bulldozers from demolishing these sacred sites. The article has a statement from a witness that believes it was chaotic but misunderstood. The Company wants to deliver sweet crude oil more cost effectively and environmentally responsible. Dakota Access has gotten permission from the landowners to put this pipeline through their private land. This is very important for people to read as American citizens. It is a tension that has been going on since we first settled America. It also involves our environment; Our Earth is very precious, since we only have one. Lastly it emphasizes communication and that is an important tool in any conflict or government situation.