What is the central topic of Obama’s address (paragraph 5)? Does he make a persuasive case for public service? (page 635).
In paragraph five, Obama gives a commencement speech addressing the topic of service to one’s state. He makes a persuasive case when he argues that citizens should not only be concerned about their families and jobs but also to be concerned about the welfare of the state. He states, “I say this to you as someone who couldn’t be standing here today if not for the service of others, and wouldn’t be standing here today if not for the purpose that service gave my own life (631).This statement strongly supports Obama’s claims.
In paragraph 20, Obama says that we do “have an obligation to those who are less fortunate.” Putting aside his specific reason, which he gives in the next sentence, do you agree with this assertion? Why, or why not? Now think about his reason, his assertion that “our individual salvation depends on collective salvation.” Does this make sense to you? Explain . I disagree that we have an obligation to those who are less fortunate. Although they are vulnerable and they have not chosen to be the where they are, I believe that helping should be one’s choice since it should come from the heart. “A hand that gives is the hand that receives,” and therefore assisting a person invites more blessings. Don't use plagiarised sources.Get your custom essay just from $11/page
Obama makes sense when he states, “our individual salvation depends on collective salvation” because we cannot be saved individually unless we are saved as a nation. It is important that citizens recognize that their fate is tied to another person’s fate.
Summarize in 100 words the main provisions of the Kennedy-Hatch bill, “Serve America Act of 2008.” What is its status today?
The key provision of the Ted Kennedy-Orrin Hatch bill, “Serve America Act of 2008” was to increase the state and communal service openings. The bill was purposed to increase participants to roughly 250,000. All ages were to benefit from this act as the government worked on dealing with creating more jobs, preparing to handle natural disasters, health, and education challenges. The bill also incorporated the formation of a reserve force of national service former students that could be organized in case of a natural tragedy. Since the “Serve America Act of 2008.” Was signed, volunteering has been enhanced, and fresh visions for service have been introduced.
What does it mean to say with the philosopher Immanuel Kant that “all human beings [are to] be treated. . . as members of the Kingdom of Ends” (para. 9)? Are you such a member? Why, or why not? Kant means that we should treat humanity as an end rather than a means. He argues that our moral obligation should be determined by a reason rather than the desire for anticipated results. Yes, I am a member of the Kingdom of Ends because I help without expecting anything in return.
Should public service be universal? Mandatory? Evaluate the reasons advanced by Richard Stengel in paragraph 15.
Stengel argues that public service should be universal because it will enhance the spirit of volunteerism and patriotism. He further states that since Americans have for long volunteered to serve in the government, there is no need to make public service mandatory.
From a rhetorical point of view — or, we might say, in terms of argumentative strategy — why does Ricks begin his argument with a quotation by a general? He begins his argument with a quotation to attract the attention of the readers. Ricks, his quote, wants to show his audience his subject of discussion and his view on the topic.
Ricks proposes drafting both females and males — something never yet done in the United States. If a draft is deemed necessary, do you think it should include women as well as men? Explain. I believe that drafting should be for both females and males because it would be to continue to exempt women.
Ricks’s second option would allow eighteen-year-olds to teach in low-income areas. An implication is that such teaching requires little or no training, no special skill, no talent. Do you agree? Or might a brief period of training — say three weeks — be enough? If the proposal were enacted, what impact might it have on our educational system? Explain. I think that regardless of the region, children should be taught by teachers with experience. A three week period is not enough to train a person to understand children with different capabilities. If eighteen-year-old adults are allowed to teach, then the education system will be affected since teaching requires training and professional skills.
In his fifth paragraph, Ricks offers a third option: Libertarians could opt-out if they sign a pledge forfeiting, for life, Medicare, and all other government assistance. Do you think an eighteen-year-old is sufficiently mature to make this immensely important decision? Explain. An eighteen-year-old is not mature enough to make such an important decision, and therefore parents‘ guidance is required. Teenagers mainly make decisions either because of peer pressure or the end benefits without considering the consequences of the actions.
Eggers argues that colleges should consider instituting a service requirement for graduation. How does he support his argument? What kinds of evidence does he offer? Eggers argues that instituting a service requirement would assist Colleges bridge the gap that exists between the education world and the outside world. He gives an example of what the state will benefit from this program. He states, “If you exempted a third of them for various reasons that would leave more than 6 million able-bodied young people at the ready. Even with a modest ten-hour-a-year requirement, America would gain 60 million volunteer hours to invigorate the nation’s nonprofit organizations, churches, job corps, conservation groups, and college outreach programs”(649).
Works Cited
Sylvan Barnet and Hugo Bedau. Current Issues and Enduring Questions. Tenth edition. Boston,
MA: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2014.
ISBN 13: 978-1-4576-2260-1