Bush on Social Security Reform.
Most people, especially those who don’t like Bush, will have a problem with this speech. The word I and other personal nouns were used excessively. It’s great he wants to reform SS, and that he thinks it’s a good idea, but it would sound better to use we on occasion. Due to the excessive I’s, Bush has lost potential listeners in the 1st paragraph were 7 I’s were used. I tried to count the total, but I lost track. Other paragraphs have just as many but say there are ONLY 14 I’s per page…that makes 14x8=112. WOW!The best argument of logic, or logos, that SS is going to be bankrupt eventually and it is better to do something now than sit and wait. We realize now that the number of workers to retirees has decreased from 16-1 to 3-1 and is still declining. This problem needs immediate attention.Again, Bush creates very little ethos for himself. He only mentions himself in connection with the Presidency once. However, he did create some for each of his panel. Expert Andrew Biggs received the most praise and credibility. Bush continues to end his speeches with pathos; however, it was weaker this time. Most of the pathos was found within the speech concerning the lack of revenue in the SS system. The last paragraph on the first page has so much emotion in it I was worried there would be hysteria.The decorum of this speech was unique and friendly. Bush called most of his panelist by first name and joked around with them as well. Not very Presidential, but this laid back attitude is what got him re-elected.
Bush had a very clear cut telos, or goal, for SS reform. He outlined what he expected of congress and told them he would work with them. However, Bush was very demanding and said reform would be done and it needs to happen quickly.The issue of SS reform has needed to be addressed for some time. In fact Bush said he would fix the system in his last term. Bush used kairos, or timing, by saying reform is necessary and if it is not done it will be bankrupt. This speech was very demanding and authoritative. I don’t think Bush used the correct words to be effective and creating change. Reform needs to happen and maybe it will, but if congress does something it won’t be a direct result of this speech.
There's more to looking at the social security than the worker-to-retiree ratio. Everything I read, outside of this administration's spin, says that while there is a slight shortfall it can easily be fixed down the road with very little tweaking. Considering the billions that this administration is spending on its agenda, I have a hard time accepting that SS is an urgent problem that needs major overhaul to make it right. This approach is typical of this administration-i.e., create fear and then have a ready solution. Have you noticed that there are no more terror alerts since the election?
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