Obama still has the ability to persuade
Re: “The era of Obama rhetoric is over,” editorial, June 17
Aristotle taught that the art of rhetoric is a powerful tool of persuasion, but it is only good when coupled with a credible character, or ethos. Like Plato, he feared the power of rhetoric when used in a deceiving manner.
The Examiner rightfully pointed out President Obama’s abuse of rhetoric throughout his first term as president and in his address to the public on Tuesday, when he attempted to convince the masses that the
government has a handle on the situation in the Gulf. His command of language does not make up for his failure in the BP incident.
However, I disagree that the era of Obama rhetoric is over — at least for now. People find solace in the president’s voice and still respect his character. But, if he continues down this road of deceptive speech, his ethos will be written off as void. Then the era of Obama rhetoric will really be over.
Christopher H. Longley
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More hypocrisy from the left
Re: “Rescued sailing girl needs responsibility lesson,”June 17
In her recent commentary, Susan Estrichwrote that “the line between parental and state responsibility is where the life of the child is endangered.”
If she believes that,does it mean shenowsupports anti-abortion laws? Or is this just another example of hypocrisyfrom the left?
Mark Magnussen
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Emotionally sound children don’t become abusers
Re: “N. Va. has state’s lowest levels of family violence,” June 15
The news that “Northern Virginia residents are less likely than those living in other parts of the state to commit violent acts against members of their own families” did not surprise me. I wonder, however, what the “data” can teach other localities.
Like the rest of the greater Washington area, Northern Virginia is a magnet for people from other places, particularly professionals and students, and has a high proportion of single, childless adults who don’t have anyone at home to abuse — or be abused by.
Successful middle-class people have less need to live with relatives they don’t get along with and the means and culturalreceptivityto get mental health care when they need it. Middle-class abusers also find it easier to hide their problems from the authorities.
An emotionally sound childhood is more likely to produce a successful (or at least civil) adult. If you want less family violence, you need good mental health care, family life education and counseling so that children will not grow into adults who resort to violence when they feel pressed.
Sharon Kass
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