Marijuana Use - A Persuasive Argument

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Richard Lowry has been the editor of National Review since 1997. He joined the magazine’s staff in 1992 after graduating from the University of Virginia, where he edited a conservative monthly magazine called the Virginia Advocate. In 1994, he moved to Washington, D.C. to cover Congress. At 33, Rich Lowry is not what most people expect of the editor of the National Review. Lowry is constantly taking readers by surprise, presenting them with his humor, his depth of knowledge and his enthusiasm. Lowry presents an argument on the issues of marijuana usage. The article "Weed Whackers", was published by the National Review on August 20, 2001. In the 19th century, cultural prejudices have been formed, fighting against the usage of marijuana. In the article, "Weed Whackers", Richard Lowry presents a persuasive argument on the anti-marijuana forces and why they are wrong. He makes logical claims using credible sources, which acts as a persuasive mechanism by appealing his audience.

Richard Lowry uses persuasive reasoning, arguing that marijuana prohibition relies on cultural prejudices. He makes logical claims arguing that marijuana is not as harmful as other drugs such as alcohol, nicotine and caffeine; however, despite the effects of the drug, the punishment for possession is extreme. Because of the minimal effects on how marijuana affects the body, he argues that it makes little sense to send people to jail for marijuana usage. Lowry argues that marijuana is highly used and only represents a temporary experiment or enthusiasm. He backs up this claim using a 1999 report by the Institute of Medicine, which shows that, "in 1996, 68.6 million people- 32% of the US population over 12 years old- had tried marijuana or hashnish at...

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..., "when used in a social setting, it may produce infectious laughter and talkativeness". After he makes logical claims using scientific and medical research for support mechanisms, Lowry uses humorous sarcasm as a way to appeal to his audience. Lowry’s humor tactics is an attempt to appeal to the average American values. However, because of cultural prejudices and legality issues, many tend to overthrow his beliefs.

Richard Lowry’s argument is convincing to those whom it already appeals. However, he uses credible sources to make logical claims. This article helps to shape peoples values, by giving facts that show the minimal affects of marijuana usage, expressing the falsity of the "gateway theory" and depicting the correlation between troubled teens and their usage. These ideas are reasonable and logical, which could possibly help to persuade the opposition.

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