Rhetorical Analysis: The Cost Of Steel

456 Words1 Page

The Cost of Steel In President John F. Kennedy's commentary about the steel industry (1962), he argues that increasing the cost of steel in America would prove to be detrimental to the overall economy. He uses arguments of pathos and logos while maintaining a persuasive tone. President Kennedy explains to the nation the importance of consistency within the prices of steel in our nation in order to ensure the stability of the economy during this challenging time. President John F. Kennedy addresses his conference and the nation, many of whom have the utmost respect for him, on this issue of increased prices. Initially, President John F. Kennedy connects with the audience using arguments of pathos, appealing to their emotions. He mentions that the nation is "confronted …show more content…

He elaborates on the fact that "sacrifice" is "being asked of every citizen", while he can understand the desire of steel executives to pursue "private power" which "exceeds their sense of public responsibility" (15-19). Throughout the course of the conference, President Kennedy used logical devices and examples to demonstrate the effects of inflating the price of steel in our nation. The President informs the nation that the "rise in the cost of steel" would "increase the cost of homes, autos, appliances, and most other items for every American family" at a time when the economy and the people did not have the resources to manage (23-25). Additionally, increasing the price of steel would impair all efforts to "prevent an inflationary spiral" from consuming the pensions of the older United States citizens (27-30). Simply put, the President explains that "there is no justification for an increase in the steel prices" (46-47). President Kennedy exhibits a persuasive tone in the entirety of his

Open Document