Introductory Document A
Tweets from President Trump on Tuesday, September 23rd, 2017
Introductory Document B
NEW YORK (Associated Press) — Excerpt from “The Latest on the sports world reacting to President Donald Trump’s remarks about pro football” September 24, 2017
….It appeared no drivers, crew or other team members participated in a protest during the national anthem to start the NASCAR Cup series race Sunday in Loudon, New Hampshire. Several team owners and executives had said they wouldn’t want anyone in their organizations to protest.
Richard Childress, who was Dale Earnhardt’s longtime team owner, said of protesting, “It’ll get you a ride on a Greyhound bus.” Childress says he told his team that “anybody that works for me should respect the country we live in. So many people gave their lives for it. This is America.”
Hall of Fame driver [and current team owner] Richard Petty’s sentiments took it a step further, saying: “Anybody that don’t stand up for the anthem oughta be out of the country. Period. What got ’em where they’re at? The United States.”
When asked if a protester at Richard Petty Motorsports would be fired, he said, “You’re right.”
Introductory Document C
Tweet from Benjamin Watson
on September 23, 2017
Watson plays tight end for the Baltimore Ravens. In 2015, Watson published his first book,“Under Our Skin: Getting Real About Race- And Getting Free From The Fears and Frustrations That Divide Us”. In October of 2016, he authored a “Group Conversation Guide” to aid readers’ journey to honest conversation about race, bias, and justice in America. On May 2nd, 2017 Watson will release his next literary work, “The New Dad’s Playbook: Gearing Up for the Biggest Game of Your Life.”
Evaluate Richard Petty’s and Benjamin Watson’s credibility as sources. What is a strength and weakness of each as a source?
Richard Petty / Benjamin WatsonStrength / Weakness / Strength / Weakness
Connection to the Argument Essay Question:
How do Introductory Documents A-C help answer the question of whether or not public figures should use their position to express personal political beliefs? Note supporting points, evidence and your evaluation on either side on your t-chart.
Evaluating Word Choice
PART A:
The freedom of Speech may be taken away—and, dumb & silent we may be led, like sheep, to the Slaughter.
- George Washington
What point is Washington making about freedom of speech?
What impact does the simile “like sheep to slaughter” have on Washington’s point? In your answer,carefully consider the connotation and impact of the word “sheep.” Also consider his choice of the word “slaughter.”
PART B:
“We are willing enough to praise freedom when she is safely tucked away in the past and cannot be a nuisance. In the present, amidst dangers whose outcome we cannot foresee, we get nervous about her, and admit censorship.”
- E.M. Forster
What point is Forster making about freedom?
What effect does personifying freedom have on Forster’s statement?
How is Forster’s point about freedom of speech different than Washington’s? Does it challenge Washington’s point? Support it?