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Connor Jackson English 1101 Fuentes Rhetorical Analysis Government Shutdown? Choose an opinion and an emotion. Nine days ago, the United States government had a partial shutdown. For most, this doesnt mean much change to everyday life although it is very confusing. Government agencies arent running, parks closed down, people are being furloughed. There is a lot of political talk going on in the news and it seems like one has to form his own opinion based off a partys opinion. Its always neck and neck with the conflict between the Republican and Democratic Parties and everyone has their own idea of a solution. Democrats have taken aggressive acts of name calling into their arsenal over the last week and proceeded to trash a great deal of republicans. In This is What They Want, Charles Pierce goes on to say that what the Republicans are doing right now is vandalism. All acts of the Republican Party to not negotiate to terms they havent agreed on is said to be preposterous. Both parties have their motivation for rage with the solution of the shutdown being based of who wins the compromises. They (Republicans) are getting what they want, (Pierce). Pierces rhetoric shows harsh tones and an overall theme of desperate urgency to the matters at hand. Pierce barks liberal political accusations at the Republican Party and pegs them as the overall bad guy. He is clearly speaking to a very angered Democratic side that is frankly showing more frustration than anything with the current government condition. Pierce represents the position of

a majority of Democrats in terms of this governmental blame game bickering that has currently only widened the schism in our country. Approaching the other side of the spectrum, where I personally prefer to be, is Clint Henderson of Fox News. Henderson writes Obamacare Exchanges Open for Business Glitches and All. Taking on the different side of the spectrum politically, Henderson gives an update of the current situation in the United States. Motivation for the conservative side is still at the same level as the liberal and yet there is no high-horsed outrageous accusations shouting out of this article. Given this is only one specific example, the rhetor is more calm and composed than Pierce in his piece. Henderson offers an opinionated side in a calm manner and gives hope for people rallying against Obamacare. In comparison to the previous, more liberal based article, hoping for rising numbers against Obamacare shows confidence in Republicans while their inability to put down their guard in Congress frustrates and angers the Democrats. It gives a higher position to the Republican Party which is what I personally like to see in todays government. Aside from the serious emotions, state of government, and accusations flying around in todays media, some writers prefer to poke fun at the situation in sight of comic relief. Funny Or Dies 47 Fun Things You MUST Do During The Government Shutdown applies comedy to the fretted government partial shutdown. Repeatedly going back to National Parks and screaming COWARD! at the staff when they refuse to let you in is hilarious to most in these well written steps (Funny or Die). The little things such as people not showing their emotion and helping the reader to relax over the situation is a great cause. Its not something to change an opinion or to anger someone but just for the casual chuckle.

A frustrated and angered Democrat, an optimistic Republican, and a comedian who would love nothing more than to troll the two politicians. My opinion was set since day one and none of these articles did anything to sway it, however reading these articles helps to convey a perspective from two people on two opposing sides. Both have significant cause for expressing what they feel.

Pierce, Charles P. "The Politics Blog." Esquirecom Article. N.p., 02 Oct. 2013. Web. 09 Oct. 2013. <http://www.esquire.com/blogs/politics/The_Deep_Game>. Henderson, Clint. "October 2, 2013 Happening Now." Fox News. FOX News Network, 02 Oct. 2013. Web. 09 Oct. 2013. <http://www.foxnews.com/on-air/happeningnow/blog/2013/10/02/october-2-2013-happening-now-shutdown-showdown-day-2-obamacareexchanges-open-busine>. Die, Funny Or. "47 Fun Things You MUST Do During the Government Shutdown." Funny or Die. N.p., 01 Oct. 2013. Web. 09 Oct. 2013. <http://www.funnyordie.com/articles/61b0b01333/fun-things-you-must-do-during-thegovernment-shutdown>.