1) In John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address he is arguing for a balance between protecting America and for peace in the world and to warn hostile regimes that America will respond. One of the tools he is purposing to use is the United Nations. There is definite an underlying threat to the communists to not take over other nations and therefore threaten the US and others in the world But there is also a call for Americans to help in the effort to promote peace in a call against, tyranny poverty disease and war.
2) JFK appeals to logos in that he notes early on how we have the power to abolish “All forms of human poverty and all forms of human life.” Throughout his address he uses comparisons to highlight friendly actions vs. hostile actions to build a logical case that supports friendly actions and not hostile actions.
From the perspective of ethos some of the things that bring out the emotion are reminders of Americans that have died in past wars and a call to “Dare not tempt them with weakness.” a clear reference to our enemies as well as Americana citizens to show that we are strong and not afraid of being bullied by other nations.
Regarding ethos JFK makes reference to god a few times throughout his address however, the clearest summary of his ethics are shown in the statement to the “peoples in the huts” showing them that we pledge to help them “not because we seek their votes, but because it is right.” He also makes a reference to the book of Isaiah from the bible to “let oppress go free” Also he ends his statement that “gods work must truly be our own.”
3) This speech is historically relevant in that since it occurred in 1961 we are in the time period during the time period of the Korean War during the cold war and also dealing with the issue of Civil rights and before what would become the peace corp. It is also during a time of increased communist influence around the globe. Basically JFK’s speech gives the feeling you are either with us or against us.
4) I find JFK’s argument very convincing because he is offering help and friendship while warning tyrants that they will not be tolerated. There is a call for correct morality in how people should be treated and how situations should be dealt with. There is also a call to be cautious with weapons that can destroy mankind that hints at although we do not wish to use them we will if forced.
