This essay is on Jimmy Carter’s “The president’s proposed energy policy.”
In modern days, humanity’s excessive use of resources has caused a variety of catastrophic and unprecedented disasters. In “The President’s Proposed Energy Policy,” Jimmy Carter strongly claims that his new energy policy needs to be supported. Carter adopts powerful diction, appeals to pathos, and address to national identity to persuade his audience.
Carter’s deft use of strong diction begins in his introduction. Unlike most other speeches, he begins by saying that he needs to have an “unpleasant talk” with the people of the United States. He gives a hint to his audience that the topic he will deliver a speech about will not be pleasing to the ear. By using this phrase, he immediately turns on the alarms in the citizens that causes them to be concerned about whatever he is going to talk about. He continues to state that this will possibly be their “greatest challenge,” and it may “overwhelm the citizens.” He warns the people of the hardship that they may go through if they fail to prevent the energy crisis. His choice of words helps the audience to actively participate in his cause to save themselves. Although his word choice may come off as overly dramatic, it offers a clear image of how difficult the situation that America is in.
Just as persuasive as his use of powerful diction is Carter’s appeals to pathos. “The most important thing about these proposals is that the alternative may be a national catastrophe.” Carter claims that if the citizens of America continue their ways of exploiting their resources, there is a high possibility that the people will suffer a disastrous consequence. By delivering this line, Carter causes his audiences to feel terrified by one of the possible future outcomes, thus he gains support for his energy plans. He also states that the people must not be “selfish or timid if we hope to have a decent world for our children….” He claims that if the people do not act now, it will be their descendants that will suffer from our actions. As all human beings love their children and wish to provide a better world for them, he effectively convinces the audience to support his new energy plan. Without the employment of appeals to pathos, his argument would not be as moving as it is.
Finally, Carter bolsters his argument by appealing to the audiences of their national identity. “Our nation’s independence of economic and political action is becoming increasingly constrained.” He claims that the United States have less choice in their actions due to the upcoming energy crisis. As all Americans must have pride in their country’s power and influence on the world, Carter tries to use this pride in an attempt to ask for support to his energy plan. Moreover, he claims that the Americans “will again prove that our great nation can lead the world into an age of peace, independence, and freedom” by joining his cause. Carter is stating that his new strategy can lead America and the world into a bright future. By taking peace, independence, and freedom, which are some of the key values of an American society, into account, Carter moves the heart of his American audience to back his cause for the sake of these virtues.
In summary, Carter employs powerful diction, appeals to pathos, and appeals to national identity to successfully reinforce her idea that adopting his new energy plan is crucial.