Out of Many, We Are One. The Democratic platform was founded on a number of values described in their

Transcription

1 Taylor Kunath September 7, 2016 Rhetoric 105 Mary Hays Out of Many, We Are One The Democratic platform was founded on a number of values described in their preamble. The belief that the American people stand stronger as a whole lies deep at the heart of their platform and serves as a foundation for their many policies. Among unity, Democrats also strive for economic stability. By creating an economy that works for everyone--complete with well-paying jobs and growing incomes--the party hopes to put a middle-class lifestyle in reach of more Americans. The Democrats recognize how wealth is unequally dispersed among the nation, remarking that...the majority of the economic gains go to the top one percent and the richest 20 people in our country own more than the bottom 150 million...makes our economy weaker, our communities poorer, and our politics poisonous (1). Keeping this in mind, we hope to restore equality by putting an end to corrupt activity on Wall Street and prioritize long-term investment over short-term profit seeking. Race equality is another major goal for Democrats as they acknowledge the racial barriers that keep minorities at a disadvantage. By urging the American people to put an end to the animosity that still exists towards those of different backgrounds, we strive for a truly equal society. As for other groups in America, the Democratic platform promises to provide basic rights for: women, workers, immigrants, students, the LGBT community, those struggling with disabilities, and many more. Another final topic mentioned in the preamble is climate change. Realizing the serious threat climate change poses on the world, the Democratic agenda urges us to make America the next superpower of the 21st century by switching to cleaner forms of energy. In this essay, I will be referencing the parts of the Toulmin

2 method and using rhetorical appeals to analyze how the Democratic party argues their policies in their platform. Democrats know that America is not great because we have always been perfect, but because of...our unerring belief that we can make it better (1). Under Ensure the Health and Safety of All Americans in the Democratic platform, the section Supporting Those Living with Autism and Their Families highlights the importance of aiding citizens with autism and their families. As stated in the thesis, Democrats believe we must make it a priority to assist the millions affected by autism and consider those who will be diagnosed in the future. Democrats want to help Americans with autism who are struggling to make the transition into adulthood, which is why they re pushing states to require health insurance coverage for autism services so that people with autism are never left behind. By following up with a logical appeal, the Democratic party promises to conduct a nationwide early screening outreach campaign to ensure that all children have access to autism screening. In this section of the platform, the party stresses the importance of including all Americans--not just those who can afford it. With the emphasis of this claim, we can infer that Democrats value equality among social classes and refuse to see citizens turned away because they can t afford insurance. Moving on to the Securing Reproductive Health, Rights, and Justice section of the Democratic platform, Democrats have always been huge supporters of protecting and advancing reproductive health care services. The party fights back against Republicans in their efforts to defund Planned Parenthood health centers, which provide guidance and critical health services to millions. In doing so, they continue to oppose laws seeking to impede a woman s access to legal abortion and contraceptives. The thesis states: We believe unequivocally, like the majority of Americans, that every woman should have access to quality reproductive health care services, including safe and legal abortion--regardless of where she lives, how much

3 money she makes, or how she is insured (37). The thesis is supported by the Democrats belief that reproductive health is core to women s, men s, and young people s health and wellbeing (37). Again in this section, there s the unstated value that no American should be left behind; the Democrats want society to know that nobody will be shunned if they are struggling financially. This warrant is backed by the acknowledgment that access to quality, comprehensive health care, and a full-range of family planning services are a right for all Americans. In addition to providing women with access to abortion and contraceptives, they also strive to ensure mothers with a safe and healthy pregnancy by including services throughout pregnancy and after childbirth. Finally, the Democrats strengthen their argument by providing the reader with an emotional appeal by stating they...are committed to creating a society where children are safe and can thrive physically, emotionally, educationally, and spiritually. We recognize and support the importance of civil structures that are essential to creating this for every child (37). Democrats believe healthcare is a right, not a privilege. In the Securing Universal Health Care section of the platform, the Democratic party explains why our healthcare system needs to put people before profit. For many in the United States, healthcare costs are still way too high and many families have been struggling to pay off expensive medical bills. Democrats promise to make health coverage more affordable by repealing surprise billing and other practices that send so many Americans into medical debt each year. The party also promises to...keep costs down by making premiums more affordable, reducing out-of-pocket expenses, and capping prescription drug costs (35). The Democrats continue with a credibility appeal by referencing their Affordable Care Act, which has covered 20 million Americans and ensured millions more will never be turned away. They also plan to shut down any Republican efforts to slash funding and block grant Medicaid and SNAP, which would harm millions. The Democrats include one

4 last rebuttal against the 19 states refusal to expand Medicaid, causing millions of Americans to still lack the healthcare they deserve. One final platform under Ensure the Health and Safety of All Americans is the Preventing Gun Violence section. Democrats have always been supporters of stricter gun laws--it makes sense considering over 30,000 American lives are taken each year by gun violence alone. Their thesis states: While responsible gun ownership is part of the fabric of many communities, too many families in America have suffered from gun violence (39). While still respecting careful gun owners, the Democratic party wants to expand and strengthen background checks and close dangerous loopholes. They also hope to...revoke the dangerous legal immunity protections gun makers and sellers now enjoy; and keep weapons of war--such as assault weapons and large capacity ammunition magazines--off our streets (39). Democrats promise to...fight back against attempts to make it harder for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to revoke federal licenses from law breaking gun dealers, and ensure guns do not fall into the hands of terrorists, intimate partner abusers, other violent criminals, and those with severe mental issues (39). Although America is far from perfect, there are many ways in which the Democratic party is trying to fix what is wrong in our society. By establishing this platform, it tries to convince the reader why Democratic policies are the best policies while also giving them a full look into what the party stands for. Using parts of the Toulmin method and rhetorical triangle, I was able to find specific ways the party appeals to society. Democrats stand for justice, unity, equality, and so much more. By educating the nation on their values and beliefs, the Democratic party hopes to make America the best country possible. Citations

5 2016 Democratic Party Platform. Ensure the Health and Safety of All Americans. 21 July September 2016