#1 DARE TO CALL IT REASON BRIAN MACCONAGHY

“Dare Call It Treason” written by Eric Foner, is a very bold article. The rhetorical context

of the article is to challenge the status quo in a politically charged era and climate. Specifically

the attitudes surrounding the war in Iraq. Having been written in the early years of the war in

Afghanistan and actually during the kickoff of deployments to Iraq, with Iraq being a hotly

contested and debated topic as to whether or not the US should be there and what our purpose

was. The general population did not agree to the US fighting two wars at once.

The overall energy of the article falls in line with the standpoint of the journal that it was

published in; The Journal. Dare Call It Treason, is very socially liberal in its stand point and

views presented, which is shared by The Nation, that happens to be one of the oldest published

political journals.

The logical argument of the article is that throughout history during times of conflict and

political turmoil individuals within higher echelons of society, who were held in high esteem had

spoken against the popular opinion at that time and were not considered traitors, however now

for one to do the same one is labeled a traitor. The author attempts to persuade individuals to

become angry with the government and its policy making strategies, while attempting to energize

a mutinous feeling in the reader. However any conservative such as myself will see right through

this and see the strategy for what it is, a poor attempt to generate a feeling of dissention towards

the government.

It seems to appear the writer is aiming his arguments at those who are easily persuaded or

weak minded, possibly those who are already frustrated with current political climate looking for

likeminded individuals. I believe it is accurately written and worded when read by his intended

audience, however those who are not sympathetic in views will become annoyed and scoff the

overall opinions expressed.