The barabaric events the pushed Poland into the arms of the EU: As Britain reconsiders its role in Europe, it's important to remember our allies' suffering
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/11009429/The-barbaric-events-that-pushed-Poland-into-the-arms-of-the-EU.html
The Telegraph, 03 August 2014
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As a prominent member of European politics, Boris Johnson has many thoughts concerning Poland's membership within the EU. To begin his argument, Johnson pushes upon his audience a brief history of European conflict, dating back as far as World War II. It starts with the horrific visuals of a mechanical manslaughter during the Warsaw Uprising. Following his restatement of European history, Johnson immerses himself and his audience into the thoughts of the contemporary politicians. It was only appropriate to welcome Poland into the EU: their membership seemingly promised a border-less, more whole Europe. However, 70 years later, the modern day Union has begun experiencing economic repercussions and therefore reconsidered Poland's position within the EU. With this in mind, Johnson, a "euroskeptic," questions the future of the EU and contemplates Poland's willingness to stay within it. He makes slight indications that the British are exiting the Union, slowly but surely nonetheless.
Johnson's column is a blunt indication of his position as a Euroskeptic through the medium that is Poland's membership. His central contention revolves around this idea as he constantly exploits the flaws within the EU. Johnson uses history as support, standard for most politicians and those involved with law. From it, he derives the many reasons for Poland's introduction to the EU and its growing financial problems. The most outstanding of Johnson's rhetorical strategies lies within his emotional appeal, backed up by a solid cause and effect style structure. Take, for example, the introduction paragraph to his article: it addresses the systematic slaughter of thousands of Polish, using staggering numbers to reinforce its effect. To further his argument, Johnson arouses suspicion of the EU's future. He first gives reason for Poland's inauguration to the group and then details its heavy weight through statistics (it is granted 12 billion Euros a year), following up with the criticism of the unreformed Union. Johnson's primary tools used in his column revolve around a cause and effect structure and an appeal to pathos backed by statistics.
Boris, your entire column boils down to the concept of being a Euroskeptic: if you could please enlighten me as to why you express such a counterproductive stance. From my understanding, you claim that the EU is rather ineffective organization and that Europe is falling behind in terms of progression. You must also think that integration of countries attributes to a political and financial decline. Indeed, I'm sure there are some flaws but the benefits most definitely outweigh the disadvantages. It has further unionized the continent (hence the name) and brought a sense of commitment to the population. Let's not forget that it promotes democracy and gives a louder voice to the people. Your stance as a Euroskeptic really hurts your reputation and credibility, Johnson, and is merely an expression of unjustified rebellion.
ReplyDeleteI commented on Gabrielle's pundit post, Alex Dunbar's, Mckenzie's, and Mr. Leo's.
DeleteWhat a comprehensive summary! I like how I actually feel like I know what's going on in the article, as opposed to when I just confusedly float on analyses of texts I haven't read. Also, way to provide a good analysis of the techniques your pundit used with knowledgeable commentary on the situation- leaving your own thoughts to the comments section. This was a pleasure to read!! Well- about as good as euro politics get.
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