Essay Assignment: Argument Analysis (20%)
Directions: Read the following letter to the editor and then write your own letter to the editor in response. Your paper must be a minimum of 3 pages, double-spaced in Times New Roman, 12 pt. font. In your response you will explain what you take to be the strengths and/or weaknesses of the writer's argument. You do NOT need to do any outside research on the topic of the letter; your focus should be on whether the author provides good reasons for his/her conclusion.
IMPORTANT: Your argument should NOT make a case for or against the death penalty- your opinion on the death penalty is IRRELEVANT here. This will result in a failing grade.
Dear Editor:
We have been hearing a lot lately from bleeding-heart liberals who seem to believe that we should be more tolerant of criminal behaviour, rather than making criminals pay for their crimes. These liberals claim that cold-blooded murderers can be rehabilitated and released, but they are ignoring simple logic: all murderers are criminals, and some criminals will re-offend, so some murderers will obviously re-offend also.
Those who question the ethics of the death penalty should ask themselves one question: what if someone you loved was brutally slain? Could you pick up the pieces of your shattered life? Would those festering wounds ever heal?
When it comes to the death penalty I am a strong believer in what it says in the Bible, "An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth." Despite what the liberal media may say, Canada is, and has always been, a Christian nation, and in a Christian nation God's word should be law. Moreover, in a recent Gallup poll, a majority of Canadians said they wanted tougher sentences for those convicted of serious crimes. Clearly Canadians are tired of coddling criminals. It's time our leaders listened to the people. In a democratic society, the will of the majority should rule.
The logic is clear: as a society, either we demand the death penalty for convicted murderers or we'll never feel safe in our homes and on our streets. No one wants to live in fear, so it's obvious that we need to bring back the death penalty!