Topic

Gun control

Obama’s remarks on reducing gun violence are directed towards the impact of the tragic mass shooting in Newtown on Americans everywhere. During his speech, Obama speaks on behalf of the families that have lost their children in the shooting and uses their example and determination to encourage Americans everywhere to pressure Congress to pass new gun control regulations legislation.

Obama focuses on the importance of gun control regulations being passed by Congress. He mainly focuses on background checks being conducted on people who want to buy a gun, on stopping gun trafficking, on limiting assault weapons to 10 rounds of ammunition, and on reporting criminals and helping the mentally ill. He argues that his suggested refor…

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Argumentation

Most of Barack Obama’s speech relies on direct/open argumentation, where he states his arguments and aims clearly and openly, as the following examples illustrate.

When he talks about the measures that should be taken by Congress to reduce gun control, he is clear about his aims and gives as many details as possible about his proposals:

We have to tell Congress it’s time to crack down on gun trafficking so that folks will think twice before buying a gun as part of a scheme to arm someone who won’t pass a background check. Let’s get that done. (ll. 135-139)

We have to tell Congress it’s time to restore the ban on milita…