TOW 28: When Your Data Wanders to Places You’ve Never Been

Did the thought ever cross your mind that the short surveys or questionnaires you fill out are being sent to numerous third party companies? Well this is what happens when you answer personal questions; your personal data will be sent out to companies you have never ever heard of. Senator John D. Rockefeller IV of West Virginia suggested a policy that he calls Do Not Track which would allow computer users to turn on settings to prevent their personal information from being sent to third parties. However this policy does not protect the details that companies have gotten of thousands of American adults.

This article comes from The New York Times and is written by Natasha Singer.

This article is significant in context. This article sheds light on the many ads that bombard our Internets about filling out a simple questionnaire in order to win an extravagant prize or the seemingly harmless act of filling in private information while paying for online merchandise. The information that people had believed to be useless or did not think twice about is coming back to haunt them. For example, one woman took an interest in multiple sclerosis and she suddenly began to receive pamphlets about the illness and began to be associated with the disease.

The purpose of this article was to tell of the far-reaching effects of disclosing information. Even something as small as signing up to receive emails from a favorite store can link a person with his private information, which can be shared. This article also told of some attempts at progressive measures, as shown through Rockefeller's Do Not Track policy. 

The audience of this article was the general public, but especially those that utilize the Internet frequently. This article serves as a warning to those to be more careful about the information they choose to disclose, or the topics they choose to search. 

The rhetorical device of tone was used in this passage. Singer utilized a more casual and conversational tone in this article, as opposed to a very serious or urgent one. The reasoning behind using such a tone may be as this information may come off as bit of a shock (it did to me), she lessens the blow a bit by adding the measures that are in the process of being taken. If she utilized a tone that sounded very serious, this information would come off as an even bigger issue.

The purpose of this article was achieved. Singer was able to warn readers about the effects of disclosing information on the Internet, while preventing total commotion and shock by including the steps that are being taken to stop the disclosure of information.

TOW 27: PRY: The danger of dismissing North Korea’s nuclear threat

With the commotion around North Korea and its nuclear threat, this article provides a fresh perspective on the whole issue. It criticizes Obama's administration for greatly downplaying the threat the North Korea poses. The government has been minimizing and even denying the existence of North Korea's nuclear missile threat. However, the article argues that Obama should follow in the footsteps of previous presidents Dwight Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson and instead warn the people of a potential threat. America must realize that North Korea poses a huge threat and instead of denying this fact, be proactive about this threat.

This article comes from The Washington Times and is written by Peter Vincent Pry.

This article is significant in context. With America's intense fear of terrorism, this threat is an explicit example. In order to coax the citizens into thinking that everyone is safe and sound, the government has been denying the existence of a threat, when in reality, North Korea has great potential to cause harm. This article gives readers a glimpse into the reality of things by exposing that North Korea actually does pose a threat with its nuclear weapons program.

The purpose of this article was to criticize the Obama administration for its lack of truth on the issue of North Korea. The article urges and argues that the president should be proactive, pointing to John Kennedy's presidency in which he created ICBM programs to deter the Soviet Union from escalating the Cold War into a full out nuclear war. Like Kennedy, Obama should be more proactive and create ways in which to prevent North Korea from launching its weapons.

The audience of this article is the general public, but primarily Americans. This article reveals the flaws of the Obama administration specifically during this crucial time.

The rhetorical device of ethos was utilized in this article. In order for people to believe the point that the government of the United States is incorrect and that one writer is correct, Pry provides many examples of evidence. First, he references a leaked Defense Intelligence Agency report that states that North Korea does have ballistic missiles and expands upon this fact by stating that the administration is attempting to conceal it. In addition, he refers to previous presidencies to show the positive effects of being proactive and launching programs to prevent nuclear war. He also refers to events during the Cold War with the Soviet Union in which America was able to swiftly avoid a full out nuclear war by creating and enacting programs.

The article's purpose was achieved. By clearly getting  across the point that North Korea does in fact pose a threat to not only America but other foreign nations, Pry instills a feeling of urgency and determination to overcome this issue.

TOW 26: Blasts at Boston Marathon Kill 3 and Injure 100

In one of the most celebrated events in America, a tragic event struck the Boston Marathon. During the marathon, two bombs were struck. This led to a large commotion where many immediately responded to those that were hurt. Although officials are currently unsure about whether this was a terrorist attack or not, President Obama said that he will ensure that the one behind this horrific crime will feel the full weight of justice.

The article is from The New York Times and written by John Eligon and Michael Cooper.

This article is significant in context. Shortly after the shock of the murders at Sandy Hook Elementary School, another horrific murder story erupted. This article will most likely have significant implications, such as tighter security at a marathon. The United States is currently in a state of shock, and this article explains the specific details of this happening.

The purpose of this article was to give a detailed account of what happened at the Boston Marathon. With direct quotes from witnesses, this article gave the audience a good understanding of what happened. Also, there were many photos to help the audience further understand and visualize.

The audience of this article is the general public. Undoubtedly, foreign nations will take this happening into event and tighten their security on such public events. This article may also instill fear some people from ever running a marathon.

A rhetorical device utilized in this article was description. Taking direct quotes from witnesses that experienced the effects of the bombing first hand, the article allowed the audience to visualize what happened at the bombing. Also, the article provided a slideshow of explicit pictures. This described what happened at the marathon without using any words. In addition, the effects of the bombings were told in great detail.

The purpose of this article was achieved. The audience was able to be informed of what happened at the marathon, and predict the possible implications that this tragic event may hold.