TOW #1- Are We Talking Ourselves Out of War in Syria? by Kathleen Parker

The impending missile strike on Syria has been contemplated for what may be more time then a similar strike ever has in history. Kathleen Parker brings to the surface the aberrancy of the situation, or the abnormal amounts of talk rather then action. As a political and cultural writer for the Washington Post, Parker is often found giving perspective to varieties of moral and political issues. In this particular issue, Parker analyzes the factors contributing to the lack of action, and attempts to gives perspective to Americans on to what it may mean for their country. Throughout the text, Parker’s use of logos and reason contribute to these attempts. In between the lines of the speeches and talk, Parker identifies the lack of public consensus and overall clarity to be a large contributor to the talk. The lack of trust in the American government that has resulted from previous wars and suspicious circumstances, such as Iraq and government spying; has paved way for a situation in which action seems impossible. Parker reveals that the severe lack of trust in governmental decisions and evidence has made it increasingly difficult for the public to generate an overall opinion and thus even more difficult for this same government to take action. Parker makes these points with use of logic, and brings her argument to a single point by questioning her audience. Parker points out that, “If war is not urgent, as this one seems not to be, then perhaps war is not necessary” (Parker). The use of logos in bringing her evidence to a logical culmination ultimately leads to her succeeding in her purpose. Americans had previously heard all of the chatter, and seen the lack of action, but Parker uses hard evidence with the use of logos to bring Americans to see these events in a favorable light. Rather then seeing this as a failure of the American government, “perhaps…” Parker says, “they participants in some sort of tipping point” (Parker). 

Barack Obama and Vladimir Putin Syria Talk
http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/06/17/does-obama-and-putins-body-language-during-awkward-meeting-at-g8-summit-tell-a-story-take-a-look/