Marriage on the Ballot is an op-ed that was published in the New York Times on October 30th. It presents the authors view upon legalizing same-sex marriage. The author feels that lesbians, gays and bisexuals should be allowed to marry because it is their fundamental right to do so. A state should not have the right to pass or not pass a law allowing this right through the use of a ballot box. Also, the ballot that will take place on November 6th is brought to attention and how it may be vitally important in the struggle for marriage equality.
In an effort to persuade readers the author uses some powerful and persuasive techniques. The essay opens with an interesting and catchy statement, which makes the authors point clear and grabs the audience’s attention. This causes the reader to want to keep reading. A claim is stated that marriage is a right, not something to be voted on. Then the author discusses how Maine, Washington, Maryland and Minnesota may vote. This is reviewed in great detail with supporting evidence. Evidence is clearly shown throughout the essay to express why same-sex marriage should be permitted along with the opposing views for the argument. For example opponents in Maine feel that marriage equality will bring harm to the heterosexual couples. This and other opposing opinions are included to show how juvenile the opposing arguments are, which makes the piece more persuasive. Maine has also aired commercials suggesting that gays and lesbians can still be treated fairly even if they don’t have the right to marry, but isn’t that unfair treatment in itself.
Suicide by Choice? Not So Fast is another op-ed written by freelance journalist, Ben Mattlin. This journalist was born with congenital neuromuscular and is confused about why states are so quick to vote on the assisted-suicide law. Massachusetts will be voting on the law next week and three other states have already passed it. Mattlin feels that people are too willing to accept the right to die before all has been done to help those suffering with life-threatening conditions. I found this piece to be very interesting because the author uses an emotional appeal to persuade the audience. He goes into great detail about how his sickness has affected his life and how doctors have been willing to give up on him. He is a father, husband and a fighter who does not want to accept death just yet. He feels that a vast majority of those who are willing to die chose this path because they feel as if they are an inconvenience to others and abuse the right.
Ben Mattlin does a great job at hooking the reader right from the start. He makes a statement about a touchy and serious topic, which is suicide. Then he states his opinion on the matter so that there is no confusion. Though Mattlin doesn’t want the assisted-suicide law to be passed or abused, he does state the opposing arguments. He does this to show that there are reasons for why the assisted-suicide law may be seen as a good idea. This presents both sides of the case. For example he explains that a person’s sickness may cause loved ones pain and exhaustion. He uses this opposing view to show that pressure may be added by those who care for the sick and cause them to choose death. Their choice may be made based upon others feelings, not their own. Overall, I thought this was an amazing and well written opinion piece.
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