Blog #5 - Reflections on the Declaration of Independence - Antonio Vallejo

John Adams in this letter talks about the expeditions to establish Quebec as a colony. The troops fail due to a pestilence they had of smallpox. Afterwards he reflects on the declaration of independence and how it will be a historic event which will be celebrated through many generations in America. Regardless of that he knows there will be blood spill as not everyone will be happy with it.

http://thepaintedone.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/one-nation-under-god/signing-declaration-of-independence/

Rethorical Devices

“You will think me transported with enthusiasm but I am not. I am very well aware of the toil and blood and treasure, that it will cost us to maintain this declaration, and support and defend these states” (Adams 686).

This is a good example of appeal to reason. It shows how Adams thinks rationally of the situation. Even though he is really enthusiastic he still predicts the conflict that will take place as not everyone will be happy with the independence. He understands and points out there might be sacrifices in order to obtain liberty. This device is important to the letter because it helps the reader understand the situation better and see both sides of it. 

“Yet through all the gloom I can see rays of ravishing light and glory. I can see that the end is more than worth all means. And that prosperity will triumph in that day’s transaction” (Adams 686).

This is a good example of persuasion. John Adams is trying to convince the reader that the declaration of independence will still be a significant event that will benefit America through the next generations even though misfortune must be present for this to be achieved. It is important for the letter because it supports the writers idea which remains consistent through the whole letter about the good of the declaration and persuades the reader to agree with his position.

Blog #4 - Antonio Vallejo

            Mr. President: If you allow me, with all the respect he deserves I must refute to the wrong precipitated ideas of Mr. Henry. Such opinions are not worthy of a well educated man. I respect his ideas but we can see his thoughts clearly lack of enough coherence. How dare he refer in such way to his majesty and the loved mother Britain? After all it represents and all it means. You should be accused of treason due to such disloyalty.  You colonists must be grateful for all we have done for you.  We have given you protection and everything you need. It is reasonable then to ask your contribution for our economic and social stability. We have lost many things and taken many risks for your own sake, including our money and troops. We have enough reasons then to establish our army in your lands. Our troops deserve then to be treated the best way possible. So yes, there is justification, contrary to what you believe. All the reasons you have stated we deserve to be called tyrants or oppressors have actually been to maintain control and safety on these lands. What I don’t think there is justification for is to start a war. You say you want a revolution, but you must be careful with what you wish for. Do you really believe there is a necessity to take such decision? I think there are other measures that can be taken rather than those precipitated ones you mentioned. You must first ask yourself if it is really worth going against us and losing all benefits and privileges we have for so long provided you. Certainly there will be more losses than gains with a war. It wouldn’t be wise to be enemies. Just think about all the benefits there are with us being allies. It would hurt your economy as we Britain has been your main source for products and trading. You would also have to cost many expenses to fight the war which we have provided you in the past. Also it must be considered the powerful and well developed army we have. This factor along with the experience we have are big advantages which would make easy our defeat. Not to mention as well we know of strong allies which can help us. I warn you again this is not the best solution, both of us will end affected. We understand you want more liberty and I think that every man has the right for it, but I think it is unnecessary you fight a war for it. Surely we can discuss this and come up with terms that we all agree on and improve our relationship. His majesty and our legislature are always open to suggestions, but it seems you never seem to be satisfied with the options and solutions we offer. You keep in mind you background and origins, think about the nation that gave you life and has us here today. Is it appropriate to harm and go against our beloved Britain, not for a man who has values and principles. I ask you then to reconsider what you have said. A revolution will not bring any better future; it will just cause havoc and destroy everything we have worked so hard for. 

Blog #3 - Antonio Vallejo

Today we are facing hard times; there have been many natural disasters and catastrophes. Many issues like global warming are becoming more evident.  This is what we get for treating Mother Nature in such bad ways. Our recklessness towards the ecology and unwise manners has cost us many things. It is time we open our eyes. We need to realize what we are putting ourselves into. Pollution is ending with what is left of our dear earth, the home in which we all live. Our imprudence must stop if we want to preserve the beauty in our planet for ourselves and future generations. We need to act together consciously to cease this huge problem which is pollution. For this we must cultivate good habits towards nature in the children and youth. They must be educated further about this issue. As the future they are our hope to preserve this planet. Many become indifferent as the problem is not projected enough to them. With this purpose I speak to all families and homes to contribute for the benefit of everyone who shares this planet with you. Parents should contribute educating their kids since early ages forming them a habit of caring towards the ecology. Children must learn to be conservative with energy as this is a big factor that causes pollution. Constantly remind them to turn off every light or any electric device that is in no use. This should be part of the discipline in home by calling their attention or reproaching them when they don’t do so. Strict measures should be taken in consideration with wastes. Everyone in the family should also know about the importance of recycling. This should be a habit every home should have. It is important to reduce wastes.  Every family should also purchase a hybrid car. They have many advantages, besides being eco-friendly they have better mileage and you don’t need to worry about paying fuel with such high prices. If you don’t think buying a hybrid car is convenient for, you can help by using other forms of transportation instead of using your car when possible, like walking, biking, using public transportation, etc. Every home should also plant a tree. They are our best friends as they absorb carbon dioxide and give us shade. All this measures are to be taken into consideration for the benefit of our ecology. If each family contributes in this ways pollution will be reduced. All habits begin at home so we must all adopt and inculcate the right ones which are beneficial to our ecology. If we haven’t been conscious yet about this situation we must better start taking measures today. We must encourage everyone to do the same as well. If we don’t act together we will burn in the consequences this will bring. We will end up destroying ozone layer, running out of trees, running out of resources, killing all the beautiful animals and finally killing ourselves. We are going straight to our own grave. An unfavorable future waits for us if we continue to think it’s not a problem for us to solve without doing anything about it. Don’t let ignorance and indifference become our worst enemies. The decision at the end is of each and every one of us so think carefully. Mother Nature has done so much for us and we have done so little for her. Let’s fight pollution and conserve this beautiful place we all need from.

http://josegarcia.org/iglesia/id59.html

http://bushnellandbushnell.com/blog/2009/03/local-bed-breakfast-goes-green-and-gets-big-marketing-bang/