Jfk Steel

As America was emerging from its recession some of the nations largest steel companies decided to raise steel prices by 3.5 percent. This caught President John F Kennedy’s attention since he had repeatedly called for stable prices and wages as part of a program of national sacrifice during a period of economic distress. Kennedy called for a news conference in which he addressed certain things. He discussed and described how some steel companies raised prices due to their pursuit of private power and profits. If all steel companies took this action into full affect it would’ve made the cost of houses, autos, appliances and etc. extensively high. Also it would’ve increased the cost of machinery and tools to all American farmers and businessman. The president used rhetorical strategies such as tone, diction, ethos and pathos.

Kennedy used such a tone in the news conference so he could persuade the people to give in his words. His tone was persuasive and logical. For example, “ asking union members to hold down their wage requests, at a time when restraint and sacrifice are being asked of every citizen” which mean the president was trying to persuade the people to not ask for their pay since the country is going through rough times and he knew it was hard for the American people. Also, “If this rise in the cost of steel is imitated by the rest of the industry, instead of rescinded, it would increase the cost of homes, autos, appliances” and “It would increase the cost of machinery and tools to every American businessman and farmer.” He was trying to give examples as of what would’ve happened if all steel companies followed the minority in which were taking such actions. Last but not least, “It would add, Secretary McNamara informed me this morning, an estimated one billion dollars to the cost of our defenses, at a time when every dollar is needed for national security and other purposes.” As you can see this would’ve corrupt and bankrupt government because