A flag at half mast is a symbol for mourning, it has been since World War II. The American flag is usually proclamaited for remembering presidents, commemorating a death, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor, 9/11, and holidays for fallen firefighters and police officers. On July 16, four marines and 1 navy serviceman were killed in a Chattanooga shooting, claimed as a terrorist attack. Everyone around the nation heard about this awful tragedy. President Obama also heard, he had to listen to his colleagues and US citizens for five days telling him to lower the flag at half staff. He responded on July 21 with descending the flag until sunset on July 25. Most people think that the President should’ve acted quicker on the subject and made the order sooner. During other shootings and unfortunate events Obama has made the call around a day later or even that same day. This was unusual for the President to keep the flag as is for this long. That’s why we didn’t wait for the call, people around the country lowered their own flags before the President. Governors and political officials ordered their flag mid way alike police and fire departments. This really shows the pathos in the article by displaying the emotions American citizens have toward circumstances like this. It shows that the people rally behind the few and the brave soldiers who fight for us. They would even act on their own without President’s orders to show their sorrow for the soldiers families. I believe President Obama dropped the ball on this one. The soldiers deserved the half mast flag days before Obama proclaimed it.
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Jess Madden says
Good job at incorporating rhetorical devices into your blog post! They really appeal to the emotions of the American public. Good post!
Megan Conrad says
I definitely agree with your opinion. I like the way you included pathos into your blog.
Alex Stojanoff says
I completely agree with you. The flag should have been lowered much sooner. You did a great job of sympothizing with the American public. This was a really nice post.