Editorial Rhetorical Analysis: Prohibition at Wrigley

I came across an editorial from the Chicago Tribune Online, entitled Prohibition in Wrigleyville by an unlisted author. This editorial addresses the topic of Mayor Daley asking tavern owners around Wrigley Field to "voluntarily" cut off alcohol sales in the 7th inning of Cubs games during post-season play, just as vendors in the park do, to keep levels of mischief and violence down. This author argues that this is not a good choice for several reasons. The audience for this argument includes two major groups: government officials that have a say in this issue and more Cubs fans over the age of 21 that would be watching the post season games from the taverns surrounding Wrigley Field. The author mostly appeals to the second audience mentioned because he demonstrates that he shares values with those readers and understands them, especially in his closing remark "Cubs fans have waited 100 years for a World Series title. Come October, they're going to need a beer to celebrate—or to cry in. They shouldn't have to leave Wrigleyville to find one." He shows that he shares the feelings of those fans by using pathos to appeal to that group of fans emotion of excitement for their favorite baseball making their way towards history.

This author lacks some ethos because his or her background in the subject matter is left unstated. Also, most of the evidence is tailored to writer's agenda and the counterarguments/objections are left mostly unexplored. However the writer does sound trustworthy because the sources used as evidence to support the claim are documented. The evidence used appeals to logos because of the reliable proof of firsthand account quotes cited to be said by Mayor Daley and the Chicago Police spokeswoman.

This argument succeeds in presenting the issue at hand and clearly stating its viewpoint, backing it with supporting details and facts. However the argument is only somewhat successful in the editorial's purpose of persuasion to its viewpoint. Rather it does a better job of informing readers about the issue with a strong bias.