AP Argument Prompt
Prompt: The following passage is from Rights of Man, a book written by pamphleteer Thomas Paine in 1791. Born in England, Paine was an intellectual, a revolutionary, and a supporter of American independence from England. Read the passage carefully. Then write an essay that examines the extent to which Paine's characterization of America holds true today. Use appropriate evidence to support your argument.
America; home to thousands and a dream to millions. It is a vision of equality and freedom. Once in which the "Great American Melting Pot" has embraced many from countries all over the world; all complete with their diverse cultures and unknown tongues. This great nation that was born in the 1700's was and still is a dream and goal to many around the world. However, are they clouded by stories and advertisements passed all over the world? In 1791, Thomas Paine claimed America a glorious place to live but modern day society suggests differently. The continuing economic gap between the rich and poor continues to widen, taxes continue to rise, and discrimination against certain ethnic groups has yet to cease.
In today's economy, contrary to Paine's belief, the rich are privileged and the poor oppressed. There are laws enacted that make it illegal to be
homeless. For this very reason, you can be arrested anytime, anyplace, for not having a home address. This gives businesses and anyone the opportunity to call the police and have a homeless person removed from where they are occupying. The country has attempted to solve this problem by creating homeless shelters, however, those are mostly open at night only and can support only a small percentage of the homeless population. Yes, there are organizations to support homeless families and people; often common in churches. As hard as theses organizations try to help though, they can not meet the needs and demands of the homeless populations. Also, with the current economy, the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, benefiting only the rich.
Another concerning issue is the continued rise on taxes. In the year 2013, it has been calculated that the decision to let the payroll tax cut expire will cause each family roughly $700 a year tax in crease. Along with these tax increases, the economic growth is expected to slow as well. This increase will effect everyone in America, however, those living paycheck to paycheck will be hit hard; yet another reason to define the rich and poor.
Another issue common in American everyday life, is the description against certain ethnic groups. Even though the country has survived this Civil Rights movements and is making progress, areas of the country are still stuck in discrimination that was popular in the 1900's and earlier. In Louisiana, there are still public utilities that separate blacks from whites as they did many years before. In the court case Brown vs. Board of Education, segregation in educational facilities were unequal and demanded that all educational faculties desegregated with all deliberate speed. Just as the Constitution has been interpreted subjectively in the past, this statement was as well. Some schools even today have not desegregated and because of the interpretation, they are not breaking the law.
Granted, the United States is a much safer and ideal place to live, however, it has its flaws just as every other country does. the claims made by Thomas Paine are not necessarily true and may never be true; but that does not make it a bad country. Just one that has flaws patiently waiting to be worked out. Major issues such as the widening economic gap, increasing taxes, and continuing discrimination are among the flaws needed to be worked out by America and with the will and drive this nation has showed in the past; there is no doubt it can be done.
America; home to thousands and a dream to millions. It is a vision of equality and freedom. Once in which the "Great American Melting Pot" has embraced many from countries all over the world; all complete with their diverse cultures and unknown tongues. This great nation that was born in the 1700's was and still is a dream and goal to many around the world. However, are they clouded by stories and advertisements passed all over the world? In 1791, Thomas Paine claimed America a glorious place to live but modern day society suggests differently. The continuing economic gap between the rich and poor continues to widen, taxes continue to rise, and discrimination against certain ethnic groups has yet to cease.
In today's economy, contrary to Paine's belief, the rich are privileged and the poor oppressed. There are laws enacted that make it illegal to be
homeless. For this very reason, you can be arrested anytime, anyplace, for not having a home address. This gives businesses and anyone the opportunity to call the police and have a homeless person removed from where they are occupying. The country has attempted to solve this problem by creating homeless shelters, however, those are mostly open at night only and can support only a small percentage of the homeless population. Yes, there are organizations to support homeless families and people; often common in churches. As hard as theses organizations try to help though, they can not meet the needs and demands of the homeless populations. Also, with the current economy, the gap between rich and poor continues to widen, benefiting only the rich.
Another concerning issue is the continued rise on taxes. In the year 2013, it has been calculated that the decision to let the payroll tax cut expire will cause each family roughly $700 a year tax in crease. Along with these tax increases, the economic growth is expected to slow as well. This increase will effect everyone in America, however, those living paycheck to paycheck will be hit hard; yet another reason to define the rich and poor.
Another issue common in American everyday life, is the description against certain ethnic groups. Even though the country has survived this Civil Rights movements and is making progress, areas of the country are still stuck in discrimination that was popular in the 1900's and earlier. In Louisiana, there are still public utilities that separate blacks from whites as they did many years before. In the court case Brown vs. Board of Education, segregation in educational facilities were unequal and demanded that all educational faculties desegregated with all deliberate speed. Just as the Constitution has been interpreted subjectively in the past, this statement was as well. Some schools even today have not desegregated and because of the interpretation, they are not breaking the law.
Granted, the United States is a much safer and ideal place to live, however, it has its flaws just as every other country does. the claims made by Thomas Paine are not necessarily true and may never be true; but that does not make it a bad country. Just one that has flaws patiently waiting to be worked out. Major issues such as the widening economic gap, increasing taxes, and continuing discrimination are among the flaws needed to be worked out by America and with the will and drive this nation has showed in the past; there is no doubt it can be done.