"A more perfect union"

In this speech, Obama describes his views on the current issues that America faces, however as he emphasizes the problems he connects  and highlights  the overdrawn effects of slavery and the way in which they counter-exist with modern day discrimination. He says "the legacy of defeat has been passed on to future generations", meaning the all of the pain endured throughout slavery still trickles upon the black generation, which he admits is the reason that "prevents us from forming the alliance that needs real change". As he  goes on to defend the black race in the way that they may think or feel, he readily suggests that its up to one to decide to break away from the barrier that will keep a nation from forming as one. He stated while "the anger is not always productive, it is real" and to ignore the stem of the situation that was created by our owns Nation hands is just not that simple. He referred to African Americans with hate in their hearts as "black anger " and Americans as "white resentment", the tension that stagnates us as a whole from moving forward and tackling the real issues that threaten America. At that point in time and to date, Obama carefully and truthfully pointed out the flaws each race carries as baggage and as a result hinders the relationship that is needed to move forward, as he acknowledges the past and does not show mercy upon the acts of slavery and discrimination , he seems as he saying its time for everyone to admit the present days and the future will not flourish until each person decides to let go.

I chose to highlight this aspect of this speech because I feel like he was mediating while remaining neutral. His choice of words and metaphors were beyond understood and helped me to gain a consciousness about history  by connecting what I've learned throughout this semester with his view point along with politics.

“What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?”

What, to the American slave, is your 4th of July? I answer: a day that reveals to him, more than all other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is the constant victim. To him, your celebration is a sham; your boasted liberty, an unholy license; your national greatness, swelling vanity; your sounds of rejoicing are empty and heartless; your denunciations of tyrants, brass fronted impudence; your shouts of liberty and equality, hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and thanksgivings, with all your religious parade, and solemnity, are, to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception, impiety, and hypocrisy — a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages. There is not a nation on the earth guilty of practices, more shocking and bloody, than are the people of these United States, at this very hour.

In this passage Douglass expresses his concern for the "American Slave" during a time of salvation. He emphasizes on the a day of American rejoice, is the same day that forces blacks remember all the pain endured, during the very time Independence day was in development.  He seems to speak for all when blacks by  comparing  the nations mockery of  Independence Day to the real action opposed upon slaves, which he quotes as "a thin veil to cover up crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages". Although in the previous passages he praises the founding fathers for reformation thus far, this passage describes the uncertainty and raw emotion of blacks as they try to  distinguish between their past and futures.

Declaration of sentiments (Post due 4/2/16)

"We hold these truths to be self evident;that all women and men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness; that to secure these rights governments are instituted, deriving their just powers from the consents of the governed. Whenever any form of Government becomes destructive of theses ends, it is the right of those who suffer from  it to refuse allegiance to it............Such has been the patient sufferance of the women under this government, and such is now the necessity which constrains them to demand the equal station to which they are entitled."

In this passage, Elizabeth Cady Stanton directly quotes the Declaration of Independence while adding the concerns and efforts of the American women whom seem to be left out of society. She highlights the Governments promise to America which entails equality and a system that serves the people accordingly while maintaining a higher purpose. She reminds the readers that in any event where the people feels neglected or under served by the governing body, it becomes the right of the people to speak up and demand change because the only persons that will suffer are the people. She emphasized that law makers are so adamant to change and have become so accustomed to their way of thinking they rather be seen as enforcers rather than to do what is morally right. At this point she begins to identify her main arguments by declaring women as the current sufferers ready to gain civil rights.

I chose this passage because I feel like the author identified and captured the attention needed before stating  the  supporting facts.