Farewell Address
by President Barack Obama (excerpt)
In this excerpt from his final speech as President, Barack Obama speaks to how everyday people can make a difference in protecting American democracy
(1) Which brings me to my final point-our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted. All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves
into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions. When voting rates are some of the lowest among advanced democracies, we should make it easier,
not harder, to vote. When trust in our institutions is low, we should reduce the corrosive influence of money in our politics, and insist on the principles of
transparency and ethics in public service....
(2) And all of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power
swings.
(3) Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it's really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power-with
our participation, and the choices we make. Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms. Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law. America is
no fragile thing. But the gains of our long journey to freedom are not assured.
What characteristics of paragraph 8 give it an informal style?
The first-person perspective and subjective tone of "I believe...that the future is in good hands."
The imprecise, personal language of "hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves."
The precise, direct language of "You believe in a fair, just, inclusive America; you know that constant
Ochange has been America's hallmark, something not to fear but to embrace, and you are willing to carry
this hard work of democracy forward."
The interrupting list within and the short, choppy style of "This generation coming up-unselfish,
altruistic, creative, patriotic - I've seen you in every corner of the country."
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