Introduction

            Do you like the internet in its current state? If you do then you will need to know about the recently proposed bill, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), and how it affects the internet. This bill was written by Lamar Smith, chairmen of the Texas judiciary committee, and is aimed to crack down on online piracy. Although this sounds like a good thing there is much controversy about how it is written and what it will actually do.

Source 1

In her article, “SOPA explained: what it is and why is matters,” Julianne Pepitone informs the reader about the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) specifically what it is and why it matters. Pepitone’s view point is not very clear but I think the text has a little bit of a slant against SOPA. The text is in a descriptive structure because there are paragraphs for different information such as what SOPA is, who’s for and against it, and the current state of the bill on the day the article was posted ( January 20, 2012 at 12:44pm ET). There is little of what could be considered conflicting evidence because she intends to be objective but the writing has some slant. Some connotation the author uses is using the word “rouge” (in quotations) to describe overseas sites that have pirated shows, movies, etc., having a more sarcastic connotation when used in quotes it makes it seem like she is being sarcastic about the information supporting SOPA. The author uses some ethos by using Silicone Valley as an expert to make people trust the decision of them do oppose SOPA. This source is reasonably reliable because it is from a well known news source and the author, Julianne Pepitone, does link to her sources throughout the text.

Source 2

            In his article, “SOPA and PIPA: Just the facts,” Jared Newman informs the reader about the facts of SOPA and PIPA. Newman does not state his view point and his writing stays objective. The text is in a description/compare and contrast structure because he tells the basics of what SOPA is, then in the other paragraphs compares and contrasts the two different sides of the issue; for example who is for and against SOPA and arguments against SOPA and for it. There is no conflicting evidence because Newman does not state his opinion, but, there are arguments for both sides of the issue. Also there is no obvious slant to the writing. Most words in this article have a positive connotation for example: luminaries, methods, and liability. He does not use ethos, pathos, or logos because he is not trying to persuade you of anything. This source is reliable because Jared Newman has written numerous other articles on technology and there are links to his sources in the text.

Source 3

            In his article, “Why we need a law against online piracy,” Lamar Smith persuades anyone who opposes the bill about why SOPA and why we need it to pass. Smith’s viewpoint is that the bill will effectively stop online piracy and that misinformation is disseminating throughout the online community. I also know he supports the bill because he wrote it. The text is in a description/problem and solution structure because he doesn’t compare two different sides of the issue, and he states the problem of online piracy and then gives the solution of SOPA. There is no real conflicting evidence, but he does talk about some of those who oppose the bill; but he does not have any quotes or real information about the controversy. The words have mostly positive connotation, for example: endorsing, broad, and rampant. Smith uses ethos when he says that even the White House agrees that there need to be a law that combats online piracy and protects free speech. This source is reliable because it is from a well known news site and there are links to his sources. Also the author, Lamar Smith, is the chairmen of the Texas judiciary committee.

America should switch to the metric system

            America should switch to the metric system to make measuring easier, among other reasons. My first argument is, some people may say that our measuring system is perfectly fine but, no, we don't have a perfectly good measuring system. We have a clumsy, entangled, confusing measuring system. And it not only confuses the rest of the world – no, it perplexes Americans themselves. For example, if you go to buy carpeting, and you need 100 square feet, the carpet costs $10 per square yard. Even given these simple numbers could you tell me the cost? Also something that you will need to know before reading this piece is that the system that we are using now is from England and the metric system originated in France.

The English system represents our culture and traditions

First of all, the English system is not American, it’s English. So on which cultural grounds are you claiming something English as American heritage while you think something French as alien?

In fact, a large part of American culture is actually European; not only the measuring system, but also language, religion, architecture etc. Americans did tweak this heritage, but the essence stays European. On the other hand, many innovations are originally American, like much modern technology, music culture, and life-style.

The world is continuously changing, and humans are perpetually improving their living conditions. That includes getting rid of old procedures and habits, and acquiring new, more intelligent procedures and habits. Don't you think it caused a lot of protest each time the English system changed? For example, when all the slightly different feet were unified in one standard foot, all the pounds in one pound, and all the various gallons in one gallon. How many beloved medieval units had to go, and how many Englishmen were plunged into an identity crisis to make room for what is now called English system?

Culture and traditions of the U.S.

Culture and traditions of the U.S. as a young country we’re perpetually evolving and changing. Our culture and traditions were defined, maintained and represented by the people who live here. Now it is time to define a new part of culture. Would you really stick with a stupid habit just because you always did it such a way? Would you continue to use a horse cart instead of a van just to honor your grandfather who always used one? Would you dig a well in your garden instead of having running water just because that's where all your ancestors got their water from? Can you be truly proud of something that’s so asinine?

And, most importantly, would you not take some good advice just because it was not your idea? Would you be a fool for the sake of being different? Is that American pride or American absurdity?

Be proud of the constitution, the Space Shuttle, the Internet, the Pentium processor, but - please - don't be proud of the English system.