1st assignment

Read the passage below.  It is a fictitious political speech in a recent campaign.  Then answer the following questions:

Identifying Rhetoric, Logical Fallacies, and Psychological Fallacies

1. What are the rhetorical devices employed in this speech? Be specific. Name the rhetorical device used and sentence where it is found.

2. Identify one logical fallacy found in the speech. Provide the sentence and explain why it is a logical fallacy.

3. Identify one psychological fallacy found in the speech. Provide the sentence and explain why it is a psychological fallacy.

Half of the Country

This fictitious speech was made to a group of blue-blood, wealthy corporate owners in the Hamptons.

My fellow countrymen who run the country:

…it is has recently come to light that I made a comment a few months ago. The comment concerned me stating that half of the country needs to find a way to support themselves and the government cannot support them. Well, I stand by that comment. How can half of the country, who pay no federal income taxes, expect the other half to support them through their tax dollars? Further, who creates the jobs for the half of country that works hard and pays taxes? We do!

The non-paying half are Slackers. Yes, that is what I will call them in the confidence of this company I keep here! The Slackers are lazy! Nothing is ever enough for them. I guess they were somewhat happy about getting a free cell phone. The cell phone wasn’t enough. Before you know it, the Slackers will demand a new iPhone5. Forget having to work for it-they should just simply get it. Well, I say to them, “I wouldn’t give you a free iPhone 5 if they were growing on trees in one of my many vineyards!”

Our system currently allows for massive government support Slackers; however, would those paying taxes agree with this?  Is it right for half of the country to support the Slackers?  Is my logic flawed here or am I taking crazy pills?

A Slacker getting free support is like allowing your adult children to move back home and then not requiring them to get a job. There is no incentive for the adult child to do anything other than play Battlefield 3 all day long because they are eating and have a roof over their head.

However, I do understand the need for continuing federal dollars, supporting state programs, which provide WIC and other assistance to single parents. Being a single parent is not easy, especially when the majority of single mothers are not receiving adequate child support from the father. Those that benefit from these programs are only using it as a temporary means to get back on their feet through employment or education…and the true benefit is going to the children. How can we punish children? We will only be as strong as our means to temporarily assist single parents in raising children that are the future of our country.

My opponent is stupid and his policies have only given handouts to Slackers.

In summary, I implore all of you to vote for me. I already have massive public support to cut entitlement programs, repeal the previous administration’s tax credits, lower the tax base for the upper class, and create a flat 30 percent tax for the middle class. You are joining an Army of budget reform! 

2nd assignment

Directions: Read Case 10 – EasyLunchboxes on page 845 of the textbook. How should en entrepreneur use social media to market her home-based business that sells lunch boxes? Answer the following questions:

• Do you believe that Kelly Lester’s business is a candidate for reshoring? Explain.
• Develop a social media marketing plan for EasyLunchboxes. On which social media should Lester focus her efforts? Why? What specific tactics should she employ in each one of the social media that you recommend?
• What steps should she take to transform EasyLunchboxes into a recognizable brand name?
• What bootstrap marketing techniques should Lester use to promote her company?

Write a 1-2 page paper detailing the above questions, and be sure to cite your references.

3rd quiz questions, only a few sentences 3-4

Question 1

1. Company Description

What differentiates the chosen business from others, and the markets the business serves?

Provide a written company description.  Be sure to include all the basic components of a company description.

Question 2

1. Market Analysis

What are the strengths and weaknesses of each primary competitor in terms of sales, quality, distribution, price, production capabilities, reputation, and products/services?  

Does the chosen business have a competitive advantage? Please explain. 

Question 3

1. Organization & Management

What are the responsibilities and expertise of each manager?

What role will they play in managing personnel and resources?

Be sure to outline the skills and talents that each person posses (or will possess). 

Question 4

1. Service or Product Line

Does the chosen business provide a service or product?

What are the specific benefits of the product or service from the customers' perspective?

How does the product or service meet the consumer needs?

Explain the production process for the service or product.  

Question 5

1. Marketing & Sales

How will the chosen business reach their customers?

Provide a written description of the marketing strategy for the chosen business.

Be sure to include all the key components of a marketing strategy.