On March 8th, 1983, Ronald Reagan delivered his influential speech "Evil Empire" in Orlando, Florida. Reagan educates his audience that this world is filled with people who choose not to follow basic religious or moral beliefs, whether it is those who discriminate against the handicapped or support underage abortion without parental consent. He also expresses that a communist state represents an "evil empire", such as the Soviet Union. This speech remains remarkable today because of Reagan's ability to engage his audience with a lasting impact on America.
ETHOS- Ronald Reagan presents himself as someone who wants the best for America and a leader who works to protect the liberty of Americans by also putting his trust in God. He does so by thanking those who keep America "good" and motivates them to continue to do so. Reagan follows an outstanding work ethic because he directs schools and health departments in the right direction to protect the basic rights that all humans should have.
PATHOS-Reagan touched upon the subject of abortion on demand which evoked fear and pain to his audience. He stated that a court permitted death by starvation to a handicapped infant. An unborn child does have it's rights and the handicapped deserves to be treated respectfully. Relieving the thoughts of many, Ronald Reagan does point out that he has taken steps for nurses and others to report anything that may put an infant's life in jeopardy.
Reagan strikes fear in parents once he reminds people that clinics provide birth control drugs to underage girls without the knowledge of their parents. He took action to fix certain policies like this in the health department but also leaves parents with this question- "And isn't it the parents' right to give counsel and advice to keep their children from making mistakes that may affect their entire lives?"
Reagan evokes anger in his audience when he presents that religious students and nonreligious students were not given fair treatment. Still, he believes that congress will be able to pass a bill that will restore the freedom of religious speech. By asking people to join and support him in this, Reagan influences people to take action.
Reagan also states that communism and totalitarian states prevent people from experiencing the joys of God. It brings sadness to those who hold a strong faith in religion. People finally become determined to join the fight against tainted societies because of these words, "So, I urge you to speak out against those who would place the United States in a position of military and moral inferiority."
LOGOS-Ronald Reagan states that a freeze on nuclear weapons would ultimately have no impact because the Soviet Union would ignore the freeze on weapons and continue making them. This leads his audience to believe that the United States must reduce the amount of nuclear weapons, making the country look morally superior and stronger. If the United States is stronger than the Soviet Union, then the United States will win under a reduction policy.
