"A Modest Proposal"

In Swift's "A Modest Proposal," Swift identifies many problems with the society in which he lived in (Ireland); the problems were essentially tied together by the fact that the Irish were struggling to overcome the English influence being pressed upon Ireland at the time.  One of the main problems outlined in the essay is the increasing rate of poverty in Ireland, which was partially being brought about by landlords "killing" their tenants by overcharging them.  The growing number of people in Ireland didn't help the situation either - more people meant more poverty because there was not enough money or jobs to support the growing population.  Toward the end of the essay, Swift talks of rejecting objects and actions that increase foreign luxury and of taxes - problems that can be assumed to have risen due to the English influence over the Irish. Other than the fact that people took this essay seriously when it was first published, the satirical mode of writing helps to support Swift's claims by giving the essay a personal aspect, making it easy to relate to.  Also, the essay is entertaining to read because Swift's proposals and supposed benefits that would result from carrying out his plan are so ludicrous.  By listing the benefits of his proposal, Swift also makes the paper believable to some degree, because the benefits are those that the general public would like to see in some way. When I read this piece, I thought of the Lobster piece we read because both essays have a personal perspective.  Instead of ranting to the public about the problems plaguing Ireland, Swift, like Wallace, intrigues the public and keeps them interested using a joking tone while talking about real issues at hand; ranting would only just turn people away in both cases. I think the purpose of this piece is to convince the public that there were problems with the Irish society in which Swift lived, and to move people to want to change the way that society functions - especially to remove themselves from under the veil of English influence.

 A prominent national issue in the United States today is people's right to privacy, and the government protecting U.S. citizens from terrorism.  Given "suspicious" circumstances, the U.S. government can tap into phone and internet conversations.  Who would want their conversations to be monitored?  Not me.  If people are afraid the government will tap into their conversations, they should just eliminate conversations completely, or at least revert back to writing letters, or even better yet, talk in person.  Phone and internet connections are expensive anyway; therefore, by writing letters or talking in person, we could all save a little cash.  Not to mention, we could actually see people every once in a while.  If all conversations were cut (which is the best solution, obviously), the government would have nothing to worry about, and people would live conversation-tapping free lives!

(Well, after this wonderful work, I'm pretty sure it's safe to say I will not be writing a satirical proposal for my essay! :x)