Week 5 Reading Response - #2

In "An Opportunity for Intelligent Debate," John Zwier’s (page 884) essay is literally going through his thought process after realizing that President Bush was going to speak at Calvin College for the commencement ceremony. He seemed to go back and forth considering the pros and cons of this event. He evaluated the situation and decided what it meant for his college and community. He evaluated the possible causal outcome, of how it could affect Calvin College, and came to a conclusion of what he would propose for the best results.

John Zwier quickly realized that the President’s visit would give Calvin College much needed attention. It would put his college “on the map” and would also affect “enrollment and donations.” This seemed like a win-win situation to him.

After recognizing all the positive in President Bush’s visit, John Zwier realized some negative effects it could potentially have. First, he remembered that a special person was going to be speaking and the senior class would miss out on the opportunity to hear the originally planned speech. John Zwier also didn’t want Calvin College to be associated with a specific religion, political party or politics in general.

John Zwier’s essay went from the very beginning of his evaluations, to the causal outcomes and finally to his proposal of a good Presidential visit. His final proposal was evident; John Zwier didn’t want Calvin College, a Christian college, associated with any political party or religion. He also hoped the audience was respectful of the President, but recognized that it wouldn’t be a pep rally.