Rhetorical Activity 3 ARCS p.113

The Daily Athenaeum featured an article by Eugene Kim that generated ideas to fix one of America's greatest health problem of obesity. The helpful solution Kim proposes is that Washington to issue a tax credit to Americans who stay fit and at a a healthy weight. He proposes that Americans who maintain their BMIs between 18.5 and 25 should qualify to receive a 1,000$ tax credit. Adults could check their BMI during their annual checkup to the doctor.

The writer does a fantastic job of providing evidence early in his argument that obesity is a major health problem whose hidden costs affect a great number of the American people. Conjecture is established, therefore the first question of stasis theory is confirmed. Kim argues what constitutes obesity by stating healthy BMI levels, which defines the obese population. This confirms the second question of definition for stasis theory. The question of quality has substantial evidence throughout the article by invoking that obesity is obviously a bad thing that should be avoided due to major diseases such as heart disease. The argument seems to lie at the question of policy by proposing that the federal government act by issuing a tax credit to those who qualify. The position that Kim seems to be arguing against is the inaction of the government to reward those healthy Americans who are not such a burden on the economy. He argues that while the government provides tax cuts to Americans in other ways such as through child tax credits or Earned Income Tax Credit, there has not been much done (as far as money incentives) to deter Americans from essentially, becoming fat. The position he is arguing against is the position to remain idle and watch while our economy is burdened with extreme health care costs. Kim's argument follows the four questions of stasis, therefore I conclude that he can achieve stasis with the opponent.