TOW #7-It's Not Rocket Science

source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/marian-wright-edelman/its-not-rocket-science_b_4164950.html

      In her article, Marian Wright Edelman uses references to a credible source and proven statistics to stress her point that scientific research can help decrease the number of gun-related deaths, and that funding should continue to be provided for such research.
      Much of Edelman's article features quotes/references from Dr. Mark L. Rosenberg. She lists his qualifications in order to identify him as a credible source. The use of a credible source to support her position gives weight to her point, making it more viable. Several of the quotes from Dr. Rosenberg that she chooses clearly agree with her own position. She gives his gives his statement that, “We can apply the same science to firearm injuries and deaths of children, and it’s not rocket science," to support her point that scientific research can help reduce gun-related deaths. The "same science" refers to the scientific research that reduced deaths caused by automobile deaths.
      Edelman also uses proven statistics in her essay to give proof that there has been a decrease in the funding for gun violence prevention research, and that this was a mistake. She says that, "...funding for gun violence  prevention research...fell from an average of $2.5 million per year in 1993-1996 to half that in 1997-2000. She also gives statistics listed by Dr. Rosenberg herself to support the fact that scientific research into gun violence has made important discoveries, namely that, "not only did having a gun in your home not protect you, but increased the risk thatsomeone in your own home would be killed by a gun...[by a] 300% increase." These statistics give solid proof of the benefits of research, and volleys for an increase in funding for the research.
      This article appeals to the ethos of its readers by the very place of its publication: the Huffington Post website. It also appeals to ethos by the author's referencing of a a credible source, Dr. Rosenberg, and the listing of his qualifications. The article's audience is anyone who has access to a computer and wifi, but the article is directed at those who have decreased the funding for research into gun prevention. It is an appeal to those people to continue and even increase the funding. The tone of the article is appealing as well as analytical. 
      The article is effective in completing its purpose of showing how scientific research ought to be promoted in gun violence prevention. The use of references to a highly qualified person, Dr. Rosenberg, is especially effective in giving weight and authority to the article and its message.