7 1A n E x t e n d e d E x a m p l eFinally, I hope we can develop a sound and sensible for-
mula for computing salaries of office clerks and other statu-
tory employees in the same category.This is straightforward except that a new factor is introduced: We should
await redistricting of the nation. This was not mentioned earlier in the argu-
ment, and so seems a bit out of place in a summary. Perhaps the point is so
obvious that it did not need any argument to support it. On the other hand,
it is often useful to keep track of things that are smuggled into the argument
at the very end. If redistricting was about to occur in the near future, this
would give a strong reason for delaying action on the measure. Because the
point is potentially so strong, we might wonder why Kyl has made so little
of it. Here, perhaps, we are getting too subtle.
Now that we have looked at Representative Kyl’s argument in close de-
tail, we can step back and notice some important features of the argument
as a whole. In particular, it is usually illuminating to notice an argument’s
purpose, audience, and standpoint.
First, Kyl’s overall purpose is clear. As his opening sentence indicates, he
is presenting an argument intended to justify his opposition to an increase
in the clerk hire allowance. Virtually everything he says is directed toward this
single goal. In other cases, arguers pursue multiple goals, and sorting things
out can be a complex matter. Sometimes it is hard to tell what an argument is
even intended to establish. This is usually a sign that the person presenting
the argument is confused or, perhaps, trying to confuse his audience.
Second, Kyl’s argument is addressed to a specific audience. He is not speak-
ing to an enemy of the United States who would love to see our government
waste its money. Nor is he speaking to clerks or to those U.S. citizens who
might be hired as clerks if the clerk hire allowance were raised. He is pre-
senting his argument to other representatives in Congress. He is trying to
show this group that they and he have reasons to oppose this increase in the
clerk hire allowance. His task, then, is to present reasons that they accept—or
should accept—for rejecting an increase in the clerk hire allowance.
Third, Kyl not only addresses his argument to a particular audience, he also
adopts a particular standpoint to it. Good arguments are usually presented not
only to specific audiences but also from particular standpoints. Kyl’s standpoint
is clear and powerful. He puts himself across as a tough-minded, thoroughly
honest person who is willing to stand up against majority opinion. This, in
fact, may be an accurate representation of his character, but by adopting this
standpoint he gains an important argumentative advantage: He suggests that
those who disagree with him are a bit soft-minded, not altogether candid, and,
anyway, mere tools of the Democratic majority that runs the Congress. By
adopting this stance, Kyl casts his opponents in a light that is hardly flattering.
By specifying the purpose, audience, and standpoint of an argument, we
get a clearer sense of what the argument needs to accomplish in order to suc-
ceed in its goals. By looking closely at special words in the argument, as well as
at what is conversationally implied, we get a better idea of how the argument
is supposed to achieve its goals. All of this together helps us understand thewage, or aid to education, or civil rights, such matters of
housekeeping seem too picayune to merit attention. The
Member simply checks the table and hires what he can hire
under the provisions and then forgets the whole business.
But I know the Members also want the people back home to
realize that what we do here is open and frank and accurate,
and that we set an example in businesslike procedures. The
more we can demonstrate responsibility the greater will be
the faith in Congress.a. Once more the seas of rhetoric run high. Someone (though not Kyl himself)
has suggested that the members of the House wish to conceal information. He dis-
avows the very thought that he would make such a suggestion by the sentence “I
know this is not so.” All the same, he has gotten this suggestion into the argument.
b. Kyl then suggests another reason why the members of the House will
not be concerned with this measure: It is “too picayune.” The last two sen-
tences rebut the suggestion that it is too small to merit close attention. Even
on small matters, the more the House is “open and frank and accurate,” the
more it will “set an example in businesslike procedures” and thus “demon-
strate responsibility” that will increase “the faith in Congress.” This is actu-
ally an important part of Kyl’s argument, for presumably his main problem
is to get the other members of the House to take the matter seriously.
May I summarize. It is obvious that some Members need
more clerical help because of large population and large
land area. I have been working for some time with the best
help we can get on a measure which would take these items
into consideration. Those Members who are really in need
of assistance should realize that this temporary hastily con-
ceived proposition we debate today will probably obviate
their getting a satisfactory total solution.a. This is a concise summary. Kyl once more assures the House that he is
aware that a genuine problem exists. He also indicates that he is working on it.
b. The phrase “temporary, hastily conceived proposition we debate to-
day” refers back to his arguments concerning untimeliness.
c. The claim that “it will probably obviate their getting a satisfactory total
solution” refers back to the economic argument. Notice, however, that, as
before, the economic claim is guarded by the word “probably.”
First, we should await redistricting of the Nation.
Second, we should consider appropriate allowance for
oversize districts considering both population and total geo-
graphic area.A
E+
A
A
E-
G
E+
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