Patrick Clark American Justice And Divine Mercy Analysis

In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” But what is justice? And what is mercy? How do these seemingly opposite counterparts work together? When does one take precedence over the other? Abraham Lincoln know the difference, he was faced with one of the biggest, if not the biggest debates of the history of the United States. Patrick Clark also takes on these questions. Patrick Clark encourages his reader to ask themselves, in his essay “American Justice and Divine Mercy: Thoughts on Osama bin Laden’s Death.” is it okay to celebrate justice? Because of the recent assassination of Osama Bin Laden, Patrick Clark brings up his discomfort with the president and the media celebrating that death. He effectively uses lists of his points, to emphasis and support …show more content…
Using introductory phrases like, “Second, is it appropriate to feel at least feel a little uncomfortable with the primary meaning which our President (and the media) has attached to this momentous attack…” Mr. Clark was able set a certain tone to his paper. This tone was very important to establish his ethos. Anyone can tell that this is definitely an issue that he is very passionate about. Something that for him has really offended him or simply has made him uncomfortable. By listing his points the way that he did he is able to show passion. I think of times when I have been in arguments and the person that is arguing begins to list his points using a similar device. At those times I know that that person is very serious and knows what he is talking about. I feel the same thing when reading this paper. The tone is changed. The effect of using lists and changing the tone of the paper set a strong hold to the paper right at the very beginning.