19. Tablets during Takeoff

http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_tense/2012/12/07/tablets_during_takeoff_fcc_chair_asks_faa_to_allow_ipads_kindles_on_airplanes.html

          Will Oremus, the author of the article "Even the FCC Thinks It's Dumb That We Have To Turn Off Electronic Devices During Takeoff," writes about how most people including himself agree that it is completely useless to turn off electronic devices inside an airplane during takeoff. The author says that this rule is based on no evidence whatsoever; the Federal Aviation Administration requires passengers in an airplane to turn off their electronic devices for no particular good reason. Julius Genachowski is the chairman of the Federal Aviation Administration and he is one of the many who believe such a rule is ridiculous and should be stopped. Genachowski even sent a letter to the acting administrator in order to at least allow Kindles and iPads to be used since even pilots could use iPads as flight manuals. Oremus includes a part of the letter from Genachowski which tries to convince and ask for the enablement of e-readers and tablet usage during takeoff.
           Will Oremus uses a lot of different strategies to achieve his purpose. The author uses a very distinct yet honest and sincere title which captures the reader's attention. The author also uses the possessive pronoun "we" in order to establish a closer relationship with the reader and indirectly persuade the reader to think similarly. The author uses a very informal tone and also uses some inappropriate words "people who think this is stupid." The author mentions real life examples of tablets which should be okay to used by airplane passengers during takeoff. The author also takes a further step by including a portion of the letter from the chairman of the FAA. In the letter, Genachowski uses a cause and effect pattern ( the cause: tablets and e-readers okay to be used during takeoff/ effect: passengers informed and connected with friends and family/ second effect: small and large businesses will be more productive and will grow/ third effect: economic growth and boost in U.S competitiveness). The author uses a chain of effects for a single cause which he believes should be taken into action.