“To Peacekeep Or Not To Peacekeep” By James Ash Essay Example for Free

â€Å"To Peacekeep Or Not To Peacekeep† By James Ash Essay In â€Å"To Peacekeep Or Not To Peacekeep† James Ash argues that if we consider both the pragmatic and ethical view we can see how peace keeping is the best role for Canadians to take. However, although Ash describes peacekeeping as essential to Canada’s identity, if we look critically at this essay you will find that Ash’s argument is flawed in numerous ways. Ash provides a subjective view in favor of peacekeeping without giving a fair representation to the disadvantages of peacekeeping. Specifically if one looks at Ash’s appeal to motive and false dilemma then one can assess if Ash’s arguments are considered credible and sound. Ash begins his essay by introducing the concept of peacekeeping through the ethical and pragmatic view. Ash describes the benefits that are associated with Canada assuming the role of peacekeeper. Ash explains different scenarios of how peace keeping can help with war. With taking on a role of peace keeping we will be saving numerous soldiers and helping parts around the world out of the hell they have been living. Ash concludes his essay with encouraging readers to get on board with a peace keeping Canada and to really benefit from what our taxes are paying for. Ash demonstrates continuously how peacekeeping is the best role for the Canadian Armed forces because peacekeeping is philanthropic and earns Canada an identity internationally. Ash attempts to convey to the reader that peacekeeping is necessary for Canadians because according to Ash â€Å"The only ethical role for a peacetime army is to try to prevent war† (349). Readers are engaged because if they disagree they are afraid that they will be morally wrong for doing so. Ash flatters with language that intimates with the readers that peacekeeping prevents war. Ash states that â€Å"it saves more lives† (349) which creates a positive subliminal association in the readers’ mind for Canada assuming a role of peacekeeping. Ash argues that â€Å"if it serves as a small sign that the world will not stand by forever and let butchers and â€Å"ethnic cleansers† have their way, then peacekeeping should be supported by even the most hardnosed pragmatist† (349). Ash’s statement makes readers feel important when they envision themselves putting a stop to such terrible acts that make this world a â€Å"living hell† (349). Ash tells readers that peacekeeping will make this world a much more bearable place to be in. Ash mentions â€Å"Peacekeeping allows Canada to be the best at something, to be famous, to earn awards† (349). With readers’ interest piqued and their egos boosted, Ash woos readers that â€Å"Peacekeeping is becoming a symbol of Canada at a time when the country desperately needs one† (349). However, Ash should keep in mind while Canada may greatly benefit from peacekeeping Ash is not willing to give any disadvantages or negative aspects to peacekeeping. By only providing the readers with what they want to hear you don’t get to hear the overall argument and this may blind us from seeing both points of view. Ash begins his essay in support for peace keeping missions by outlining what he believes are the practical reasons. For example Ash states that â€Å"A few body bags being flown home because small-arms fire can penetrate Canada’s ancient armoured personnel carriers, or because our helicopters are too decrepit to evacuate Canadian wounded, is probably the only incentive that will actually get Canada’s military the tools it needs to do the job† (349) Later in the essay he states â€Å"it saves more than it costs, if it brings even temporary relief to parts of the world that have become living hells: (349). Although Ash provides meaningful evidence in support of his claim, when one looks more objectively one begins to question what the above quotations suggest; Ash’s appeal to motive or more specifically his appeal to pity. These examples may be overbearing for the reader and the words may distract them from the truth of the essay. Ash continuously argues how peacekeeping will no longer makes us an â€Å"American puppet†, he believes this will only set us up to be a part of the real world. Ash states that â€Å"either we fight alongside the US or against them† (348). He also argues that we need to set an example for the US, and peace keeping will do so. With Ash’s convincing words one may question his strong motto by looking more carefully one may begin to doubt his claim and see that Ash’s false of dilemma. These examples suggest that these fallacies distract you from the overall truth of this essay. Ash’s essay describes the numerous benefits that are associated with peacekeeping. Although Ash makes several credible points the overall essay is incredible due to numerous fallacies that justify the subjective nature of the essay rendering it impossible to be objective.