In his speech, "Beyond Vietnam - A Time to Break Silence," Martin Luther King argues that American involvement in the Vietnam war is unjust? What is his reasoning that supports his claim? What devices and appeals does he use to build his claim? Finally, is his argument justified?

Answer and Explanation:

1. It shows that the war is unfair, because in addition to causing pain and suffering to Vietnamese and American soldiers, it withdraws money that could be used to improve the lives of poor and needy Americans.

2. He supports this claim by showing that before the war the US government had social programs that helped American citizens, black and white, economically. These citizens did not have economic resources to have food and a home, but thanks to social programs, thanks to population taxes, the government was able to help these Americans to have a better and happier life. However, when the war began, these programs were terminated so that this money could be used to pay the costs of the war. This left many Americans destitute and taxes paid by the population were used to wreak havoc in another country.

3. King uses emotional resources through a strong appeal to pathos to create public sympathy with what he was presented. This can be seen in the moment when he says that poor Americans are helpless, Vietnamese are suffering from the war and Americans are watching their children, grandchildren and husbands being killed in a war that could be avoided.

4. King's argument is justified, as it shows correct evidence that can be recognized as true by the public.