Introduction
The Terminator is Paul Burka’s article on Rick Perry, the Texas governor, and the political system, in general, that encourages individuals like Perry to direct state agencies that are supposed to be independent. Burka’s article goes in-depth on how long terms facilitate centralized power and the establishment of a monolith in which every party is influenced by the ideas and aims of the individual controlling them. Burka’s text is well-organized, touches upon multiple topics related to the thesis, and illustrates a complex overview of a systematic issue by highlighting the precedent in a singular instance for a more straightforward explanation.
Organization
The organization of the article is different from that of a regular essay, as the thesis is exemplified initially before the introductory piece. The author links the conclusion with the thesis but not with the introduction since the beginning highlights the instance in which Perry is illustrated as a person in power who does not always manage to control every instance. The organization of the article is well-established as each paragraph either refers to an instance in which Perry is shown abusing the power of the governor or refers to the overall thesis, which is argumentative, clear, and supported with evidence throughout the essay exemplifying the negative implications of long terms for such politicians. The evidence is clearly stated, as illustrated in the paragraph in regards to the school board member deemed disloyal for supporting Perry’s rival (Burka 3) and the one presenting the deplorable condition of the highways under Perry’s supervision (Burka 5). This refers to the author’s research performed to highlight the evidence of the thesis. However, the organization did not include a purpose for contrast with other examples in which governors served for fewer years and were more successful in terms of creating a less centralized state power.
The author also does not address a counterargument. One that could be illustrated in the idea that long terms facilitate a better understanding of the issues and problems that are to be discussed on a state level. Overall, the logical organization allows readers to understand a complex topic as the writer has managed to accessible illustrate the political challenge addressed in the piece. Moreover, the overall concept of differences in terms is well highlighted and explained. Thus, the author references the previous 2-year term policy and the system allowing individuals to run three times (Burka 4). This is background information that supports readers in understanding the topic more efficiently. However, a subject that can benefit from more background is the federal policies in regard to the term policies. This goes back to the argument that a comparison with a different state would exemplify the issue more clearly.
Style
The argumentative essay takes a serious, reflective tone, which is appropriate for the political agenda suggested in the piece. There is little creativity since the article does not imply an artistic connotation. Nonetheless, the factual data on Perry as a governor, the analytical content on his actions, and the reflective overview on the need to shorten the term create a scientific background for the thesis. Moreover, the less artistic and more argumentative tone highlights that the author managed to develop and state the purpose of the article, which is to highlight the need for shorter terms. Thus, the goal is not understated since both the organization and the style are adequately applied to highlight the objective. However, the lack of counterarguments or alternative scenarios for contrast does create a rather heavy-handed connotation since the author only provides the alternative of shortening the governor’s time in office and implementing a two-terms-only policy.
Moreover, it is essential to point out that description is the only form of communication throughout the piece besides the initial monologue. Perry dismisses the allegations that a person executed on his watch may have been wrongfully convicted (Burka 1). The author of the article is authentic in exemplifying evidence and remaining relatively objective. Since the political piece is based on data and a clearly-stated argument, the article is not passionate or creative due to the fact that this would diminish its reliability. Still, the topic of the negative influence of long terms on the centralization of the state power is clearly explained in each paragraph and focused on throughout the piece. Furthermore, the audience of the journal Texas Monthly which published the article, is effectively chosen since the concern has to do with their governor and the reality of the political system within their state.
Conclusion
The article is well organized and stylized appropriately based on the political content to which it refers to. Burka’s arguments clearly portray the situation in which a governor has managed to create a system in which each entity is influenced by him on a certain level. As exemplified prior, the author could add information on other states’ systems and the benefits of applying a different tactic. Overall, the article’s purpose, thesis, and arguments are clearly stated and well-illustrated in every paragraph. The author has remained objective since the piece takes the attention away from governor Perry and puts the blame on the overall political organization of the state.
Works Cited
Burka, Paul. “The Terminator.” Texas Monthly, 2009.