This critique of the Baltimore Believe campaign makes some valid points but far too many weak ones. Since this is an opinion piece, I wouldn’t assess it as I would a news story, but even still, there seem to be many holes in the writer’s argument. On the upside, this piece is well-written, and the author is somewhat informed. I like how the writer brings direct quotes from the “Declaration” of the campaign. That approach makes it easier for the reader to understand how his views contrast with the campaign’s. Unfortunately though, the writer’s rebuttals don’t always address the actual points made by the campaign, and I do feel like the writer contradicts himself once or twice. What I found most valuable in this piece is that the author responds to the actual words of the campaign. Based on my own observations living in this city since 2004, some Baltimoreans argue that the campaign’s message is too insubstantial, but this author is concerned more about using an approach that does not address the underlying causes of drug use. Even if I don’t agree with the writer or enjoy his delivery, I appreciate that he targets the actual goals of the Believe campaign.
This critique of the Baltimore Believe campaign makes some valid points but far too many weak ones. Since this is an opinion piece, I wouldn’t assess it as I would a news story, but even still, there seem to be many holes in the writer’s argument. On the upside, this piece is well-written, and the author is somewhat informed. I like how the writer brings direct quotes from the “Declaration” of the campaign. That approach makes it easier for the reader to understand how his views contrast with the campaign’s. Unfortunately though, the writer’s rebuttals don’t always address the actual points made by the campaign, and I do feel like the writer contradicts himself once or twice. What I found most valuable in this piece is that the author responds to the actual words of the campaign. Based on my own observations living in this city since 2004, some Baltimoreans argue that the campaign’s message is too insubstantial, but this author is concerned more about using an approach that does not address the underlying causes of drug use. Even if I don’t agree with the writer or enjoy his delivery, I appreciate that he targets the actual goals of the Believe campaign.
Rochelle Werner – Feb. 8, 2012 - 07:54 PM
This critique of the Baltimore Believe campaign makes some valid points but far too many weak ones. Since this is an opinion piece, I wouldn’t assess it as I would a news story, but even still, there seem to be many holes in the writer’s argument. On the upside, this piece is well-written, and the author is somewhat informed. I like how the writer brings direct quotes from the “Declaration” of the campaign. That approach makes it easier for the reader to understand how his views contrast with the campaign’s. Unfortunately though, the writer’s rebuttals don’t always address the actual points made by the campaign, and I do feel like the writer contradicts himself once or twice. What I found most valuable in this piece is that the author responds to the actual words of the campaign. Based on my own observations living in this city since 2004, some Baltimoreans argue that the campaign’s message is too insubstantial, but this author is concerned more about using an approach that does not address the underlying causes of drug use. Even if I don’t agree with the writer or enjoy his delivery, I appreciate that he targets the actual goals of the Believe campaign.