Gary_Alfrich

Columnist Gary Aldrich In today's society, public writers tend to put more energy into writing what's "popular", or gets the most "buzz" rather than writing the truth. In the same way, hidden throughout most of the US Government , corruption and deceit cover up the real issues at hand. Gary Aldrich - an ex-FBI agent - is "dedicated to promoting constitutional rights," and "ethical dissent" (Cuba Libre), and writes to reveal the truth and defend those who are unable to defend themselves. Aldrich has a right wing political standpoint, but has no racial or otherwise discriminating bias'. In one particular column, Aldrich is pointing out "nonsensical policies" (Ohio Rifles Stand as Symbols) and essentially has the reader prove his point for him. He guides the reader through several short paragraphs, each defined by a direct, logical question. "What causes some otherwise rational people to go off the deep end with nonsensical policies that are obviously selectively enforced' Some suggest that recent school shootings have brought new attention to the age-old problem of violence, especially when it involves firearms on campus. But, if they are really concerned about violence, how do gun-control fundamentalists reconcile the fact that most major university campuses are rife with violent acts being committed against female students, but so little is done about it' Put another way: Do you have to die in order to get any attention from campus do-gooders' Why do gun-control fundamentalists use their passion fighting conservatives who only want to protect their First and Second Amendment rights, but find little time to make sure coeds are not raped or assaulted on campus' It's a sad and well-known fact that women make easy targets for sexual attacks by violent predators simply because they usually cannot protect themselves. What does the average sexual predator know about college campuses' First, there is only a token police presence to protect anybody. Second, everybody except the police are ordered to keep weapons of all kinds off campus. And third, the campus is amply stocked with hundreds, if not thousands, of attractive young females, each one a potential target." (Ohio Rifles Stand as Symbols) Here you can see how he moved from overly strict gun policies, to targeting the real problem - defenseless students on campus. This device is incredibly effective. Had he just stated facts or opinions, both can be argued with and even proved wrong. But because he asked a question, he leads you to the desired conclusion. Often, when a writer is highly dignified, or delights in the use of long, ostentatious words that potentially may not be delivering the proper connotation so desired, then it becomes a hassle to stay focused. You are lost and the point was not "driven home". Aldrich, instead, utilizes many short phrases to simplify what he is getting across to the reader. "In spite of what some "la la" people may think, there is no code stating that King or any other "out-of-control criminal" must fire first in these or any other life-threatening circumstances." (Cops out of Control') "When you think of it, Rodney King was lucky that the arresting officers were not women; they were guys trying to do the impossible. They were not "out of control" as has been suggested." (Cops out of Control') "…what worries her more is the real chance these tanker cars could be used to make the "world's biggest pipe bomb."" (First Casualty of War) In each of these excerpts, Aldrich took a common idea, and made it easy for readers to grasp his thoughts by using a simplified form. This is especially useful in Aldrich's columns, because the concepts he discusses could be way over an average reader's head. Especially in the first two selections, when he established the phrase "out of control" (Cops out of control') in the title Cops out of control' (Cops out of control') and then later refers back to it twice. The simple phrase became a solid return point throughout the column. Aldrich makes his writing interesting and legitimate by merely using examples from his career. His occupation as a federal agent gives him a lot of "Ethos" in dealing with many current issues. He uses personal experiences, as well as a thorough knowledge of the federal system. "In 1982, I was smuggled into the hotel room of an old Cuban woman visiting the U.S. for a few precious weeks. She was the grandmother of a very good friend of mine. Most Cubans view the FBI much like we, as Americans, view the KGB. Castro had preached for years about alleged FBI and CIA plots that were under way to undermine his power-base. But, she wanted to talk to me, an FBI agent, because she wanted to tell as many people as possible about the horrible fear she lived with day in and day out." (Cuba Libre) "After nearly 40 years of seeing it from the inside and watching it daily from the outside, let me state it plainly: When it comes to the treatment of employees – some of whom have dedicated their lives in so many ways – as an employer, the federal government is one mean bastard." (Honest and Hard-working Need not Apply) When Aldrich talks about meeting with the Cuban woman, he is speaking from his own personal experience, as well as making an analogy to help the readers understand his point of view, relating Cuban's view of the FBI, with our view of the KGB. In the second excerpt, by being an ex-FBI agent, in addition to working in a federal position for forty years gives him the right to basically say whatever he wants. The authority given would be nearly impossible to prove wrong. Because of the position God gave him in life, Aldrich was able to gain knowledge that few have the opportunity to. His deep insight to these issues can raise awareness of little-known problems and impact the lives of people who need change the most. He uses his talent as a writer not to add to countless fluff, but instead tells the "truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth". Bibliography Aldrich, Gary. "Cuba Libre." World Net Daily. N.p., 16 May 2002. Web. 30 Oct. 2010 . Aldrich, Gary. "Cops out of Control'." World Net Daily. N.p., 4 May 2002. Web. 30 Oct. 2010 . Aldrich, Gary. "Ohio Rifles Stand as Symbols." World Net Daily. N.p., 25 Apr. 2002. Web. 30 Oct. 2010 . Aldrich, Gary. "First Casualty of War." World Net Daily. N.p., 22 Feb. 2002. Web. 30 Oct. 2010 . Aldrich, Gary. "Honest and Hard-working Need not Apply." World Net Daily. N.p., 19 Apr. 2002. Web. 30 Oct. 2010 .