Stasis Theory: Kennedy

President Kennedy uses all the elements of stasis theory to make his argument to Congress. In the beginning of his speech, he uses definitions to make his argument more persuasive. By defining the space race as a battle "between freedom and tyranny", he makes it much harder to object to his cause. Then, he bluntly lays out the facts that the United States is losing the race, providing his reason for speaking. Already inherent in the concept of a battle, it goes almost without saying that this is a bad thing for the country. Kennedy adds a carrot by talking of the glory that would be associated with landing on the moon. The action and jurisdiction parts of stasis theory tie together very well in this instance. JFK requests Congress to approve more funds for space programs. He also reveals his vision of a man on the moon before the end of the decade.