Argues that the moral quality of rhetorical forms interpenetrates a social order. Explores these new notions of criticism and morality in an example, traces the grounds for the perspective in contemporary American rhetorical studies, discusses imperatives for the implied critical program, and considers the character of the involved rhetorical…

Discusses the failure of Gerald Ford's speech pardoning Richard Nixon and the relationship between moral and legal themes. The speech failed because Ford did not effectively combine these themes into a single compatible perspective from which his pardon became the appropriate response to the situation. (JMF)

Shows how newspaper columnist Goodman's sermonic rhetoric is rooted in comparison. Examines examples of her editorials to explore their epistemic function and their force as argument and as symbolic action. (PD)

Examines the rhetoric surrounding the racial slur and forced resignation of Agriculture Secretary Earl Butz. Argues that the rhetoric celebrated a social ritual which demonstrated the double standard existing in the United States between public and private morality, thereby preserving American cultural racism. (JMF)