Expeditio (ex-pe-di’-ti-o): After enumerating all possibilities by which something could have occurred, the speaker eliminates all but one (=apophasis). Although the Ad Herennium author lists expeditio as a figure, it is more properly considered a method of argument [and pattern of organization] (sometimes known as the “Method of Residues” when employed in refutation), and “Elimination Order” when employed to organize a speech. [The reference to ‘method’ hearkens back to the Ramist connection between organizational patterns of discourses and organizational pattern of arguments]).
Why did we end up with a Coronavirus-gone-wild situation here in the United States?
1. Nobody saw it coming?
2. Democrats diverted attention away from the Coronavirus by constantly criticizing Trump?
or
3. China manufactured and distributed the virus via the goods they are flooding our markets with–shoes, plastic forks and much, much more?
My response to these answers is “No, no, and hell no.” I answer no for two reasons: 1. One and two are untrue; 2. Three is untrue and crazy.
The truth is that Donald Trump has very nearly singlehandedly orchestrated the chaos by denying there was a problem when we could’ve been making progress toward managing it. We lost valuable time due his arrogant, self-interested, monarchical shitlyhood.
It will tear me apart when the pandemic subsides and I have to listen to him gloating over how he saved us all. Many lives could have been saved if he had approached this catastrophe from the outset with an honest appraisal and a compassionate hand. He didn’t.
We all would have been better off if he had self-quaranteened from day one and let people who know what they’re doing handle the mess.
Definition courtesy of “Silva Rhetoricae” (rhetoric.byu.edu). Bracketed text by Gorgias.
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