Iām still mulling over this weekās writing prompt: Write an Unbiased Essay on Trumpās Second Impeachment Trial. And, honestly, Iām wondering if itās possible. Why? Because Iām also asking myself: is an impeachment trial inherently biased and political? Is there a way to have an impeachment trial without party politics swaying its proceedings and verdict?Ā
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Last week we experienced history as we tuned in to watch the second impeachment trial for Donald J. Trump. And thereās no doubt that the entire impeachment trial process was political from beginning to end, especially since the verdict of the trial came out along party lines and because it was supposed to be a political trial at its core, as all impeachment trials are. But how much of the truth and relevant facts of the trial were sacrificed on the biased political stage?Ā
Watching the trial made me wonder: is there a way to write about Trumpās second impeachment trial without being partisan or using partisan terms and phrases? Is there a way to write about the trial without referring to Republicans or Democrats, or without using colorful language that embellishes either side of the partisan argument? Would this more nonpartisan writing approach make the argument for impeachment indisputable and more clear-cut?
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Below is my draft for this weekās writing prompt: Write a letter of love, admiration, or solace. I decided to include a handwritten letter. A letter of love, admiration, gratitude, and solace.
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I chose this weekās writing prompt: write a letter of love, admiration, or solace, precisely because most of us tend to think of it as something thatās clichĆ© or common to do on Valentineās Day. But the reality is, itās not at all a common thing to do. Not in todayās world. In fact, thereās an entire greeting card industry thatās counting on you not writing your own letter, ever, for any occasion at allā whether itās a letter of love, admiration, thanks, solace, congratulations, etc.
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Here are a few notable quotes and excerpts that capture the essence of letter writing. Hopefully, they prove useful for this weekās writing prompt: Write a Letter of Love, Admiration, or Solace.Ā
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What makes a letter captivating? Valuable? Timeless? Is its inherent value defined by its writer’s identity or style? By an important historical moment thatās captured? Or something else more ephemeral and less palpable?
Why should we write a letter of love, admiration, or solace now, when itās so easy to just pick up a smartphone and text or video chat with someone at a momentās notice?Ā
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Valentineās Day is this coming Sunday. You know, itās that overly-commercialized time of year to give and receive chocolates and flowers and cards and jewelry and other cheesy, materialistic gifts that no one ever really needs or knows what to do with, but still kinda wants. If weāre all being truly honest with ourselves, we all want a Valentine, or to at least be seen and acknowledged by a loved one or a love interest, on this overly commercialized holiday. Yesāeven as we roll our eyes and mock the drugstore shelves filled with fake cherry red candy and hot pink faux velvet boxes and plastic commodities.
Why? Because whether we like it or not, the very idea of love and affection is still āin the airā on this thrilling day for lovers and annoying day for coveters, every year. There is no way to avoid it. So, I say, why not use it to our creative writing advantage anyway, eh?
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I will likely update it over the coming weeks, days, or months.
Iāve never attempted to write anything like this before. It was truly an interesting and empowering exercise. It had a greater impact on me than I originally thought it would. And Iām grateful. If you completed this writing prompt too, be sure to leave a link to it in the comments at the bottom of the page.Ā Ā
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I havenāt written a speech since I was an undergraduate in college. Sure, Iāve led discussions and given some presentations to both small and large groups over the course of my professional life. But itās been quite some time since I have written an official speech. So, it should go without saying, I had to go back to the basics when getting started with this weekās writing prompt.Ā
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Here are a few quotes about language and speaking Iām reflecting on as I complete this weekās writing prompt: Write Your Own Inaugural Address or Poem for 2021.
What are some speeches or advice about speeches that youāve found inspiring or notable? What are some speeches or poems that you’ll never be able to forget?
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