For WRT303 here at URI, Project #3 compells students to either write an informative speech, in-depth feature story, or an issue brief. I plan on writing an informative speech based on a huge current public issue from my town.
In South Kingstown, RI (the town in between where I live and where I attend school), a man by the name of Michael Woodmansee killed, cannabalized, and hid the remains to a five-year old boy he killed "for fun." This was in 1975, but the killer did not confess for years to come. When Woodmansee was found and convicted of murder, he received 40 years in prison. Now, due to the prison's "good behavior" points system, Woodmansee may get out soon, 12 years before his original set date. The public is outraged, as am I. How can they let a killer back into my town? RI even let him stay in a MA prison to protect his safety, now what about ours!?
To do this informative speech, i plan on outlining the facts of the case first, then interviewing 1-2 people. I'm sure names will be easy to find since this story is all over Facebook & the local Newspapers. One will be a parent of young children against his release and the other someone who remembers when the killing occurred (preferably someone from SK, RI)
Wow. I completely understand where you are coming from. I would be terrified to have a weird killer like that back out on the streets. I would think that he would have gotten life if what he did was true. And them to protect him, what are they retarded?? If he killed, cannabalized, and hid the remains of only a 5 year old... what would he do next. The fact that it was just for fun is scary too. If i were that kids parents i would do anything to make sure that he spen the rest of his life in jail.
ReplyDeleteFirst, I am a bit annoyed by Kari's use of the term retarded as it applies to the Justice System in RI. In any case, waht I'm most intersted in is how you will prepare to refute and defuse the counter-arguments in this case. The murder is heinous and that cannibalism and a child was involved makes it that much more. thus it is a very emotional topic and there will no doubt be many emotional responses. I bet the argument the wins the day will be the argument that balances emotion with reason. So I ask, waht good reasons are there to let this man out after doing his cour appointed time and working within the system as he was asked to do? the second pont you may want to think thorugh as you construcdt your argument consens your tone: it is easy to be angry and blustery and negative; it is difficult to be positive--how can you argue positively for keeping this guy in jail. this si the number one rule of academic argument, adn sometimes it works in public argument: it is better to be smart than it is to be right.
ReplyDeleteWow this is a horrible crime and that somebody did this for "fun" makes me even more outraged. I'm sure every person in your town is terrified especially people with younger children since that seemed to be his type he choice to kill. I think the good behavior system can work out in your favor if you got to much time or didn't even commit a crime. But somebody that for sure took the life of an innocent child, should not be allowed back on the streets. People usually don't change. Just because he is older and has gone to prison doesn't mean he will come out a new man. I think the justice system in RI needs to really think about this before they release Michael Woodmansee. You should even try to find out more on the prison and maybe even what his family is saying about this. Are they standing behind him or are they letting him fall? What can you do to prevent him from being released? Is that really in the towns people's hands?
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