The best explanation for why the speaker employs a false dichotomy in this passage is to pressure Gorbachev into removing the Berlin Wall. By presenting a stark choice between genuine reform and continued oppression, Reagan aims to compel Gorbachev to take decisive action that would demonstrate a true commitment to freedom and openness, specifically by calling for the tearing down of the Berlin Wall.
"Reagan speech from the Brandenburg Gate" by Ronald ReaganAnd now the Soviets themselves may, in a limited way, be coming to understand the importance of freedom. We hear much from Moscow about a new policy of reform and openness. Some political prisoners have been released. Certain foreign news broadcasts are no longer being jammed. Some economic enterprises have been permitted to operate with greater freedom from state control. Are these the beginnings of profound changes in the Soviet state? Or are they token gestures, intended to raise false hopes in the West, or to strengthen the Soviet system without changing it? We welcome change and openness; for we believe that freedom and security go together, that the advance of human liberty can only strengthen the cause of world peace.There is one sign the Soviets can make that would be unmistakable, that would advance dramatically the cause of freedom and peace. General Secretary Gorbachev, if you seek peace, if you seek prosperity for the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe, if you seek liberalization: Come here to this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, open this gate! Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!Address from the Brandenburg Gate (Berlin Wall), Ronald Reagan, June 12, 1987QuestionUse the passage to answer the question.Which best explains why the speaker employs a false dichotomy in this passage?(1 point)Responsesto highlight the benefits of economic capitalismto highlight the benefits of economic capitalismto pressure Gorbachev into removing the Berlin Wallto pressure Gorbachev into removing the Berlin Wallto demonstrate the link between freedom and securityto demonstrate the link between freedom and securityto describe the reforms taking place across the Soviet Unionto describe the reforms taking place across the Soviet Union
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