"Reagan speech from the Brandenburg Gate"

Question

by Ronald Reagan

And 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!
Use the passage to answer the question.

Which best explains why the speaker employs a false dichotomy in this passage?

(1 point)
Responses

to demonstrate the link between freedom and security
to demonstrate the link between freedom and security

to highlight the benefits of economic capitalism
to highlight the benefits of economic capitalism

to pressure Gorbachev into removing the Berlin Wall
to pressure Gorbachev into removing the Berlin Wall

to describe the reforms taking place across the Soviet Union

Answer 1

The best explanation for why the speaker employs a false dichotomy in this passage is:

to pressure Gorbachev into removing the Berlin Wall.

Reagan's use of the false dichotomy emphasizes the stark choice between continued division (symbolized by the wall) and the potential for progress and freedom, directly calling on Gorbachev to take action that would signify a commitment to change.