I'm analyzing JFK's speech for concession and counter argument. In this paragraph, I'm confused which is the counter and which is the concession.
1 "Some say that it is useless to speak of world peace or world law or world disarmament-and that it will be useless until the leaders of the Soviet Union adopt a more enlightened attitude. I hope they do."
Would the first be concession?
2 "I believe we can help them do it. But I also believe that we must reexamine our own attitude--as individuals and as a Nation--for our attitude is as essential as theirs…"
Would the first be concession?
2 answers
Yes on 1, no on 2.
Well, "But I also believe..." is a counter-argument to the first statement in #1 above. It can also be seen as a concession that the Soviets needed a more enlightened attitude. You decide.