Balko's Argument Analysis

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Recommended: Obesity effects on the health care system

Although Balko’s argument clearly outlines the need for consumers in taking responsibility for their own eating habits, his logic exhibits some fallacies. Balko’s comment, “Your heart attack drives up the cost of my premiums and office visits,” is geared towards government spending (para 5). Not only does he introduce this loaded question fallacy in a harsh, angry tone, but it is implied that obese Americans are the cause of high cost medical premiums. This fallacy of Balko is potentially damaging to his argument in the way he personally views Americans and consumers who are obese and over-weight as lazy and not willing to become healthy in order to help keep society’s premiums low. Although, Americans should take responsibility for their actions,

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