Logos

State the reasons, give the judgment.

In Tonkin Gulf Resolution, Congress ain't appealing to anyone's emotions, or aiming for empathy. They are stating facts, pointing out the enemy, and then going to war. The resolution is cut and dry, wasting no time to convince readers beyond a few no-nonsense descriptions of Northern Vietnamese aggression.

American ships have been attacked. North Vietnam is spreading communism. Southeast Asia nations are in danger. Over and out.

And that's it—Congress doesn't try to convince Americans of the choice to go to war (except it's not a declaration of war, remember), but simply tells them it is so. The whole document is pretty matter-of-fact about the whole deal.

And to be fair, Congress doesn't have to. This document is legislation—it's a law passed almost unanimously. It says:

Congress approves and supports the determination of the President, as Commander in Chief, to take all necessary measures to repel any armed attack against the forces of the United States and to prevent further aggression. (5)

That's it. End of story. Reason and judgment.