Write a three page memo that critically refutes the article "Top Ten Reasons to Oppose the Free Trade Area of the Americas" arguments opposing the Free Trade Area of the Americas. In countering the arguments put forth within this that position statement, consider that you are responding to what was presented as an opinion editorial within the Los Angeles Times. Seek to leverage the lessons from our course but in such a way as to make them accessible to the wider audience reading your rebuttal within the Times.

You may elect to focus in on those reasons that you feel warrant the most attention. In other words, you needn't address all 10 reasons identified. However, you should keep in mind that the objective is to persuade the wider public that you are right and the author of the prior opinion editorial in the paper is wrong. Feel free to effectively integrate additional outside research as supportive evidence but don't forget what we have discussed in our video reviews. Effective communication typically impacts its audience, changing the decisions made or the actions taken by those consuming the communication. As such, be very clear within your team as to who your "target audience" is and what impact you seek to have on the audience through your response.

The written analysis will be evaluated based on (1) how well it engaged the target audience; (2) how effective is its logic and the evidence supporting it; and (3) how persuasive are its arguments. Seek to go beyond merely superficial comments and help your audience to understand the broader value and importance of your insights.