1. Tone is the attitude a writer takes towards his subject: the tone can be serious, humorous, sarcastic, ironic, satirical, tongue-in-cheek, solemn, objective, cynical, self-pitying, humorous, optimistic, etc.
Which word do you think best describes the tone of Mr. Simpson's commentary? Explain your answer.

2. The purpose of an editorial/commentary is to explain, persuade, warn, criticize, entertain, praise or answer. What do you think is the purpose of Mr. Simpson's commentary? Explain your answer.

3. In paragraph 9, Mr. Simpson asserts: "...it is unforgivable that American officialdom has covered up who our present-day enemy is, what it stands for, and what its ultimate goals are."
a) Do you agree with this assertion? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.