Johnson uses juxtaposition to highlight the differences between the nation as it is and the nation as it could be. He starts at the beginning of the speech: "I have come today from the turmoil of your Capital to the tranquility of your campus to speak about the future of your country." (6)

He sets up a choice. Is your future one of chaos or comfort? That introduces much of the later comparisons in the speech: polluted or clean air and water, decaying or vibrant cities, natural beauty or parking lots?