Today's Lesson: The False Equivalence Fallacy

The false equivalence being perpetuated by journalists and social media: "All the idiots in Washington are equally to blame for this mess." The assumption is since both are involved in the problem, both are equally to blame. It is a fallacy that is prompted by the impulse toward objectivity. When there is a public disagreement, we feel the need to treat each side as an equal party in the dispute, even if the evidence suggests otherwise. In the case of our current government shutdown there is one guilty party: The Far-Right GOP.

Let's review: The president was democratically elected (twice), while campaigning heavily on the idea of health care reform. The Affordable Care Act is a flawed piece of legislation that became more flawed as it passed through the sausage-maker known as the legislative process (I personally would prefer universal single-payer, but that's another argument). Nevertheless, it was adopted three years ago through a democratic process. The ACA was upheld by the Supreme Court. Obamacare is settled. It is the law. And its effects can't be known yet, since it hasn't been fully implemented yet.

The Far-Right Republicans are not negotiating legislation in good faith, they are obstructing the functioning of our government through tactics of belligerence and extortion. They will not win. They are being roundly criticized by those in their own party. Ironically, their actions are now costing us tens of billions of dollars a day.

Don't misunderstand, I am not defending moderate Republicans or Democrats as being better, more noble creatures. Yes, politicians are generally a low form of life, responsible for much ill in the world. But, IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE, there is no equivalence. Conservative Republicans are to blame.

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2013/09/your-false-equivalence-guide-to-the-days-ahead/280062/

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