Evaluation of Example 7: War on Terror as Law Enforcement
Passage:
“Now, for those who think the war on terror
is not war but law enforcement, … I assert they are
living on a different and distant planet. For us earthlings,
on the other hand, the case for Obama's drone war is
clear.”
Charles Krauthammer, “In Defense of Obama's Drone War,”
Index-Journal 94 no. 293 (19 Feb 2013), 6A.
Analsyis:
The fallacy of ad hominem
(circumstantial) is committed. Mr. Krauthammer asserts that anyone
who disagrees with his position on the war on terror is unaware of
what is happening in the world. The author
of this argument asserts that since his opponents do not agree with
his position, his opponents are ignorant of the ways of the
world.
Some persons believe the war on terror is not war but law enforcement.
Persons who believe the war on terror is not war are out of touch.
The war on terror is war and not law enforcement.