Letter to the editor: Walter Williams, Star Parker columns are grounded in faulty logic
I appreciate the variety of opinions offered by the Standard-Examiner on these pages. Wednesday, for example, contained excellent opinion pieces with well developed and logically cohesive pieces by Erik Erickson (The “Democracy or Republic” fight) and Diane Dimond (“Safer schools through better communication”). While I often do not agree, I enjoy the logically congruent, well developed contributions of Rich Lowry from the right wing “National Review” perspective. I also find the right wing perspective of minority columnist Larry Elder to be well crafted.
In contrast, many contributions by Walter Williams and Star Parker are neither well developed nor logically consistent. As rare, right wing, racial minority, columnists, their opinions are given wide circulation by those who are just relieved to have any minorities regurgitate the party line.
Parker draws strained apples to oranges comparisons between Apple with Steve Jobs versus the federal government and welfare programs. She advances a classic non sequitur conclusion: “We can’t change government. What we can do is limit its size and growth and maximize our private sector where freedom and capitalism can work.”
William’s offering, “Colleges: A force for evil” is the epitome of inflammatory rhetoric, spewing oft stated, but very inaccurate sweeping generalizations based on isolated examples.
Both copy Trump’s divisive tactics grounded in faulty logic, incendiary harangues often supported by minuscule accurate information or out right fallacious assertions.
Please relegate these columnists to the comics where such palaver is appropriate.
Grant Protzman
North Ogden