'Plight' blog post, paper cause stir Aug 29, 2008
"Among scholars who study multiracial identity, I don't think any of us believe in that hypothesis," said University of Pennsylvania sociology Professor , whose work is also cited in "Plight." "It's the most controversial take; it's basically the reason used to keep interracial marriages illegal until the 1960s. At best, we might use it as a straw man.". It's also interesting to note that the marginal man concept wasn't originally associated with multiracial identity, but rather, the... (San Francisco Chronicle)
McCain plans three-state VP rollout this weekend... Aug 27, 2008
They are trying to blame us and use a straw man to take this issue off the table. If he thinks having a relationship with an unrepentant terrorist is not an issue that concerns the American people, he is deluding himself or being naive. (The Drudge Report)
Sale brings shoppers to Fests usual turf Aug 24, 2008
bigdekalbdotcom wrote on Aug 24, 2008 4:40 AM:" its all about events.that is all that is needed to be said about downtown.who benefits the most from so called "poor business" and a depressed image.. maybe the ones who want to "renew" (can you say 50K and millions in dekalb taxes!). why book cheep affordable grass roots events when you can scam the tax payer for MILLIONS , why have simple WORD OF MOUTH events when you can have BOARD members raking in BUCKS from MARKETING programs.the word is out... (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
THE NEXT PAK MESS Aug 20, 2008
But then they'd have to replace Prime Minister Yusuf Gilani, who's always been regarded as a straw man. The fight over who succeeds him could tear the coalition asunder. (New York Post -- Opinions)
Washington Post Aug 16, 2008
That's the old straw man, of course -- here in the United States, nobody seriously argues that regulation can prevent all market crises. But surely in the 95 years since the creation of the Fed, we've come up with numerous government regulations and interventions that helped to reduce the frequency and severity of financial panics and crises. (Harper's Magazine)
Four mortgage companies fined Aug 14, 2008
After receiving a new customer complaint, the division found that Covington participated in a "straw man" transaction -- using a third party to secure a home loan in place of a loan applicant who has been turned down. During the course of the transaction, Covington submitted fraudulent loan documents, and new co-owner William Tieman notarized closing documents without viewing the signing of the documents. (OregonLive, OR -- Business)
A mixed bag of developments Aug 13, 2008
John Burton wrote on Aug 12, 2008 6:49 PM:" Do women experience inequality? In the job market? In what context? Does the average man take many months off from work in order to bear children? Does the average man stay at home to raise them? In my line of work and in a great many others I can think of, one's gender plays no role at all in the amount of money one is paid. None.You're using rape as a sign of...inequality? Rape is a crime, not an occupation. Are you insinuating that men should be... (Montana Standard, MT)
WHAT'S SHE UP TO? Aug 8, 2008
It s a straw man that can only end badly for the Democratic Party. Posted by Mark. (The Drudge Report)
Police: Man shot churchgoers over liberal views Aug 8, 2008
Are ad hominems and straw man arguments all you have. Appears so. (The Pantagraph newspaper)
LETTERS: NCT, Aug. 5, 2008 Aug 6, 2008
" Obama is a celebrity.(I hear Paris did "star" in a sex tape, but I missed it.) Good Boy wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:19 PM:SOLON[-] wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:03 PM: SOLON is so excited with his new found ability to print in bold. Good boy SOLON, MAMA is so proud of you. Tomorrow we will work on watercolors. Ms M wrote on Aug 5, 2008 4:19 PM:Alf[-] wrote on Aug 5, 2008 3:58 PM:Well, "Ms M" at 2:12PM, "N" probably stands for "Negro" and I do not believe that "Negro" is either derogatory or inaccurate.... (North County Times)
Playing the Rove card Aug 5, 2008
Don't quota me "I do not believe in quotas," McCain said, adopting the straw man created by opponents of affirmative action. Affirmative action isn't about quotas, it's about removing barriers to ensure fair consideration for all. (Asia Times Online)
Opposing view: One approach can't fit all Aug 1, 2008
By vastly exceeding her authority as Secretary of Education, and then accusing colleges of complacency while concealing information in the bargain, Margaret Spellings and her created a straw man, ignoring both the transparency and the accountability built into higher education. As for transparency, the Education Department's own website, , provides information on price, financial aid, graduation rates, majors, diversity and admissions policies for every institution. (Yahoo News)
SEARCH NARROWS... Jul 22, 2008
Jonathan Martin's Blog: McCain closes in on VP - Politico. s a wonderful person. (The Drudge Report)
The Care and Feeding of Fiction Jul 22, 2008
Wood is here to defend "the realistic novel"not against Moody, a writer too easily unstuffed to make a good straw man, but against the more serious thinkers Moody channels: the Formalists and Structuralists and Poststructuralists for whom the "real," in literature, can be reduced to linguistic artifice and for whom reading astutely entails seeing through Realism's codes. How Fiction Works is also, although more tacitly, a defense of Wood's most controversial position as a critic. (Slate)
Common Fallacies in Reasoning Jul 21, 2008
This article provides an overview of three common fallacies that are easily mistaken as valid: the false dilemma, the slippery slope, and the straw man ... However, with an understanding of three common types of argumentative fallacy false dilemma, slippery slope, and straw man you can learn to spot and challenge them before they trick you ... Straw Man: The name of this argument comes from the idea that a straw dummy is easier to knock down than a real person. (Suite101.com)
Nouri al-Maliki pulls a Shecky Greene Jul 21, 2008
Forgive me if I don t partake in this world tour, or your Wizard of Oz techniques (I suppose Bosnia is now the straw man. . (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Energy: 'Rig' The Election Jul 19, 2008
The NPRA straw man was invoked to justify the "use it or lose it" part of the bill. But "use it or lose it" already is the law of the land. (Investors Business Daily)
LETTERS: NCT, July 7, 2008 Jul 8, 2008
It seems that this is all the "can't do" negativists have to offer; set up a straw man and knock him down. I can assure you that all output capacities were carefully weighed against total costs and benefits before I put solar photovoltaic panels on my house, and can also assure you that they have so far met or exceeded all predicted capacities and, in the seven months since, I have had zero electric charges. (North County Times)
Sierra Leoneans look for peace through full truth about war crime Jul 8, 2008
STRAW MAN : A bush devil whirls in a traditional welcome dance for villagers gathering for a reconciliation meeting. Getting war victims and perpetrators to talk renews community connections needed for development. (Christian Science Monitor)
Environmentalists are turning into religious zealots Jul 7, 2008
cross1242 wrote on Jul 6, 2008 2:09 PM:" This week, Prof. Clayson goes after environmental scientists who are apparently proposing that we all freeze to death in the dark.Really?Scientists proposing that we all freeze to death in the dark?That hardly sounds like science since it is the hallmark of science to prove assertions and finding practical answers to real questions.Those readers using a critical eye on what they read will note that while Prof. Clayson starts off talking about... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
The Second Amendment Restored Jun 30, 2008
Liberals also have another straw man to attack: traders. They claim that clamping down on oil speculators is the silver bullet. (Human Events Online)
LETTERS: Oil and the energy crisis Jun 29, 2008
The AJC editorial sets up a two-page "straw man" on oil, then shoots him down. The probability that greater domestic production of oil will not lower the price in the near term is not the point. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Letters for Tuesday, June 24, 2008 Jun 25, 2008
She also cites the world market straw man commonly evoked by the GOP, as well as the Exxons and Morgan Stanleys of the world. This argument falls on its face when one considers that the last time oil inventories were as high as they are right now, the year was 1998 and crude was trading at 15 per barrel. (Missoulian, MT)
Blunt: Geologists' Letter Injects Science In Debate Over Energy, Dismisses Dems' 'Use It or Lose It' Talking Point Jun 24, 2008
issued the following statement today after a respected organization of international geologists wrote a letter to Congress () formally debunking the majority's "Use It or Lose It" claims, explaining the process behind procuring a federal lease and detailing the years of technical and legal groundwork that needs to be done before any energy can be produced: "For Democrats advancing the claim that American energy producers - and not they, themselves - are the ones responsible for preventing... (PR Newswire)
It's hard to know what to believe after review of Ben Stein's movie Jun 22, 2008
cire wrote on Jun 21, 2008 7:15 AM:" chester, the straw man in the room left hours ago.. I (for one) don't believe the earth is mere thousands of years old or that Obama is a Muslim. In fact, Obama appears anti-Muslim because he won't be seen on camera with them.btw, i AM an Independent, because I don't like the way the Republican party abandoned their fiscally conservative ideals. I do happen to have an American flag hanging outside large enough that some people mistake my house for a Perkins.... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Take the wheel Jun 19, 2008
Instead, it plays the political partisanship game, setting up straw man proposals for the other party to knock down. Both sides then have ample opportunity for the party rhetoric they love, without having to lift a finger. (Lebanon Express, OR)
Gay marriage in California Jun 18, 2008
Now, I m waiting for the straw man argument BUT WHERE DO YOU DRAW THE LINE. AT ANIMALS. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
LETTERS: The Californian, June 14, 2008 Jun 15, 2008
It was set up as a straw man so they could attack it as untrue. The more immediate danger was the amount of deadly nerve gas anthrax he was believed to be hiding. (North County Times)
Iraqis reject McCain's 100-year plan Jun 11, 2008
Create your straw man Bookman. we will do whatever the freely elected Iraqi government says. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Opinion)
Obama and the New Party Jun 10, 2008
Andrew Nappi, Hudson, FloridaJun 10, 2008 @ 04:47 AMErickson's last statement is a straw man. Erickson demonstrates nothing about the New Party that it wants to overthrow the US. As for capitalism, there is nothing in the Constitution that makes capitalism the official economic system of the US. The United States is capitalistic only to the extent that Congress makes it so, not by Constitutional necessity. (Human Events Online)
In 50 years as a composer, no compromise Jun 6, 2008
By excluding what he considers serious music on the ground of its supposed inaccessibility, "they set up a straw man and say 'Oh, the public won't come. And so we can't do this, we can't do that.' What they're doing is saying, 'I'm afraid to stand up for this.' ". He is quick to add that there are exceptions - most notably Levine. (Boston Globe)
LETTERS: NCT, June 3, 2008 Jun 4, 2008
But hey, why employ common sense when we can prop up a liberal straw man to assail. Ron wrote on Jun 3, 2008 8:40 AM:And all of this stuff you wrote today, Bob Harvey. (North County Times)
Why angry old men shouldn't blog May 27, 2008
Frequently making straw man arguments while reacting, Amitabh seems determined to prove that he can do no wrong, and that any complaint against him is unjustified. This includes, by the way, a typically catty Shobhaa De column that took an inevitably snide dig at Aishwarya Rai [] Bachchan's , which was rebuked with a stentorian sermon explaining that L'Oreal executives surely took their work seriously. (Rediff)
* The science of economic irrationality May 25, 2008
Not so much a straw man as an Excel man, he is a basic creature, says Pete Lunn, a Dublin-based behavioralist. Economists treat all people as selfish, as independent, as rational. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Another look at World War II; Diplomacy or appeasement? May 25, 2008
I think there have been enough of these "straw man" arguments, especially against Obama. Can we now have some serious political discussion instead. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Driving again on college scandal road May 18, 2008
The Straw Man, beaten down, battered and blue from the argument, squeaked out a meek "uncle" Monday afternoon. No more, please. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
COLUMN: Give me a ball cap and a sweatshirt and I can prove sexism any day May 17, 2008
mulholland wrote on May 16, 2008 3:09 PM:" Becky, I'm not sure if you need a refill on your clozapine, or if you just like fallacious arguments. To recap, I suggested that Ms. Weaver was being myopic in her reduction of the democratic party to two groups: one racist, the other sexist. I later noted that there is pretty strong evidence that Clinton's nosedive in the polls was due to bad advice/strategy by some of her senior advisers. I also pointed out that your first comment was at best an ad... (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
LETTERS: NCT, May 16, 2008 May 17, 2008
Are you (again) knocking down your own straw man. The conservatives here are hard to understand. (North County Times)
Bush Starts a McCain-Obama Brawl May 17, 2008
But if it wasn't him and the Democrats, Obama said to reporters in South Dakota, whom was Bush referring to "Some straw man...?". But while Bush may not have named Obama, McCain showed no such restraint. (Time.com)
Reagan should read Obama's books May 13, 2008
You say it was Barack Obama's better half, Michelle, but it's clear that what you were really trying to do was reconstruct Barack as an other Obama, one you can treat as a straw man to knock down. That's what the right-wingers' game plan seems to be. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
So what does Obama believe? May 12, 2008
(Thus, its nothing more that the straw man fallacy. The statement cant even be hyperbole. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
LINDA P. CAMPBELL: In the way of a fine harangue: If John McCain wants to serve the interests of justice, he should tell the whole truth about our courts May 10, 2008
In his most pandering performance since speaking at Jerry Falwell's Liberty University to prove that he could schmooze even with agents of intolerance as long as they bring along Republican votes, McCain whacked away this week at that threadbare straw man, the "activist judge."Speaking at Wake Forest University, he harrumphed about "the common and systematic abuse of our federal courts by the people we entrust with judicial power." "For decades now," he claimed, "some federal judges have taken... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
'Evangelical Manifesto' Calls Faith Too Political May 8, 2008
Jerry Newcombe, a senior producer of the conservative Christian TV show "The Coral Ridge Hour," said the manifesto creates a "straw man" by portraying some evangelicals as intolerant and seeking to create a theocracy. "Part of the whole point they were making was that we need to be more civil in our dialogue. I agree. But I guess the question is who is being uncivil here?" Newcombe said. (Fox News)
Best at home, worst on the road May 8, 2008
I m beginning to understand why you post up your straw man. I said Individual achievement. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
"Do you run the county board?" May 8, 2008
Straw Man wrote on May 6, 2008 1:59 PM:" What's the big picture here? What really matters? U.S city, county, state and federal governments are inefficient, corrupt and wasteful of our tax dollars. Across the board, it is possible to deliver a better level of service at less than half the cost--if businesses can get efficient, then governments can too. "Froto" is on to something though: the arrogance of our public officials should tell us that they don't get it--arrogant types never see how... (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Abstinence: In the "No" May 2, 2008
The critics are engaging in a classic straw man argument, and they should be called on it ... The critics are engaging in a classic straw man argument, and they should be called on it. (Townhall.com)
Letters to the editor (April 18) May 2, 2008
I am done picking apart your twisted logic and straw man arguments as I have other things to do with my time. You have failed to convince me one iota that your position is valid. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Ochone! Japanese whisky is voted the best in May 2, 2008
That is what I would call building and then attacking a straw man. It does seem somewhat internally inconsistent to attack racism and then assert the superiority of one's own race. (Times Online)
Smith calls for more overseas clout Apr 23, 2008
"There's no reason Labor can't take up where we left off, but at the same time Labor has announced just over $100 million in cuts to the budget of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade."I think Stephen is creating a straw man to allow Labor to shift their attention to Brussels and the UN. I think Stephen ought to be making sure that our five key relationships are protected and nurtured - the US, China, Japan, India and Indonesia. So far Labor has successfully dealt with the US and China,... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Premier's power play Apr 19, 2008
" Others on the union side see Iemma as unable to sell the reason why the electricity sale is necessary, as building a straw man of a fight with the unions because he chose not to follow a diplomatic course. Robertson would not comment on the matter, preferring, it seems, to spare Iemma the war of words that the union movement believes the Government craves. Also keeping his comments to himself is Costa, who is believed to have antagonised the union movement and many in the party at Sussex... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Does Jimmy Carter matter? Apr 17, 2008
Let s face it, Wooten & Co.: anyone who deviates from your stark and indefensible positions matters for one reason, and one reason only to provide a straw man for your idiocy. By Sarah. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Conroy bids to ease broadband fears Apr 17, 2008
Others are privately concerned that the G9 is being set up as a "straw man" to legitimise the Government handing the lucrative contract to Telstra. "We're starting to get the impression that a secret deal has been done with Telstra," one source said. (The Australian)
Obama's preacher has more appeal than 'saviors' Apr 14, 2008
cross1242 wrote on Apr 13, 2008 5:22 PM:" This week, Prof. Clayson adds his voice to the criticism of the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Barack Obamas former pastor. In view of that criticism, its appropriate to point out his hypocrisy toward political opponents have jumped on it since he is jumping on it too. Prof. Clayson then spend several paragraphs telling his readers what liberals believe about rash statements by black pastors about the status of blacks in America. Prof. Clayson... (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
33 comments Apr 9, 2008
True, but nobody thus far has said it was, except you in erecting the straw man that you proceed to knock down. The author said. (Human Events Online)
CIETC trial opening arguments: 'Case about lies, trickery' Apr 9, 2008
"It is manipulation and deceit, it is a red herring, it's a straw man, it's got nothing to do with the government proving its case against Mr. Albritton beyond a reasonable doubt.". Former CIETC board of directors attorney Carl Salmons was the first witness called by the prosecution. (Sioux City Journal)
Obama's lapel pin Apr 8, 2008
Umm, could it be because he is trying to distract readers from serious issues by providing a straw man (or straw pin in this case) so that there is no real debate on the issues facing Americans. By Mr. Chips. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Don’t remember Heston for NRA Apr 8, 2008
I'll remember Chuck Heston for standing up for individual freedom, standing up against the man, poking holes in the straw man of liberalism. As Ben Franklin, you might have heard about him in Journalism School Jim, stated, "Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety." I, and Chuck Heston, will stand for liberty, you Jim, obviously, will not. (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Letters for April 4, 2008 Apr 5, 2008
" I mean... afterall, you want to see the bad guy's defeated too? Don't You? But, back to MY question. The number of police who refused to show up, or left their posts, and abandoned their duties to protect , were 512. Nearly half the work force. Next thing they knew, Wal*Mart ilitary were picking up their slack. God, that must just make your skin crawl, huh? LOL Apollo wrote on Apr 4, 2008 12:37 PM:Re: Ron (11:33 a.m.) Ron says we "don't care" about the "barbarians who cut people's heads off"... (North County Times)
The Patriotism Problem Apr 5, 2008
The setup always seemed a bit defensive to me an attack on the pundits and party elders who thought he was too idealistic, a "hopemonger" who needed to have the "hope boiled out of me." Having knocked down that straw man, he would soar through an American history of hope, from the colonists to civil rights marchers. It was the core of his message: patriotism defined as change, the creation of a more perfect union. (Time.com)
A former Marine with misgivings about Bush and the bloodshed in Iraq Apr 4, 2008
I had to do a system recovery and it takes time to reload all my data, Never fear I will answer Your straw man comment. You will have to go to this link, It is a Conservative Site but I doubt they will track youhttp://www. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
Post-game forum: Talk about it Apr 3, 2008
Your argument is no more than a straw man, which has been burned, sir. As for all who hated the start of the season I wasn t too happy with it, either, but like Bobby Cox would warn his players, coaches, and the front office don t get too high, and don t get too low. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Dr. Laura returns to Atlanta airwaves Apr 1, 2008
Dave, that s a straw man ... PS, it s still a straw man. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Don’t put McCain in the White House just yet Apr 1, 2008
Starfish wrote on Mar 31, 2008 3:37 PM:" And, Kim, I'm sorry that your are "not swayed" by my arguments but these straw man arguments shine the light on unsavory areas of life and death. The whole truth is complex and painful. Invectives of "INFANTICIDE. " hurled at a politician that knows where politics does not belong are not productive. This is a low blow to taint an honorable, considerate man. ". (La Crosse Tribune, WI)
Wednesday, March 26 letters to the editor Mar 27, 2008
" What I am saying is that it is more than the suit -- if the Black also speaks "ghetto," then the suit will not help. That is why there is such a kerfuffle over Rev. Wright he and his church are, by their own literature Afro-Centric, while Obama wants to be seen as pure Harvard-educated American. Much of this is cultural...the nearest ANYONE comes to cultural norms, the more mainstream will be the reaction of the general population, absent racism or favoritism. Both exist mainly at the... (North County Times)
post a comment » Mar 25, 2008
As to the U.S. depleting its wealth in Iraq, that is a straw man. We did not deplete our wealth after WWII, Korea or Vietnam. (International Herald Tribune)
