Have you ever heard two people discussing a Topic, and one makes a statement that seems to have nothing to do with what the Subject Matter?
If you have, welcome to the World of the RED HERRING.
In Hunting, a Red Herring is used to throw the Trackers off the scent of the Quarry.
The RED HERRING- In an Argument or Debate, it is a Term or Phrase used to distract or move what is being said, off the Points or Subjects being discussed.
Examples;
Statement-
"You can see through Statistics, that a Mandatory Minimum Wage increases the profitability of local businesses."
RED HERRING Answer- " Socialism, is an Anti- American way of life, and we need to guard against it."
Statement- "By having Mandatory Background Checks, we can prevent the Mentally Ill or, the convicted Felon from legally purchasing Guns."
RED HERRING Answer- "American Citizens need to look out for Terrorists, and must be prepared."
Statement- "Teaching the Scientific Method is important at an early age. If we don't, the Future Researchers and Engineers will be unprepared for College Level Courses."
RED HERRING Answer- "Science is a Gift from God. It helps us understand the Universe he created."
From the above, we see that the responses pretty much ignore the initial statement, and instead relate information or opinions that are completely outside the area being discussed.
END PT 1.
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