How NOT To Make An Argument

Margaret Kimberly

Speaking of the Nation of Islam, there has recently been a lot of back-and-forth bickering between the Anti-Defamation League and various African-American “leaders” over Louis Farrakhan’s Millions More movement (see the May entry of this blog for details). First Abe Foxman, director of the ADL, issued a press release urging prominent African-Americans to reconsider their support for the march. Russell Simmons responded with a completely irrational essay, claiming that Foxman’s request will only increase anti-Semitism in the U.S. Then Margaret Kimberly of the Chicago defender chimed in with an article that is a textbook perfect example of how not to construct an argument. She doesn’t bother to stick up for Farrakhan, only referring to him as being “flawed’. Instead, she attacks Foxman for his supposed moral failings, such as his friendly gestures towards the new pope and his involvement with the Marc Rich pardon. Her argument seems to be “He’s an even bigger scumbag than Farrakhan!” Interesting tactic. The ADL responded with a letter restating Farrakhan’s anti-Semitism. I don’t know why they bother. The people involved with this march will not allow themselves to be swayed by something so irrelevant as facts.