Something that draws attention away from the central issue, as in, 'Talking about the new plant is a red herring to keep us from learning about downsizing plans.' The herring in this expression is red and strong-smelling from being preserved by smoking. The idiom alludes to dragging a smoked herring across a trail to cover up the scent and throw off tracking dogs. [Late 1800s]"
"red herring." The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Houghton Mifflin Company. 06 Oct. 2006.
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You, sir, are incorrect.
"red herring
Something that draws attention away from the central issue, as in, 'Talking about the new plant is a red herring to keep us from learning about downsizing plans.' The herring in this expression is red and strong-smelling from being preserved by smoking. The idiom alludes to dragging a smoked herring across a trail to cover up the scent and throw off tracking dogs. [Late 1800s]"
"red herring." The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Houghton Mifflin Company. 06 Oct. 2006. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/red herring>
Your inclusion of the article and subsequent argument subtly changes the focus of the topic introduced by your brother from questioning whether or not torture it occuring at Guantanamo Bay to questioning whether or not we're pampering the prisoners there. It's a subtle red herring, but one nonetheless. Your proposed example regarding similar kittty LJ icons would actually be a non sequitur.
Having chased the smell of your smoked fish, I'll now return to the central topic. Your argument regarding the article is fallacious. You're attempting to create a false transitive association. If our prisoners are gaining weight, then we're over-feeding or pampering them. If we're pampering our prisoners, then we're not torturing them. Therefore, since our prisoners are gaining weight, we're not torturing them. That's a lot of ifs you're using to dismiss an allegation that, if true, tarnishes our collective honor and integrity. It's our duty as Americans to be more stringent in our self-examination. If we can't look ourselves squarely in the mirror, how can we expect to remain a beacon to the world?
The second point, that the prisoners routinely attack their guards with makeshift weapons, directly undermines your first point. If we're treating our prisoners so well, as you infer from their weight, why are they attacking their captors? What do they hope to gain?
The last point you make is probably the most valid. We need more neutral monitors and deeper scrutiny. I don't know what went on there any more than you do. Nor am I inclined to rush to judgement since we, as Americans, collectively bear responsibility. I don't believe that I'm exaggerating when I say that the honor and integrity of our nation is at stake. However, I'd rather face the truth, however ugly it may or may not be, than draw conclusions based on articles from either side containing little fact and much speculation.
You're forgiven for failing to find the Rolling Stone article convincing. I certainly don't. You'll have to forgive me for finding the Sun Times article provided by your brother, the Washington Post article you provided, and you, equally unconvincing.
no subject
"red herring
Something that draws attention away from the central issue, as in, 'Talking about the new plant is a red herring to keep us from learning about downsizing plans.' The herring in this expression is red and strong-smelling from being preserved by smoking. The idiom alludes to dragging a smoked herring across a trail to cover up the scent and throw off tracking dogs. [Late 1800s]"
"red herring." The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Houghton Mifflin Company. 06 Oct. 2006.
"red herring
Something that draws attention away from the central issue, as in, 'Talking about the new plant is a red herring to keep us from learning about downsizing plans.' The herring in this expression is red and strong-smelling from being preserved by smoking. The idiom alludes to dragging a smoked herring across a trail to cover up the scent and throw off tracking dogs. [Late 1800s]"
"red herring." The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Houghton Mifflin Company. 06 Oct. 2006. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/red herring>
Your inclusion of the article and subsequent argument subtly changes the focus of the topic introduced by your brother from questioning whether or not torture it occuring at Guantanamo Bay to questioning whether or not we're pampering the prisoners there. It's a subtle red herring, but one nonetheless. Your proposed example regarding similar kittty LJ icons would actually be a non sequitur.
Having chased the smell of your smoked fish, I'll now return to the central topic. Your argument regarding the article is fallacious. You're attempting to create a false transitive association. If our prisoners are gaining weight, then we're over-feeding or pampering them. If we're pampering our prisoners, then we're not torturing them. Therefore, since our prisoners are gaining weight, we're not torturing them. That's a lot of ifs you're using to dismiss an allegation that, if true, tarnishes our collective honor and integrity. It's our duty as Americans to be more stringent in our self-examination. If we can't look ourselves squarely in the mirror, how can we expect to remain a beacon to the world?
The second point, that the prisoners routinely attack their guards with makeshift weapons, directly undermines your first point. If we're treating our prisoners so well, as you infer from their weight, why are they attacking their captors? What do they hope to gain?
The last point you make is probably the most valid. We need more neutral monitors and deeper scrutiny. I don't know what went on there any more than you do. Nor am I inclined to rush to judgement since we, as Americans, collectively bear responsibility. I don't believe that I'm exaggerating when I say that the honor and integrity of our nation is at stake. However, I'd rather face the truth, however ugly it may or may not be, than draw conclusions based on articles from either side containing little fact and much speculation.
You're forgiven for failing to find the Rolling Stone article convincing. I certainly don't. You'll have to forgive me for finding the Sun Times article provided by your brother, the Washington Post article you provided, and you, equally unconvincing.