HAAGENSON: Argument a fallacy

The recent Guest Opinion by Dean Haagenson deserves a response. He states that the destructive behavior by the right-wing, extremist Republicans in North Idaho is somehow justified by the “Left-wing propaganda.”

The fallacy of his argument can be best understood from his stated question: “Why must the larger community accommodate a small minority?’” Are you serious? Are you a former state representative from my state of Idaho? Have you even heard about the Constitution that forms the basis for our legislative and judicial systems? Maybe the words of Thomas Jefferson famously memorialized in the Declaration of Independence would jog your memory.

I really don’t want to comment on your offensive questions asking why women and people of color are employed by advertising agencies and TV studios. Do you believe the Democratic Party directs those companies how to select their employees? Do you believe that Democratic Party officials have instructed the scientists at NASA and NOAA to make up data about the effects of greenhouse gases on the earth’s environment?

I cannot understand why a white nationalist message might resonate with anyone with an understanding of the history of this great country.

GARY PETERSEN

Coeur d’Alene