The False Dilemma

Sometimes in the realm of policy debate, you feel like you’re standing on a sinking ship. One side is arguing that the boat is going under, the other side is arguing that the ship is just fine and will continue to float. While you’re standing in the middle trying to make the point that it’s time to get to the lifeboats.

A Sinking Boat

Healthcare continues to be the issue of debate. The Democrats are making the argument that the ship that is Obamacare is totally fine, and should remain as is. The Republicans are making the argument that the ship that is Obamacare is sinking (which it obviously is) and that it’s time to build a better ship.

While this argument goes back and forth, there are a handful of Constitutional conservatives attempting to make the point that the only lifeboat to solve this problem is returning to the Constitutional role of government.

It’s time to cut through the noise.

Dichotomy

One of the most effective political maneuvers politicians use is to create a problem, then frame the argument until it appears there are only 2 choices. The real key is to make one option completely repulsive, and then the other option (their option) is all you have left.

This is called a false dilemma, and when you know what it is, you’ll see it everywhere. It’s a classic logical fallacy where you are forced to choose in an “either-or” situation, despite there being more than 2 choices.

For instance, the left will tell you EITHER you accept homosexuality as completely healthy and normal, OR you are a hateful bigot. This is patently false. There are obviously more than 2 options here. But this false dilemma is what’s presented.

In the healthcare debate, the left frames the debate thus: EITHER you want Obamacare OR you want people to die.

This is obviously ridiculous, however, many in Congress on the right are not addressing the logical fallacy and are instead responding in kind saying, “EITHER you repeal Obamacare and replace it with “something better” OR you’re part of the problem.”

This is also obviously ridiculous. Anytime a politician is framing the situation as an either-or, it’s pretty safe to assume they’re leaving out the truth.

The Truth

The truth is there is always a 3rd option. The problem is, in DC politics, the 3rd option typically involves the Constitution, which is like kryptonite to DC politicians.

So what do we do? First, we must start looking for false dilemmas. You won’t have to look hard, they’re everywhere.

Second, we must begin doing our own homework to find 3rd and 4th and 5th and 6th options. It takes time, it takes effort, but there’s nothing more American than thinking for yourself.

And third, refuse to be swept along by the “either-or” arguments. When you’re losing the game, it’s time to change the game. The bloviating politicians love framing false dilemmas so they can argue and hear themselves talk. But it accomplishes nothing.

Time for the We the People to rise above this pointless waste of time.

Healthcare in America - there’s more than 2 options.

Jonathan Paine

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