Non-sequitur of the day - January 23rd, 2013

Definition of NON SEQUITUR

1: an inference that does not follow from the premises; specifically : a fallacy resulting from a simple conversion of a universal affirmative proposition or from the transposition of a condition and its consequent

2: a statement (as a response) that does not follow logically from or is not clearly related to anything previously said 

Today's non-sequitur (provided with hope for a resurgence of nonpartisan, critical thinking in America)

Premise: Leaders of the NRA (National Rifle Association) are vocal and public advocates for the preservation of 2nd Amendment rights; and for responsible gun ownership.

Inference: Therefore, they are heartless harbingers of death, and don't care about the tragic slaughter of innocent children.

Note to the reader: This is not a contrived inference. It is based on an actual response from a self-proclaimed liberal (with a college education) the day after the horrific shooting in Newtown, Ct.

To be precise, this person's exact words were:

" . . . The gun lobby in the US is impervious to public mourning and public heartbreak.

The ghouls who preside over the National Rifle Association couldn't care less about the pile of tiny bodies in the Connecticut school.

Or in Columbine. Or in Aurora. Or in Portland. Or anywhere.

They are in the death business and must protect the franchise. . . ."

So, are we now clear on the need for critical thinking?