To the editor:
The headline article “Patriot group gets on agenda” (02/02/24) was misleading and disappointing.
In my opinion it was written with a clear bias couched in “argumentum ad hominem.” This term usually is used to refer to a rhetorical strategy in which the writer unfavorably portrays a character, motive, or other attribute of the individual(s) making the argument, rather than addressing the argument itself. This distracts the reader from the very real message based on data that the discussed group has for all citizens. For example, 116% of eligible voters are registered to vote in Leelanau County. This info comes from the Secretary of State qualified voter file known as QVC.
The description of the group as a “flock,” their supposed “mistrust in technology,” and wearing of red garments are immaterial and used pejoratively.
I am not a member of either group mentioned in this letter, nor have I been to any associated meetings; my critiques are of the reporting and writing of this article.
K.L. Kawecki Northport
