I find it ironic that one can lecture others on syllogistic reasoning and critical thinking and then fail to employ same in their own arguments. For an overview on syllogistic reasoning see: http://changingminds.org/explanations/deci...c_reasoning.htm
In an attempt to label John Simkin's "charge" as absurd, the author makes the claim that because "many black intellectuals support the same positions" as he does, the author cannot be hypocritical in his views on civil rights. First of all, this claim erroneously assumes that because one's skin color is black, and is assumed by some to be "intellectual," that person cannot be hypocritical when it comes to civil rights.
That is a racist conclusion in its own right.
Here is an example:
Armstrong Williams is a black intellectual who supports the economic policies of the Bush administration.
I support the economic policies of the Bush Administration
Therefore, it is absurd to claim that I am hypocritical when it comes to civil rights
Quoting the referenced link on syllogistic reasoning:
"Beware of making linked assertions that seem reasonable but in fact are logically incorrect. You can, of course, make such assertions deliberately, using logic that seems valid to persuade. If you do this, of course, you run the risk of the other person exposing your false logic."