¶ … winter, 200 students from Waymarsh State College traveled to the state capitol building to protest against proposed cuts in funding for various state college programs. The other 12,000 Waymarsh students evidently weren't so concerned about their education; they either stayed on campus or left for winter break. Since the group who did not protest is far more numerous, it is more representative of the state's college students than the protesters. Therefore, the state legislature need not heed the appeals of the protesting students." At first glance the above editorial comment seems like a reasonable observation. It is only when I took a second look that I discovered three points that proves it to be a false observation.

The first thing that makes this an unreasonable statement is the belief that the 12,000 who did not travel to the state capitol were in support of the proposed cuts....

Anyone who studies research knows that a casual relationship does not prove causation. The fact that 12,000 students did not go to the state capitol may be an alongside of the proposed cut question, and is not necessarily a result of the question.
The second point that weakens the reasonableness of this statement is the fact that it assumes the 200 who did go cannot represent the feelings of those who did not. We live in a democratic society. We elect and appoint those who are to represent our views. When 200 marched on the state capitol they may well have represented those who could not make it for various reasons. There are many things that could prevent others from attending the protest. Students who have jobs they cannot get away from or family obligations that keep them close to home could prevent them from attending a protest. Their scholarships, funding, or support system may require…