Reduction to the Absurd

In philosophy some arguments fail when they are reduced to absurd conclusions. I'm finding this happens too when people take complex political issues and reduce them down to absurd "one thought" issues or "hot button words" instead of trying to tackle big questions. Reducing the complicated concept of "planning" down to "zoning" is a perfect example. Or instead of talking about the large issues facing education, there is slander of individuals. Drug addiction can't be eradicated just by more arrests, jobs can't just be created without workers becoming more employable too. We can have much more fruitful discussions if we talk about "the rest of the story" and not just shout out a few well worn phrases.