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The lowest form of attack—as opposed to any form of argument or proof—is to accuse someone of a belief held by someone else they just happen to know.Guilt by association is the basis of a particularly nasty form of persecution. It has the characteristics of not only character assassination but, in extreme cases, physical assassination.
On the other hand, there are associations and associations. Someone you "just happen to know", even someone you just happen to be related to (crazy old uncle, mischievous cousin, or homicidal parent), is one thing. Someone whose association you seek out, remain with, support, embrace, reward, and even cherish without criticism, unless and/or until your own beliefs are called into question, well dear reader, that is something altogether different. The latter circumstance does not comprise "guilt by association". It is, in fact, behavior consistent with that of an acolyte or an accomplice.
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