riddler

Yeah, and the East-Germans called themselves "Democratic". BFD. Here, I'll do it for you: So, economic immunity for the chosen few - hmm, sounds a lot like capitalism? Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

I want to state that I do not believe that the Afghanistan war was premeditated. The poster referred to a 'premeditated war', and I asked for clarification, because a lot of people believe the Iraq war was premeditated, and fewer believe that the Afghanistan war was premeditated. I think it's good to plan for these things as well. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

Not really, and no. I was referring to our current Pope, who was a Nazi Youth, in his, err, youth. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

I get why people are calling the healthcare reform "socialist", but I don't get why socialism is giving way to Nazi fascism? Do people understand that Hitler wanted the polar opposite of socialism? In his autobiography, Mein Kampf, he states his belief that the two greatest threats to Germany are Jews and Communists. He spent as much time persecuting communists as he did every other minority. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

I've often thought it would be nice to have, on these forums, a personal filter that didn't show posts made by certain users. This is an example of how that would come in handy. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

I would do the same. I think we could all sacrifice a lot and do something better for the country. I'm speaking of Federal taxes - states will still need to spend money on public services. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

I agree as well - taxpayers should be able to allocate their tax expenditures, on a percentage basis to governmental segments that they feel appropriate. I'm not sure it would make for better government. I know I wouldn't allocate any money to national defense, considering what we already spend on it. Then, after the 9/11 attack, they would have to wait until April of 2002 before I would give them some money. In 2003, I'd probably reduce it again. That makes it hard for the government to function in emergencies. But overall, there would probably be less wars. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

I agree. Requiring officers to get tased is like requiring them to get stung by a bee. You never know who is allergic and may die from the incident. Some people have bad wiring and will not recover from a tasing. Rubber bullets can be lethal too. Both are preferable to shooting a person with a bullet, since the risk of death is significantly less. I think tasers have a place in police enforcement - but they should not be used lightly, as in a charity event. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

Could be worse - you could clean their bathroom, and fold the end of the TP into a little triangle. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

Are you talking about the condemnation of homosexuality, or the "treatment"? If you're referring to chemical castration, you should know that it is still in practice, right here in the US. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

Gotcha - confused because the thread started with the subject of Afghanistan. Some people feel that Afghanistan war was also premeditated, because several media outlets have reported that the US government already had plans to invade Afghanistan prior to 9/11/2001. I was wondering if you were talking about Afghanistan, and not Iraq. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

Just out of curiosity, which war are you referring to? Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

As the first director of the FBI, it's unlikely that Hoover actually took any polygraphs, although he was probably responsible for their implementation at the agency. And his sexuality was ambiguous at best, he himself never divulging his preference, although one colleague referred to Hoover being "afraid of his own sexuality". Turning did not attempt to hide his homosexuality, admitting it to police during the robbery investigation that incited his trial for indecency. As far as "hoovering", I always thought that alluded to the vacuum machine, not the man, but I don't know for a fact. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

I wonder how many of the rest of us who "sin" make it part of their job to stand on a pulpit and denounce that same sin? Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

That was fucking funny Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090913/ap_on_re_as/as_afghan_violence Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

I'm guessing you've never had the 'lifestyles' poly? Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

The movie Kill Bill proved that only hot chicks should be allowed to carry or pose with swords. It calls for an immediate ammendment: ... and no person shall own or carry an edged weapon longer than 40 centimeters, unless you are a female AND very, very hot, in which case, you may only unsheath your weapon if you are wearing clothing that bares at least 70% of your body. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

WHAT?? Are you saying that money is this politician's motive for opposing healthcare, and not the best interest of his constituents? Why, I've never heard of such a thing. I wonder who is paying off Obama and his cronies for trying to reduce health insurance costs, and provide basic needs to the people of America? Funny, I can't think of any corporations or special interest that could actually profit by that. Today, Wilson raised $200,000 to oppose healthcare reform. His political opponent claims to have raised $750,000 in response to the outburst. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

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Parents and teachers that hit children almost always have been abused as children themselves. It's not a rational behaviour, it's a learned one. As far as whether it works, why not ask any counselor that has worked with abused children and adults that were abused as children? I've talked to several, and I have yet to hear one say it works. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

Much of the argument to me seems to be over legality vs. reality. Legally, it's clear that there is no language in any bill that says illegal immigrants have a right to any US government provided healthcare. Therefore, Obama is not a liar. Reality say that there will be some illegal immigrants that find a way to skirt the rules and still get healthcare. I believe there will be, just as there are illegal immigrants who drive here illegally, do not pay taxes, use our "socialist" school system for their children, etc, etc. Of course, it's going to be much harder for them to use the healthcare system, considering that doctors and hospitals will probably want an insurance card, private insurance or public. Maybe there will be new demand for stolen government healthcare cards. But it's a lame argument, IMO. Obama is not a liar - he works with the law, and he's only as effective as the police can enforce the law. His legal definition states that illegal immigrants won't get public health, and that is that. As far as the congressional outburst - hell, if it's entertaining, then we should have a lot more of it. Maybe people will pay more attention. Next up, naked congressional mud-wrestling, followed by a drinking contest. Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

Why are we trying to stay there? Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD

More interestingly, will one of those kids grow up to be Pope? Trapped on the surface of a sphere. XKCD