# Anti-SSM argument goes from stupid to... what the heck is this?
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819
**Category:** The BBQ Pit
**Created:** [April 10, 2014, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819 "2014-04-10T19:53:49Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 15
### Author:  [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/281 "2014-04-11T19:19:25Z")
> [@Skywatcher](#):
>
> 40,000? đ
Do I still have to fuck 'em all? What have I DONE?
---
### Author:  [@Antinor01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Antinor01)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/282 "2014-04-11T19:23:06Z")
> [@jsgoddess](#):
>
> Do I still have to fuck 'em all? What have I DONE?
you take 10k-15k and Iâll handle the rest.
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### Author:  [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/283 "2014-04-11T19:24:59Z")
> [@Melchior](#):
>
> They are asking to participate in something that is old.
Are you under the impression they want to participate _because_ itâs old?
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### Author:  [@Dangerosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dangerosa)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/284 "2014-04-11T19:33:31Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#):
>
> I do not (cannot, really) believe in the sincerity of \*\*Melchiorâs \*\*posting on this subject.
>
> The original subject of the OP has gotten rather lost. Of course, there really is no answer, the anti-SSM arguments have devolved into âwhatever might have even a tiny chance of persuading somebody somewhereâ without any regard to either logic or common sense.
>
> In that sense, **Melchior** is a perfect representative of that side of the aisle.
It isnât hard to feel a little sorry for them. It wasnât that long ago that their position may not have made logical sense - but most people readily agreed it made emotional sense. Even some gay rights advocated didnât want to press for marriage due to the definition issue that Melichor is advocating - they didnât think theyâd win and were willing to settle for civil unions or domestic partnerships. The change has really happened very quickly, and its no wonder they are left with âbut, but, butâŚâ as an argument.
I still remember the conversation I had where I was won over to the idea of âgay marriageâ - and it would have been about 20 years ago. And Iâm fairly liberal and had financed a GLBT film festival so it wasnât like I was blind to the issues or homophobic.
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### Author:  [@Gedd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gedd)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/285 "2014-04-11T19:40:36Z")
> [@running\_coach](#):
>
> Hitler. đ
Way to Godwinize the thread on page . . . 6?
Wow, how did we make it that far?
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### Author:  [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/286 "2014-04-11T19:53:56Z")
Melchior is most likely an older white male who canât deal with the changing word around him. They will be gone soon enough. đ
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### Author:  [@Melchior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melchior)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/287 "2014-04-11T19:54:57Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#):
>
> I do not (cannot, really) believe in the sincerity of \*\*Melchiorâs \*\*posting on this subject.
I am quite sincere.
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### Author:  [@Melchior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melchior)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/288 "2014-04-11T19:56:48Z")
> [@TroutMan](#):
>
> Why am I not surprised that you donât understand?
>
> I thought it was brilliant, **jsgoddess**. I finally get his point about the importance of basing laws on traditions. Forget about âwonât someone think of the children,â the real question is, âwonât someone think of the deceased/mummies/zombies??â
I note in all of these posts a lack of argumentation. Itâs just âwe are winning canât you see that and stop trying to dissuade usâ?
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### Author:  [@Melchior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melchior)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/289 "2014-04-11T19:57:53Z")
> [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](#):
>
> Melchior is most likely an older white male who canât deal with the changing word around him. They will be gone soon enough. đ
Fallacy of âthey wonât be able to argue when they are deadâ.
Again, this is not an argument.
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### Author:  [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/290 "2014-04-11T19:58:42Z")
> [@Melchior](#):
>
> Fallacy of âthey wonât be able to argue when they are deadâ.
>
> Again, this is not an argument.
Itâs true, though. I mean, if they canât come up with a half-decent argument when theyâre aliveâŚ
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### Author:  [@Melchior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melchior)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/291 "2014-04-11T20:00:42Z")
> [@Dangerosa](#):
>
> It isnât hard to feel a little sorry for them. It wasnât that long ago that their position may not have made logical sense - but most people readily agreed it made emotional sense. Even some gay rights advocated didnât want to press for marriage due to the definition issue that Melichor is advocating - they didnât think theyâd win and were willing to settle for civil unions or domestic partnerships. The change has really happened very quickly, and its no wonder they are left with âbut, but, butâŚâ as an argument.
>
> I still remember the conversation I had where I was won over to the idea of âgay marriageâ - and it would have been about 20 years ago. And Iâm fairly liberal and had financed a GLBT film festival so it wasnât like I was blind to the issues or homophobic.
Again, this is not an argument. Give me an argument.
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### Author:  [@Procrustus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Procrustus)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/292 "2014-04-11T20:00:49Z")
> [@Melchior](#):
>
> I am quite sincere.
Moresâs the pity
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### Author:  [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/293 "2014-04-11T20:01:44Z")
> [@Thomas Jefferson](#):
>
> usufruct
Cool word. đ
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### Author:  [@Melchior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melchior)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/294 "2014-04-11T20:02:13Z")
> [@Marley23](#):
>
> Itâs true, though. I mean, if they canât come up with a half-decent argument when theyâre aliveâŚ
Not an argument. Give me an argument.
Most âliberalâ positions appeal to emotions or political correctness, or attempt to shame the holder of opposing views.
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### Author:  [@Melchior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melchior)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/295 "2014-04-11T20:03:51Z")
> [@Procrustus](#):
>
> Moresâs the pity
Not an argument. Give me an argument.
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### Author:  [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/296 "2014-04-11T20:05:38Z")
> [@Melchior](#):
>
> Fallacy of âthey wonât be able to argue when they are deadâ.
>
> Again, this is not an argument.
Not really a fallacy. You canât spew your asinine BS when you are dead.
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### Author:  [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/297 "2014-04-11T20:06:42Z")
> [@Melchior](#):
>
> Not an argument. Give me an argument.
>
> Most âliberalâ positions appeal to emotions or political correctness, or attempt to shame the holder of opposing views.
Youâve shamed yourself well enough on your own.
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### Author:  [@Melchior](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Melchior)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/298 "2014-04-11T20:08:27Z")
> [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](#):
>
> Youâve shamed yourself well enough on your own.
Not an argument. Give me an argument.
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### Author:  [@Living\_Well\_Is\_Best\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Living_Well_Is_Best_Revenge)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/299 "2014-04-11T20:09:16Z")
> [@Melchior](#):
>
> Not an argument. Give me an argument.
Just because you say itâs not an âargumentâ doesnât make it so.
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### Author:  [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)
#### Post date: [April 11, 2014, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-ssm-argument-goes-from-stupid-to-what-the-heck-is-this/685819/300 "2014-04-11T20:11:11Z")
> [@Melchior](#):
>
> Not an argument. Give me an argument.
The meaning of a word is determined by usage. Everyone (even the [minority](http://fivethirtyeight.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/09/support-for-gay-marriage-outweighs-opposition-in-polls/)of people opposed to gay marriage) understands what is meant by the phrase âgay marriageâ. Argue all you want about the private meaning that youâve constructed for the word âmarriageâ, but you donât get to impose it on the rest of us.
I donât know why youâre so strongly married to the idea that you do.
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