# Bricker: Got A Second? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 23, 2004, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343 "2004-11-23T20:15:42Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![yosemite](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/3ab097/32.png) [@yosemite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yosemite)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/21 "2004-11-23T21:25:27Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > I don’t cut people much slack for throwing temper tantrums, for getting “fed up.” If you’ve got to lash out, find a pillow to whale on. Or make use of the “ignore” list. Don’t make blanket attacks that include good folks. > > Daniel I wasn’t condemning or excusing him. Just explaining what I think I’m seeing. Sometimes, you get Fed Up. This is what Fed Up looks like sometimes. I’m not saying that Fed Up is always good, or always the best way to react. I’m just identifying it. I see that Bricker has snuck a post in before you. I’ll let him confirm whether or not he has a case of Fed Up, but I’m getting the impression that, yeah, I’m at least partly right. ---
**Author:** ![MrFantsyPants](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/7ba0ec/32.png) [@MrFantsyPants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrFantsyPants)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/22 "2004-11-23T21:51:48Z")
**Bricker** , even though I disagree with you a lot of the time, like the OP, I have a lot of respect for you, and have learned a fair bit from your posts. I have seen you say some things recently that seemed unnecessarily harsh, but have written it off as this: The election was a very emotional time for everyone in GD. Whereas emotional losers come off as “whiners”, emotional winners are “assholes”. Keep posting, and I will try to call people on asshole statements, regardless of sides. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/23 "2004-11-23T21:54:41Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > I appreciate the post, **Bricker** , and will try to condemn the left-wing loonies when they come along. I’m pretty sure I was one of those five who condemned whoever it was who called you Uncle Tom, if I remember that incident. At the same time, keep in mind that, if there are more leftist loonies numerically, that means more leftists numerically for me to repudiate; don’t expect me to catch 'em all. Of course not. But think how _I_ feel as the target of leftist loonies, given their numerical superiority here. You were indeed one of the few that stepped forward at the Uncle Tom comment, and I very much appreciated it. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/24 "2004-11-23T21:59:51Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > But think how _I_ feel as the target of leftist loonies, given their numerical superiority here. Fair enough. As a gesture of goodwill: > [@Excalibre](#): > > Bricker is just an ass whose hobby, at least lately, seems to be making meritless accusations that anyone who disagrees with him is, by definition, a hypocrite. I’ve yet to see him come up with coherent reasoning to support a position. Legal argument, yes, but nothing to support his line of thinking. Fuck off, **Excalibre**. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/25 "2004-11-23T22:00:29Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > What frustrates me more than anything else is that these particular opinions are offered by people whose debating style is not honest. If they lose on a point, they simply shift to another, never conceding the first point. (snip)But I’d ask a favor in return, from you, and from all readers of this thread that consider themselves to be NOT fringe loonies. > > Step up a bit. Call posters when they engage in dishonest tactics, even if it’s for a cause that you basically support. If you see a pile-on that doesn’t sit well with you, say something. A. I attempt to call folks on dishonest tactics _especially_ when it’s my side. As the founding member of the “liberal but not a fucking lunatic” society, it is indeed an important thing to do. B. Your words as selected here could **also** be pointed at certain sane members of the “Conservative but not a heartless monster” coalition as well. ---
**Author:** ![threemae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/5f9b8f/32.png) [@threemae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/threemae)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/26 "2004-11-23T22:10:46Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > But I’d ask a favor in return, from you, and from all readers of this thread that consider themselves to be NOT fringe loonies. > > Step up a bit. Call posters when they engage in dishonest tactics, even if it’s for a cause that you basically support. If you see a pile-on that doesn’t sit well with you, say something. Alright, will do. Although I’ll grant that I tend to find myself agreeing with Dio, Stoid, et. al. more as the Bush administration goes on, I’ll admit that your posts tend to be far above the level of those nut-jobs. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/27 "2004-11-23T22:15:12Z")
**Bricker** : It would also be wise to just drop the whole “why aren’t Democrats outraged by …” argument. It applies equally to both sides of the aisle, and when you push only one side of that equation, it looks awfully **Reederish**. That seems to be a recurring theme of many of your threads/posts of late, and it’s just a non-starter. Maybe we can just get both sides to agree that it isn’t their responsibility to step on every nut or even every semi-sensible person who self identifies as a partisan and who says something stupid. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/28 "2004-11-23T22:21:21Z")
> [@wring](#): > > A. I attempt to call folks on dishonest tactics _especially_ when it’s my side. As the founding member of the “liberal but not a fucking lunatic” society, it is indeed an important thing to do. > > B. Your words as selected here could **also** be pointed at certain sane members of the “Conservative but not a heartless monster” coalition as well. Absolutely - and although there’s seldom a lack of condemnation for the looney right around here, condemnation _from the ‘Conservative but not a heartless monster’ group_ would make a good statement. ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/29 "2004-11-23T22:42:16Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > But think how _I_ feel as the target of leftist loonies, given their numerical superiority here. As someone else who has been reaching the “fed up” level recently I can sympathize. I know I’ve occasionally gotten cranky and started treating people less respectfully than I once did. The difference seems to be that I regard this as a failing on my part, not on the part of those who are irritating me. YMMV. Enjoy, Steven ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/30 "2004-11-23T22:59:27Z")
Those who post should remember that just because someone is in a minority of one does not mean that they are wrong. To go somewhat further than previous posters, both here and on other boards, there seems to be a fundamental disconnect between the Left and the Rest. They can’t believe that some people disagree; they can’t understand that some people hold opinions which those same people find distasteful. They simply can’t countenance opinions other than their own. With Bricker, and Sam, and others, the Left simply cannot comprehend, and thus rail against it. ---
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/31 "2004-11-23T23:03:08Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Those who post should remember that just because someone is in a minority of one does not mean that they are wrong. > > To go somewhat further than previous posters, both here and on other boards, there seems to be a fundamental disconnect between the Left and the Rest. They can’t believe that some people disagree; they can’t understand that some people hold opinions which those same people find distasteful. They simply can’t countenance opinions other than their own. > > With Bricker, and Sam, and others, the Left simply cannot comprehend, and thus rail against it. naturally, there is no such disconnect with the “right” and the rest. you see, it’s this sort of attitude **from both sides** that make sane posters a little cranky (not to evoke **CrankyAsAnOldMan** ) ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/32 "2004-11-23T23:09:40Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > But I’d ask a favor in return, from you, and from all readers of this thread that consider themselves to be NOT fringe loonies. > > Step up a bit. Call posters when they engage in dishonest tactics, even if it’s for a cause that you basically support. If you see a pile-on that doesn’t sit well with you, say something. For the last couple months, every time someone called you a homphobe in a gay marriage debate, I thought to myself, “Well, that’s not really fair or accurate.” But I never said anything about. I should have, and I’ll try to do so if I see it happen in the future. Sorry for not stepping up sooner. Oh, and one more vote for **Sam Stone** deserving better company than he has in the OP. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/33 "2004-11-23T23:13:26Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Those who post should remember that just because someone is in a minority of one does not mean that they are wrong. > > To go somewhat further than previous posters, both here and on other boards, there seems to be a fundamental disconnect between the Left and the Rest. They can’t believe that some people disagree; they can’t understand that some people hold opinions which those same people find distasteful. They simply can’t countenance opinions other than their own. > > With Bricker, and Sam, and others, the Left simply cannot comprehend, and thus rail against it. Keep in mind that “the Left” is almost precisely the same size as “the Rest” in this country, and that the disconnect seems to be endemic to the entire population, not just liberal half. The partisan discord we’re experiencing as a nation is not a product of one side or the other. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/34 "2004-11-23T23:21:38Z")
> [@Quartz](#): > > Those who post should remember that just because someone is in a minority of one does not mean that they are wrong. Of course. > [@](#): > > To go somewhat further than previous posters, both here and on other boards, there seems to be a fundamental disconnect between the Left and the Rest. They can’t believe that some people disagree; they can’t understand that some people hold opinions which those same people find distasteful. They simply can’t countenance opinions other than their own. That’s true, if you mean the “Looney Left.” There are plenty of posters here, and people in real life, that lean left but understand that reasonable people may disagree on issues without being _per se_ unreasonable. And what about the Rabid Right? Liberals are traitors, according to Ann Coulter. This is not a view that invites reasoned discourse of the issues. The right has succeeded in making “liberal” a bad word; yet many of the goals of liberalism are worthy ones. I remember a scene from the Michael Douglas movie “The American President,” in which the title character, having been attacked by his political opponents for being a “card0carrying member of the ACLU,” replies, “Yes, I am – and what I want to know is, why aren’t you?” He goes on to point out that the ACLU’s mission is to defend civil liberties; who does not agree that this is worthy goal? Now, no fan I of the ACLU. But that was a perfect moment to remember that while a believe the ACLU is wrong in their approach and misguided in their tactics, they are neither evil nor traitorous: they are working as hard as they can towards a goal that is praiseworthy. You may disagree on tactics, on results, on assumptions – but you cannot fault their good faith. So while I appreciate the words of support, **Quartz** , I’d invite you to consider that The Left is not The Looney Left – and that most people that lean left do so because they are convinced theirs is the best approach for implementing our government and reaching goals that will benefit us all. Just as most people that lean right believe about THEIR approach. - Rick ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/35 "2004-11-23T23:22:56Z")
Did anybody read those Swift Boat threads. **Sam** belongs on the list. I don’t. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Cid\_Viscoso](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/41988e/32.png) [@El\_Cid\_Viscoso](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Cid_Viscoso)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/36 "2004-11-23T23:26:39Z")
> [@](#): > > _by Bricker_ > > But I’d ask a favor in return, from you, and from all readers of this thread that consider themselves to be NOT fringe loonies. > > Step up a bit. Call posters when they engage in dishonest tactics, even if it’s for a cause that you basically support. If you see a pile-on that doesn’t sit well with you, say something. I hope you haven’t overlooked someone in this thread who does just that, and regularly. I believe Metacom, despite the _pro forma_ rhetoric in this thread, has of late done an admirable job helping keep the scuffles above the belt. Personally, I think all of us here are mature enough to raise the tone of the boards. Ending (or in some cases _ignoring_) the political shit-slinging will go a long way. By the way, regardless of your views, I am glad to know every one of you! Thanksgiving comes early. ---
**Author:** ![Quartz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quartz/32/267_2.png) [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/37 "2004-11-23T23:33:01Z")
Bricker, you’re entirely correct: the Looney Right is just as bad as the Looney Left, and Left/Right \<\> Looney Left/Right. But I’m not talking about them. They are few and far between. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2004, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/38 "2004-11-23T23:59:05Z")
**Bricker** , I may not agree with you, but I certainly respect you, and personally I’ll always take the view that a _little_ sniping is unavoidable in a debate you’re truly passionate about. Keep doing your thing, if you please. ---
**Author:** ![furt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/439d5e/32.png) [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/39 "2004-11-24T00:03:05Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > **Sam** belongs on the list. > > I don’t. Yes, Dio, you are the soul of moderation and the king of courtesy. Hell, you don’t believe that yourself. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [November 24, 2004, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343/40 "2004-11-24T00:04:12Z")
> [@Diogenes the Cynic](#): > > Did anybody read those Swift Boat threads. > > **Sam** belongs on the list. > I don’t. Funny how no one came to your rescue on that, huh? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bricker-got-a-second/276343.md?page=3)