# Conservatism Is A Mental Disorder! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [July 28, 2003, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493 "2003-07-28T18:54:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![BF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@BF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BF)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 2:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/81 "2003-07-29T14:48:52Z")
We don’t make this [stuff up.](http://www.baseball-reference.com/t/thronma01.shtml) ---
**Author:** ![BF](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/b5ac83/32.png) [@BF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BF)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/82 "2003-07-29T14:50:42Z")
Doh!! **Jack** beat me to it. ---
**Author:** ![Gary\_Kumquat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/4491bb/32.png) [@Gary\_Kumquat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Kumquat)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/83 "2003-07-29T15:08:32Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by London\_Calling \* > \*\*I thought **'luci’s** OP had potential and I’m a sorry the Cons took the literal bait rather than the obvious comic absurdity and run with that. Perhaps they’re feeling a little sensitive at the moment . . . \*\* Sorry L\_C, but I must disagree. To just wade in to the pit with an OP claiming that conservatism is a mental disorder really is just looking for a fight, and a bit disappointing. Seriously, I thought better of Elucidator. I admire someone with strong beliefs, but to just deliberately make posts to offend…well you know how much it annoys you when December does similar. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/84 "2003-07-29T15:09:33Z")
> [@](#): > > My god, can’t you conservatives take a fucking joke? Lighten the fuck up for fuck’s sake. Are you that fucking humor impaired that you can’t recognize a satirical OP when you see one. Take your fucking meds you fucking whackos. My god, can’t some of the ideologically blinded around here see that some of us just wish you’d shut the fuck up for once with your constant, arbitrary designations of everyone around you as ‘conservative’ or ‘liberal’? There’s a little more to life than politics. Grow the fuck up, for fuck’s sake ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/85 "2003-07-29T15:17:11Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Surreal \* > **There has been a lot of research in the field of psychology of late suggesting that being beaten as a child causes you to become a conservative in adulthood, favoring vengeance policies like the death penalty and the use of military force** First of all, I wouldn’t consider an obscure book that barely sold to be “a lot of research.” Secondly, that particular book doesn’t say that “being beaten as a child causes you to become a conservative in adulthood”, it says that repressed childhood abuse and the denial of it statistically shows an increase in favoring certain policies currently espoused by the right wing, and that those decisions may be based more an emotion than clear thinking. After having read that book about five times, and observing the world around me, these facts become pretty clear. Thirdly, yes, that book has a left-wing bias. It was published just before the 1996 presidential election, hoping to cash in on what ended up being a snoozer of a campaign. Lastly, I am proud to be the friend of one of the authors, and the naked snuggle-buddy of the other. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/86 "2003-07-29T16:05:37Z")
Ahh, the well-known “I was only joking,” defense. The OP was just a joke. [Homer Simpson] I get it. I get jokes. [/Homer Simpson] ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/87 "2003-07-29T18:32:04Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Gary Kumquat \* > Seriously, I thought better of Elucidator. I admire someone with strong beliefs, but to just deliberately make posts to offend…well you know how much it annoys you when December does similar. At least give **elucidator** credit for starting his thread in the BBQ Pit. In the mirror-universe, **december’s** new thread, “Is Liberalism a Mental Disorder?” would be up to page 5 in Great Debates already. (Not to say **elucidator** is the mirror equivalent of **december** – that’s **Reeder’s** job. 😉 ) ---
**Author:** ![Spavined\_Gelding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@Spavined\_Gelding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spavined_Gelding)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/88 "2003-07-29T19:01:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Bricker \* > \*\*Ahh, the well-known “I was only joking,” defense. > > The OP was just a joke. > > [Homer Simpson] > > I get it. I get jokes. > > [/Homer Simpson] \*\* Clearly, some folks don’t (get the joke). While it is just as conjectural as it could be, I can’t help but think that if Rush (sports commentator to the Right) or Ann Coulter announced that liberals were crazy, as opposed to stupid or treacherous or dishonest, their usual routine, there would be general chortling , guffaws belly laughs in the chambers of power. Where is it written that we have to be so all fired earnest and focused around here? Especially in this forum, the home of, to my recollection, long diatribes about ground hogs and toy blimps and various sexual perversions and kinkynesses. A little frivolity tends to be a welcome relief from the general air of hostility and outrage and moral reticence that all too often dominates this place. A little whimsy, friends, a little whimsy. Climb down off the high horse; cease galloping in four directions at once. Keep your pants on, for Pete’s sake. ---
**Author:** ![Grim\_Beaker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/46a35a/32.png) [@Grim\_Beaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grim_Beaker)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/89 "2003-07-29T19:44:14Z")
I disagree **Spavined Gelding**. If the OP was clearly ridiculing the research I might agree with you. As far as I can tell Luce’s post was no different in tone than his usual posting style. There is nothing in the OP I see that would indicate parody or criticism of the paper on his part. It is incumbent on the poster to communicate in a clear manner. **Elucidator** did not do so, thus the confusion. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/90 "2003-07-29T19:56:48Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Grim\_Beaker \* > There is nothing in the OP I see that would indicate parody or criticism of the paper on his part. You mean its presence in the frickin’ _PIT_ didn’t clue you in? > [@](#): > > It is incumbent on the poster to communicate in a clear manner. **Elucidator** did not do so, thus the confusion. It is incumbent upon the reader to be aware of context. You did not do so, hence _your_ confusion. Your comment about this looking just like his usual work in GD also shows a lack of comprehension, or willingness to comprehend it, on your part. Although given to sarcasm above and beyond the call of duty, and devoted to a humorous style at most times, true, he’s as deadly serious and thoughtful a contributor as you’ll ever see. As long as you don’t put up your shields as soon as a thought you don’t already share comes at you, that is. Comments about his dismissiveness do seem to come from the most dismissive themselves, don’t they? Along with a very low rate of success in denigrating his command of facts and use of reasoning from them, that is. Yours, as a case in point. He does have a point of view and a value system, but who the hell doesn’t? Exploring those is a great way for us all to learn. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/91 "2003-07-29T20:00:36Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Spavined Gelding \* > \*\*A little frivolity tends to be a welcome relief from the general air of hostility and outrage and moral reticence that all too often dominates this place. \*\* Cite?!? ---
**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:** [July 29, 2003, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/92 "2003-07-29T20:09:24Z")
I can see how it might make me scowl to see someone joke-post that liberals were mentally ill, based on some half-assed research. I can see how I wouldn’t find it very funny. I can’t see responding to it with anything approaching vitriol. Possibly I’d post a “Ha, ha, very funny” response. But goodness gracious, people! Can you seriously claim that the OP wasn’t dripping with smartass jokiness? Reread it – it’s completely obvious that he’s making fun, not putting forth a serious argument. Not worth getting worked up over, IMO. I thought it was funny, but didn’t think itwas a big deal either way. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/93 "2003-07-29T20:32:49Z")
It’s pretty clear to me Elucidator was being facetious, that’s not the problem. The problem is three years spent attacking conservatives and Republicans. If **December** made a joke thread about what idiots liberals are, it wouldn’t exactly be funny. Fred Phelps telling a good natured gay joke wouldn’t be funny. Eluicidator busting on conservatives facetiously. Not funny. ---
**Author:** ![Grim\_Beaker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/46a35a/32.png) [@Grim\_Beaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grim_Beaker)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/94 "2003-07-29T20:34:12Z")
> [@](#): > > It is incumbent upon the reader to be aware of context. You did not do so, hence your confusion. And what, precisely, is the contextual information (besides the post being in the Pit) that indicates his OP was satire? > [@](#): > > Your comment about this looking just like his usual work in GD also shows a lack of comprehension, or willingness to comprehend it, on your part. Although given to sarcasm above and beyond the call of duty, and devoted to a humorous style at most times, true, he’s as deadly serious and thoughtful a contributor as you’ll ever see. As long as you don’t put up your shields as soon as a thought you don’t already share comes at you, that is. Oh please. My mind is not closed to new interpretations and viewpoints. There are liberal posters who present well thought out and enlightening arguments (wring, xenophon, and SuaSponte just to name a few). **Elucidator** is not one of them. I can’t count the number of posts of his that I’ve seen that are nothing more than drive by potshots. **Elucidator** ’s goal is NOT to influence people of the correctness of his views. His posting history is clear evidence of that. His primary purpose seems to be grandstanding and heckling. > [@](#): > > Comments about his dismissiveness do seem to come from the most dismissive themselves, don’t they? Along with a very low rate of success in denigrating his command of facts and use of reasoning from them, that is. Yours, as a case in point. He does have a point of view and a value system, but who the hell doesn’t? Exploring those is a great way for us all to learn. I dismiss **elucidator** ’s input because 9 times out of 10 his posts are content free. They contain nothing which adds to the discussion. It is the _rare_ post of his which contains information. Exploring is, indeed, a great way for all of us to learn. Exploring other, more informative (and informed) poster’s views, is far more rewarding. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/95 "2003-07-29T21:08:52Z")
**Daniel** , just throwing this out as a possibility here, but maybe what has some people annoyed here is not the joke itelf, but the boring predictability and obsessiveness of the poster in question. There’s a group of GD regulars who give the impression that their sole interest as members of this board is to demonize adherents of one US political party or another. **December** and his tedious “Are democrats the spawn of Satan: yes or no?” threads. **Brutus** and his “George W. Bush has never made a mistake in his life” posts. **Reeder** and HIS “George W. Bush has never made a correct decision in his life” posts. And lastly, our man here, with his insufferably arch ‘smartass jokiness’, dropping his little anti-Republican turds everywhere whilst apparently expecting us to treat them them like truffles. It would be refreshing indeed if sometime one of this crew would turn the same sort of critical eye that they seem to have for the percieved failings of their self-selected enemies, to the ideologies that they so slavishly trumpet as superior. Of course, that ain’t ever going to happen. So, I doubt that anyone got all that upset over this one thread. I think it’s more a pent-up reaction to a body of work. While maybe no one till now could be bothered to take Mr. so-called Clarifying Explanation to the Pit, as long as he’s here we might as well make our opinions known. Lastly, we might all enjoy his little jokes a bit more if he could somehow resist the uncontrollable urge to bury them in all sorts of grammatical filigree. Of course, that’s never going to happen either. Want an example of good joke-telling? **Scylla** and his bear story. Comedy gold, that one. [Cousin Vinnie] OK, I’m through with this guy. [/Cousin Vinnie] ---
**Author:** ![Spavined\_Gelding](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/958977/32.png) [@Spavined\_Gelding](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spavined_Gelding)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/96 "2003-07-29T21:40:56Z")
Oh, sweet Jesus, we’re getting all earnest and analytical again. Enough, already. Go to sleep. It’ll be all right in the morning. Just to make sure the point is made: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: 😛 ---
**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:** [July 29, 2003, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/97 "2003-07-29T21:50:43Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by El\_Kabong \* > **Daniel, just throwing this out as a possibility here, but maybe what has some people annoyed here is not the joke itelf, but the boring predictability and obsessiveness of the poster in question.** Eh – fair enough. I guess I always take **elucidator** as a comedy poster, and I read his posts for the “grammatical filigree” (nice turn of phrase), not in spite of it. I can’t think of anyone on the right on the message board that’s similar – all the conservatives around these parts are either serious posters or are incorrigibly stupid. **December’s** anti-liberal limericks are pretty funny, when I stop to think about it, and I treat **elucidator’s** posts as the equivalent of those limericks: something light and comic, not something to take as serious argument. Your mileage etc. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/98 "2003-07-29T22:29:50Z")
> [@](#): > > I can’t think of anyone on the right on the message board that’s similar – all the conservatives around these parts are either serious posters or are incorrigibly stupid. Good point. **Taggert** was probably the closest in style, although it was never clear whether he **really** was the right-winger he claimed to be. Anyway, we know what happened to him… **cue doom-laden organ chord** ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/99 "2003-07-29T22:50:34Z")
**"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!"** - Gordon Jump, as Mr. Carlson _WKRP in Cinncinnatti_ As Emma Goldman is my witness, I swear, it never occurred to me to think anyone would miss it. And so _totally_ miss it. I mean, its just _sooooooo_ anal retentive. Maybe its cultural context. A little outreach, maybe. For those of us with a decidedly leftward tilt to our spinnaker, Berkeley has been a source of ongoing amusement and wonder for lo, these many years. The first City Council to adopt a foreign policy! A good one, true, but guys, _come on!_ I can’t tell you how many times a long time friend has sideled up with the latest utterly, relentlessly correct doings in Berzerkely. Few years back I heard about how they started ordering salad and eating it with their fingers. > [@](#): > > I am simply damp with contrition and remorse. All these years, hassling the Usual Suspects, and it turns out they are only the unfortunate victims of mental derangement. I feel terrible! You didn’t get _that!_ You didn’t detect a note of irony? Not one? Well, bless your heart you sorry sombitch, is there anything we can do to help? All I can tell you is the truth. And thats it. Mostly, I came looking to play, mix it up, have a little fun with this. Some of you seem to think you know my mind better than I do. Which is a mighty sobering thought, let me tell you. It would be churlish not to note, with gratitude, words kindly spoken. You know who you are, and I thank you. > [@](#): > > …“grammatical filigree” (nice turn of phrase)… It is indeed. Consider it stolen. ---
**Author:** ![rjung](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/45deac/32.png) [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2003, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493/100 "2003-07-29T23:36:47Z")
C’mon, **elucidator,** what’d you expect from folks who think _Mallard Filmore_ is funny? 😉 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-is-a-mental-disorder/191493.md?page=6)