# If the death panels did come into being, what sort of uniform, logo, etc. would you design for them? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [September 4, 2009, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898 "2009-09-04T19:47:23Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Slithy\_Tove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slithy_tove/32/18248_2.png) [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/21 "2009-09-04T21:06:37Z")
For menacing tribunal uniforms, you have three main archetypes: the Spanish Inquisition black robes with simple knotted rope belt; the Gulag gymnasterka tunic with jackboots; or the death’s head Nazi. But I’d prefer to take a different and, IMHO, more effective approach But I’d prefer they wear pastel blazers, embroidered with something similar to those bad modernist logos that churches and hospitals adopted in the 1970’s. The panelists should be female, but otherwise sexless, perky but not interpersonal, conscientious but not compassionate. In short, they should not startle nor upset the patient, but rather present a familiar figure from his or her past: the college administrator, the real estate agent, the civil servant; all ostensibly in helping professions but in practice facilitators of disappointment. This will be a comfort to the patients, as he or she will look back on all these and many similar figures of this archetype and take consolation that life was indeed a piece a shit and he or she is well out of it. ---
**Author:** ![Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@Swallowed\_My\_Cellphone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swallowed_My_Cellphone)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/22 "2009-09-04T21:11:54Z")
> [@GolfWidow](#): > > I think I’d go with bright, loud clown suits, floppy shoes, red bulb noses and topped off with rainbow afro wigs. Squirting lapel flower would be an optional accessory. No, the squirting lapel flower woiuld be amandatory requirement, so when you say “No, you must die!” you can squirt them in the eye and you’d hear that “disappointment sound effect” on a trombone that goes “wah, wah, wah, waaaaaaaaah.” ---
**Author:** ![joebuck20](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/74df32/32.png) [@joebuck20](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joebuck20)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/23 "2009-09-04T21:11:57Z")
I’m thinking for the logo, a skull and cross bones design, but with a pair of syringes underneath the skull, and a hammer and sickle emblazoned on top of the skull. ---
**Author:** ![Uosdwis\_R.Dewoh](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Uosdwis\_R.Dewoh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uosdwis_R.Dewoh)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/24 "2009-09-04T21:50:31Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > For menacing tribunal uniforms, you have three main archetypes: the Spanish Inquisition black robes with simple knotted rope belt; the Gulag gymnasterka tunic with jackboots; or the death’s head Nazi. But I’d prefer to take a different and, IMHO, more effective approach Nazis are a bit passé. Instead, I’d go with some kind of African theme. You know, feathers, loincloth, some kind of funky Africa inspired death masks. Lots of vibrant colors and ceremonial _Death spears_\*. [sub]\*Buy one now! Available in the _Deathpanel_[sup]TM[/sup] lobby.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![MEBuckner](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mebuckner/32/2896_2.png) [@MEBuckner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MEBuckner)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 9:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/25 "2009-09-04T21:50:55Z")
> [@elfkin477](#): > > Hmm. I know the latin for “how sweet it is to die for” but not “reducing health care costs.” “It is sweet and fitting to die in order to bend the curve on our nation’s total healthcare spending.” ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/26 "2009-09-04T21:55:40Z")
I think that if we’re ever going to have that one piece unisex STAR TREK suit then we should get to it, so I think red and black for the routine panelist, and something like Q at Far Point for the supervisor. Red of course not only says ‘blood’ but adds a much needed hint of color.[Pic with both](http://www.treksinscifi.com/trekdaily/pictures/2008-02-27-Farpoint1.jpg). ---
**Author:** ![astro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9dc877/32.png) [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/27 "2009-09-04T22:03:48Z")
[Here](http://farm1.static.flickr.com/42/106493723_a36482f989.jpg?v=0) ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/28 "2009-09-04T22:24:22Z")
> [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](#): > > Polo shirts. According to t’ other thread, they are the essence of evil. Yes, definitely a [preppy look.](http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/e357e52d41/death-panel-advisors?rel=player) ---
**Author:** ![Oregon\_sunshine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/50afbb/32.png) [@Oregon\_sunshine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oregon_sunshine)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/29 "2009-09-04T22:30:25Z")
Where are the applications for the Death Panel job?? I want to be on the Death Panel!!! ---
**Author:** ![Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/b38774/32.png) [@Attack\_from\_the\_3rd\_dimension](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Attack_from_the_3rd_dimension)\ **Post date:** [September 4, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/30 "2009-09-04T22:49:26Z")
> [@Slithy\_Tove](#): > > In short, they should not startle nor upset the patient, but rather present a familiar figure from his or her past: the college administrator, the real estate agent, the civil servant; all ostensibly in helping professions but in practice facilitators of disappointment. Exactly. Hence the polo shirt. ---
**Author:** ![BKReporter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@BKReporter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BKReporter)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/31 "2009-09-05T03:00:14Z")
Really muscular guys, barechested, tight black pants, black hoods and executioner’s axes. For the supervisor I’d designate a classic SS-style uniform. And right before he issues his decision, I’d have him light a giant gourd pipe like what Col. Landa had in “Inglourious Basterds.” Oh, and when you walk into the death panel room, you’d hear Gregorian chanting. ---
**Author:** ![Argent\_Towers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e8c25b/32.png) [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/32 "2009-09-05T03:04:41Z")
I’m going to go with something really retro - like [this.](http://legacy.lclark.edu/~campion/hist221/1-somerset.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/33 "2009-09-05T03:05:33Z")
> [@Argent\_Towers](#): > > I’m going to go with something really retro - like [this.](http://legacy.lclark.edu/~campion/hist221/1-somerset.jpg) Nah, too frilly and cute. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/34 "2009-09-05T03:39:52Z")
The card from one of the members: [![](https://media.photobucket.com/image/spanish%20inquisition/akeron_01/The_Spanish_Inquisition.jpg) ](https://media.photobucket.com/image/spanish%20inquisition/akeron_01/The_Spanish_Inquisition.jpg) ---
**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:** [September 5, 2009, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/35 "2009-09-05T03:58:46Z")
> [@GIGObuster](#): > > The card from one of the members: > > [Photo Storage](http://media.photobucket.com/image/spanish%20inquisition/akeron_01/The_Spanish_Inquisition.jpg) Well, I wasn’t expecting that. ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 9:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/36 "2009-09-05T09:11:23Z")
I really like that Funny or Die video. Hm. Perhaps the first question is whether the death panels are a uniformed service. Maybe they should just have a little pin or something. ---
**Author:** ![Harmonious\_Discord](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/74df32/32.png) [@Harmonious\_Discord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Harmonious_Discord)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/37 "2009-09-05T12:42:57Z")
> [@foolsguinea](#): > > I really like that Funny or Die video. > > Hm. Perhaps the first question is whether the death panels are a uniformed service. Maybe they should just have a little pin or something. gom jabbar (Dune reference) ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [September 5, 2009, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/38 "2009-09-05T12:59:12Z")
I like the idea of a logo that combines all of the current health insurance company logos, since they’re controlling our lives at the moment. Perhaps a round patch with a tombstone in the middle, and all of the company logos in an outer ring around it. ---
**Author:** ![BKReporter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8e7dd6/32.png) [@BKReporter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BKReporter)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/39 "2009-09-06T17:16:27Z")
I’d name it the Committee for Aging, Retirement and Euthanasia or CARE. In the promotional materials I’d use the slogan We CARE. ---
**Author:** ![Nava](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/da6949/32.png) [@Nava](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nava)\ **Post date:** [September 6, 2009, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898/40 "2009-09-06T17:59:29Z")
> [@GolfWidow](#): > > I think I’d go with bright, loud clown suits, floppy shoes, red bulb noses and topped off with rainbow afro wigs. Squirting lapel flower would be an optional accessory. I was thinking Hello, Kitty. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-death-panels-did-come-into-being-what-sort-of-uniform-logo-etc-would-you-design-for-them/508898.md?page=3)