# Is That TB Guy The Biggest Asshole Ever, Or What? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 31, 2007, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240 "2007-05-31T20:49:26Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/281 "2007-06-02T19:26:16Z")
[QUOTE=5-4-Fighting] What part of: He continued to be tested because he could have (1) become contagious at any time; (2) was found out to, because of continued testing, to have a turbo-TB strain, which, if he became contagious, would be a world of trouble for those who _he chose to expose_ not knowing whether or not he had moved into the contagious stage; and (3) was strongly advised not to fly, before he left the country, _and_ to cover his mouth\*, if he even left the house\*, even though he wasn’t contagious, becasue there were obviously concerns that he (i) could become contagious to others; and (ii) had every possibility of becoming potentially more dangerous, are you not getting? [/QUOTE] Hey, there’s a possibility that you have contagious TurboTB right now. Why aren’t you wearing a mask? ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/282 "2007-06-02T19:27:09Z")
[QUOTE=brazil84] Hey, there’s a possibility that you have contagious TurboTB right now. Why aren’t you wearing a mask? [/QUOTE] Ridiculous and ineffecutal response, and you know it. ---
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/283 "2007-06-02T19:28:59Z")
[QUOTE=5-4-Fighting] Ridiculous and ineffecutal response, and you know it. [/QUOTE] Ridiculous and ineffectual response, and you know it. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/284 "2007-06-02T19:30:56Z")
[QUOTE=brazil84] Papers that show he was told in no uncertain terms not to travel before he left the US? Papers that show he was told to wear a mask? [/QUOTE] Yes, maybe only on one form. I will not be surprised a bit when it is found out that he signed documents that cover the CDC’s ass by showing they did impart those precautions to him. That kind of form isn’t uncommon, for other things too, like having an X-ray. I had to sign a form saying I wasn’t pregnant when I got my foot (which I thought I’d broken) X-rayed a short time back. (Turns out it was a nasty bruise, that hurt as badly as a broken toe.) ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/285 "2007-06-02T19:32:48Z")
[QUOTE=brazil84] Ridiculous and ineffectual response, and you know it. [/QUOTE] Sad, how you are resorting to childish retorts now that you realize you’ve painted yourself into a corner. ---
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/286 "2007-06-02T19:41:26Z")
[QUOTE=Zabali\_Clawbane] Sad, how you are resorting to childish retorts now that you realize you’ve painted yourself into a corner. [/QUOTE] Umm, I was using the posters own childish retort to show how childish he was being. I guess that’s beyond your meager comprehension. I’m still waiting to know the Title and Section of the law that Speaker broke by flying to Canada. ---
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/287 "2007-06-02T19:44:00Z")
[QUOTE=Zabali\_Clawbane] Yes, maybe only on one form. I will not be surprised a bit when it is found out that he signed documents that cover the CDC’s ass by showing they did impart those precautions to him. That kind of form isn’t uncommon, for other things too, like having an X-ray. I had to sign a form saying I wasn’t pregnant when I got my foot (which I thought I’d broken) X-rayed a short time back. (Turns out it was a nasty bruise, that hurt as badly as a broken toe.) [/QUOTE] Time will tell I guess. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/288 "2007-06-02T19:44:21Z")
[QUOTE=Shoshana] TB is not a sexually transmitted disease. [/QUOTE] “We’re sorry, ma’am, but your new husband is quite ill. We can’t be sure if it is TB, or AIDS.” “What does that mean, doctor?” “If he coughs, fuck him.” Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/289 "2007-06-02T19:46:40Z")
🙂 Of course, he could have TB _and_ HIV, a nasty combination. > [@](#): > > Papers that show he was told in no uncertain terms not to travel before he left the US? > > Papers that show he was told to wear a mask? Perhaps papers such as I signed in 1987 that say “don’t go out of your house until cleared to do so.” ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/290 "2007-06-02T19:47:39Z")
[QUOTE=brazil84] Umm, I was using the posters own childish retort to show how childish he was being. I guess that’s beyond your meager comprehension. I’m still waiting to know the Title and Section of the law that Speaker broke by flying to Canada. [/QUOTE] No, I asked you questions having to do with explicit topic of this thread; you responded with an answer that was, to say the least, from out of left field and had nothing to do with the story/facts/conclusions being discussed. I called you on it honestly. Perhaps you like to try to answer the questions asked? ---
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/291 "2007-06-02T19:48:47Z")
[QUOTE=Shoshana] 🙂 Of course, he could have TB _and_ HIV, a nasty combination. Perhaps papers such as I signed in 1987 that say “don’t go out of your house until cleared to do so.” [/QUOTE] If he was really told that instead of being told that he was not contagious, then he’s a liar and an asshole. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/292 "2007-06-02T19:49:39Z")
[QUOTE=brazil84] Umm, I was using the posters own childish retort to show how childish he was being. I guess that’s beyond your meager comprehension. \ [/QUOTE] Using “I know you are, but what am I?” as a retort is not a way to prevail in a debate. The other person’s post was relevant, yours was nothing more than a taunt. ETA: By the above I mean repeating the other person’s words in a scornful way. ---
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/293 "2007-06-02T19:54:15Z")
[QUOTE=5-4-Fighting] No, I asked you questions having to do with explicit topic of this thread; you responded with an answer that was, to say the least, from out of left field and had nothing to do with the story/facts/conclusions being discussed. I called you on it honestly. [/quote] Then you didn’t understand my answer. You said he “ **COULD HAVE** ” become more contagious. The important question is what the probability was. If it was a minimal risk to other people, then the guy’s not an asshole. This is illustrated by my response. See, you “COULD HAVE” TurboTB right now. But based on what you know, the chances are minute. So you aren’t being an asshole if you leave your house. ---
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/294 "2007-06-02T19:55:40Z")
[QUOTE=Zabali\_Clawbane] Using “I know you are, but what am I?” as a retort is not a way to prevail in a debate. The other person’s post was relevant, yours was nothing more than a taunt. [/quote] My point was the same as his. Except that I happened to be in the right, and he happened to be in the wrong. But as I say, it’s beyond your meager comprehension. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/295 "2007-06-02T19:57:33Z")
[QUOTE=brazil84] Then you didn’t understand my answer. You said he “ **COULD HAVE** ” become more contagious. The important question is what the probability was. If it was a minimal risk to other people, then the guy’s not an asshole. This is illustrated by my response. See, you “COULD HAVE” TurboTB right now. But based on what you know, the chances are minute. So you aren’t being an asshole if you leave your house. [/QUOTE] Except that he hasn’t even been diagnosed with TB, while TB Andy was. That is the glaring logic flaw in your statement. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/296 "2007-06-02T20:00:37Z")
[QUOTE=brazil84] But as I say, it’s beyond your meager comprehension. [/QUOTE] :rolleyes: You’re going to have to do better than that to prevail here. I’ve almost made up my mind that trying to engage in an intelligible conversation with you, is futile. ---
**Author:** ![descamisado](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e480ec/32.png) [@descamisado](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/descamisado)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/297 "2007-06-02T20:00:47Z")
[QUOTE=brazil84] Then you didn’t understand my answer. You said he “ **COULD HAVE** ” become more contagious. The important question is what the probability was. If it was a minimal risk to other people, then the guy’s not an asshole. This is illustrated by my response. See, you “COULD HAVE” TurboTB right now. But based on what you know, the chances are minute. So you aren’t being an asshole if you leave your house. [/QUOTE] Except that, until I’ve had a test that says I have any kind of TB, that “COULD HAVE” doesn’t come into play, and the status of my health is, therefore, not part of \*this \* discussion. Andy Speaker was diagnosed with TB and had been given medical advise on what to do, and “COULD HAVE” was definitely in play regarding _his health_. I actually understood your answer just fine – did you? ---
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/298 "2007-06-02T20:00:48Z")
[QUOTE=Zabali\_Clawbane] Except that he hasn’t even been diagnosed with TB, while TB Andy was. That is the glaring logic flaw in your statement. [/QUOTE] Why? Many cases of TB go undiagnosed. Is it ever ok to impose a minimal risk on others if there is a great benefit to one’s own position? ---
**Author:** ![brazil84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/8491ac/32.png) [@brazil84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brazil84)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/299 "2007-06-02T20:01:55Z")
[QUOTE=Zabali\_Clawbane] :rolleyes: You’re going to have to do better than that to prevail here. I’ve almost made up my mind that trying to engage in an intelligible conversation with you, is futile. [/QUOTE] i.e. you’ve boxed yourself into a corner and all you can come up with is childish retorts. Still waitin’ for that title and section number. ---
**Author:** ![Zabali\_Clawbane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/ecd19e/32.png) [@Zabali\_Clawbane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zabali_Clawbane)\ **Post date:** [June 2, 2007, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240/300 "2007-06-02T20:02:08Z")
[QUOTE=brazil84] Why? Many cases of TB go undiagnosed. Is it ever ok to impose a minimal risk on others if there is a great benefit to one’s own position? [/QUOTE] By that logic, where’s _YOUR_ mask? :dubious: Not wearing one? Didn’t think so. No sale… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240.md?page=14) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-that-tb-guy-the-biggest-asshole-ever-or-what/406240.md?page=16)