# Just when you think Republicans can't get any more fuckheaded **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [October 6, 2004, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897 "2004-10-06T19:05:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**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:** [October 6, 2004, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/21 "2004-10-06T19:56:34Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > Lex Luthor doesn’t care about petty shit. > > “Lex” is Latin for “Law.” > > Daniel Hmm, just realized that was a lousy explanation. _De minimis non curat lex_ is a Latin expression that means, “The law does not concern itself with trivialities.” It’s a common legal expression; when I was in high school and one guy suckerpunched another guy and the second teen took the first teen to court, the case was thrown out with this given as the reason. (Which was a fucked-up decision, IMO, but that’s neither here nor there). Lex Luthor, of course, also doesn’t concern himself with trivialities. The juxtaposition of the two ideas made me laugh until I cried. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Lord\_Ashtar](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7ea924/32.png) [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/22 "2004-10-06T19:59:44Z")
Thanks, **LHoD**. I remember that sig, and I always wondered what it meant. ---
**Author:** ![Bricker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/23 "2004-10-06T20:04:23Z")
> [@rjung](#): > > By the logic of the Michigan Republican Party, if I urged my friends to vote – for _any_ candidate, just as a patriotic gesture to reverse the low-voter turnout problems this nation has – and offered to treat them to dinner on election night, I’d be guilty of breaking the law, eh? :rolleyes: > > Anyone wanna bet this wouldn’t be an issue if it was Bill O’Reilly offering free underwear to people? Moore waas not urging the non-voters to vote for any candidate: > [@](#): > > During each program, habitual nonvoters are invited on stage to pledge to vote for Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry. First-time student voters are offered gag prizes such as clean underwear. ---
**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:** [October 6, 2004, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/24 "2004-10-06T20:06:27Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Moore waas not urging the non-voters to vote for any candidate: **Bricker** , does this seem like the kind of occasion for which the _de minimis_ principle was designed? Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Slacker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/6bbea6/32.png) [@Slacker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slacker)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/25 "2004-10-06T20:07:53Z")
Anyone else entertained by the thought that for Republicans, more people voting is _a bad thing?_ ---
**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:** [October 6, 2004, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/26 "2004-10-06T20:09:35Z")
> [@Slacker](#): > > Anyone else entertained by the thought that for Republicans, more people voting is _a bad thing?_ I think they’re just upset at how Moore is jockeying for power. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Equipoise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/equipoise/32/151_2.png) [@Equipoise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Equipoise)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/27 "2004-10-06T20:10:58Z")
> [@tdn](#): > > So, it seems that Moore is, in fact, in violation of election law. But in such a silly way that it’s hard to take seriously. Looks to me like both Moore and the Michigan Pubbies need to lighten the fuck up. Moore is being threatened with serious legal action for a silly joke and HE should lighten the fuck up? Oh right, it’s another _Republican_ voter supression thing, so it doesn’t matter. I keep forgetting. ---
**Author:** ![Metacom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecae2f/32.png) [@Metacom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Metacom)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/28 "2004-10-06T20:11:13Z")
> [@Michael Moore](#): > > Of course, this would be quite laughable if they weren’t so serious about their charges. But they are. I may soon be a wanted man in Michigan – simply because I convinced a few slackers to change their underwear and eat a **healthy meal of artificially flavored noodles.** :eek: He thinks ramen noodles are _healthy_? No wonder he’s so obese. ---
**Author:** ![Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/8edcca/32.png) [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hentor_the_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/29 "2004-10-06T20:14:26Z")
> [@Mr. Moto](#): > > No you’re not. Post-Gazette says he’s sick. > > Sorry. Dag! Thanks for the heads up, **Mr. Moto**! ---
**Author:** ![GaWd](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f08c70/32.png) [@GaWd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GaWd)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/30 "2004-10-06T20:14:54Z")
> [@CandidGamera](#): > > See, now, there may be a technicality here. I’m no judge or law-talkin’ guy, though. > > As long as the gift was exchanged for ‘voting’ and not explicitly for ‘voting for Kerry’ - Moore may be okay here. Even with the Kerry rah-rah at the end. > > Any lawyers care to comment? Not a legal professional, but I am pretty sure that you are correct. Since he didn’t offer his goods to vote for one or another of the candidates and is instead trying to cure a low voter turn-out problem, I’m pretty sure he’s clear on this charge. I’m sure he’s got a legal team for this kind of bullshit, too. Sam ---
**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:** [October 6, 2004, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/31 "2004-10-06T20:14:51Z")
Trust me, Moore \*\*\*LOVES \*\*\*this kind of stuff. He’s a media hound, and anything that gets him press attention is good. He’s a “wanted man”… Ooooooooooh! ---
**Author:** ![NurseCarmen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/5daacb/32.png) [@NurseCarmen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NurseCarmen)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/32 "2004-10-06T20:16:22Z")
When will these morons learn not to offer free press? ---
**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:** [October 6, 2004, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/33 "2004-10-06T20:18:03Z")
> [@John Mace](#): > > Trust me, Moore \*\*\*LOVES \*\*\*this kind of stuff. He’s a media hound, and anything that gets him press attention is good. He’s a “wanted man”… Ooooooooooh! Yep. He’s a satirical clown running a comedy show, and anyone who fights him automatically enters the comedy show. If you’re acting serious, you end up looking the fool Daniel ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/34 "2004-10-06T20:20:56Z")
> [@Equipoise](#): > > Moore is being threatened with serious legal action for a silly joke and HE should lighten the fuck up? He’s trying to build it up into a story of how the Pubbies have to resort to arresting him to stifle his free speech, and making himself out to be some desperado outlaw. I think he has a legitimate beef, but he’s way overdramatizing it. ---
**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:** [October 6, 2004, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/35 "2004-10-06T20:25:46Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > Yep. He’s a satirical clown running a comedy show, and anyone who fights him automatically enters the comedy show. If you’re acting serious, you end up looking the fooll I agree. The guys going after Moore are just playing into his had and looking ridiculous in the process. ---
**Author:** ![Ghanima](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Ghanima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ghanima)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/36 "2004-10-06T21:14:26Z")
> [@NurseCarmen](#): > > When will these morons learn not to offer free press? Never, I hope. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_Death](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ecccb3/32.png) [@Evil\_Death](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Death)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/37 "2004-10-06T23:18:23Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > **Bricker** , does this seem like the kind of occasion for which the _de minimis_ principle was designed? I hate to say it, but for once the Republicans have a case. If a candidate or his representative gives you $10 in exchange for agreeing to vote in November, you are more likely to vote for the guy who gave you the ten bucks because he gave you ten bucks for doing next to nothing and the other candidates didn’t. That’s why the statute prohibits candidates et al offering recompense to someone in exchange for their voting for a candidate of their own choice, as opposed to in exchange for voting specifically for one candidate. Moore’s not specifically rewarding people for voting Kerry, but by asking them to vote Kerry he’s made it clear that his encouraging them to vote is being done on Kerry’s behalf. This most definitely puts him in violation of the statute in question. ---
**Author:** ![SteveG1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bb73d2/32.png) [@SteveG1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SteveG1)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/38 "2004-10-06T23:29:57Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > I think they’re just upset at how Moore is **jockeying** for power. > > Daniel Groan. I wonder if there are any legal briefs that cover this. ---
**Author:** ![Raygun99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Raygun99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raygun99)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/39 "2004-10-06T23:42:36Z")
Isn’t there another technicality in that he’s encouraging them to register, not to vote? ---
**Author:** ![Icarus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/icarus/32/72_2.png) [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Post date:** [October 6, 2004, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897/40 "2004-10-06T23:59:03Z")
> [@Evil Death](#): > > If a candidate or his representative gives you $10 in exchange for agreeing to vote in November, you are more likely to vote for the guy who gave you the ten bucks because he gave you ten bucks for doing next to nothing and the other candidates didn’t. That’s why the statute prohibits candidates et al offering recompense to someone in exchange for their voting for a candidate of their own choice, as opposed to in exchange for voting specifically for one candidate. [hijack] And I have always felt that in 2000, candidate Bush’s promise of a tax cut amounted to essentially the same thing. A vote buying scheme, “Vote for me and I will give you a tax cut (money).” :dubious: [/hijack] [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-when-you-think-republicans-cant-get-any-more-fuckheaded/267897.md?page=3)