# KGS: sad. SDMB: sadder. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [November 23, 2008, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107 "2008-11-23T16:04:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/half_man_half_wit/32/21766_2.png) [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/41 "2008-11-23T18:35:18Z")
> [@TVeblen](#): > > But perhaps you own magic Internet Diagnostic Glasses that gift you with ability to accurately diagnose total strangers’ medical conditions by peering into the pixels they leave behind on computer screens. Probably just read **KGS** ’ aura. ---
**Author:** ![Fantome](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Fantome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fantome)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/42 "2008-11-23T18:35:57Z")
> [@Aswan](#): > > Perhaps another example. > > (The scene: a busy street corner. A shabbily dressed man with an ill kempt beard waves his hands and wails to passersby. “The world is coming to an end. Repent! Repent!”) > > You: > > A) Walk by peaceably. > > B) Gather a group of your friends together and hound him mercilessly. “What is your proof?” “You’re crazy!” “Imbecile, shut up!” Comparing the SDMB where nitpicking words and ideas is the norm to behavior on a street corner? Really? ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/43 "2008-11-23T18:38:31Z")
> [@Darkhold](#): > > :rolleyes: Yeah god knows nobody has ever piled on **Der Trihs** for his bullshit. > > I’ve also never understood the notion that tolerance has to be all encompassing in order not to be hypocritical. If I knew someone who occasionally made a semi racist comment I’d probably let it slide. If he did so regularly or made openly racists jokes I’ll tell him to shut up about that around me. If he kept it up I’d probably stop being his friend. If he talked about kicking the shit out of a black person because he was black I’d call the cops. At what point did I become a hypocrite? Because I have a brain in my head I can tell the difference between tolerating a behavior I don’t fully understand but has no real negative effect on myself or society (homosexuality for instance) but can choose not to tolerate a behavior I don’t understand but is a hate filled stance that chooses to treat humans as lesser because of some minor difference in who they are or how they behave. > > If you can explain to me how that makes it hypocritical please elaborate. If someone’s being wrong leads to them hanging black people, you ridicule it because it needs to be ridiculed. If someone’s being wrong leads to them taking photos with a Kyrlian camera, you respectfully disagree and remain cordial. If you can’t see the difference perhaps it is you who is retarded. ---
**Author:** ![Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/half_man_half_wit/32/21766_2.png) [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/44 "2008-11-23T18:41:31Z")
> [@mswas](#): > > Yes, because posting in Great Debates is like auditioning for American Idol :D:rolleyes::smack: Yes, because the American Idol thing was the vital part of my post :D:rolleyes::smack: It’s a common misconception, but high horses don’t help you any in navigating the obstacle course of cogent argumentation. ---
**Author:** ![Aswan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c68b51/32.png) [@Aswan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aswan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/45 "2008-11-23T18:42:10Z")
As these things sometimes do, the conversation has devolved from the original observation into theatrical asides and minor equivocations. Was the Grand Canyon created by a glacier? Don’t look at this hand, look at this one. See? Here’s the penny. My point, and it must be my fault for not having communicated it more clearly, is merely this: there is a time and a place for holding people accountable for their statements. However, when it becomes apparent that the speaker is not accountable—for whatever reason—it is unseemly, in fact disrespectful of human dignity, to continue to taunt and humiliate him. Only those of us with the basest of instincts will poke the caged animal with a stick for our amusement. If that’s you, then you have my condolences. You may do it lying to yourself that you’re “fighting ignorance,” but deep down, we all know better. Oh, and Rubystreak, you speak with the authority of several centuries of support. I wonder how enthusiastic you’d have been to drink the hemlock yourself back then. Crazy was nothing compared to heretic. And I don’t “own magic Internet Diagnostic Glasses that gift (sic) you with ability to accurately diagnose total strangers’ medical conditions by peering into the pixels they leave behind on computer screens.” Nah. Never claimed to. Just a sense of moral decency and the ability to invoke it. ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/46 "2008-11-23T18:47:51Z")
> [@Aswan](#): > > And Galileo is not a bad comparison, considering the not-so-happy ending. Do you really think that we are going to set up KGS in his own private palace with his own servants for his retirement? ---
**Author:** ![SmartAleq](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smartaleq/32/163_2.png) [@SmartAleq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmartAleq)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/47 "2008-11-23T18:47:59Z")
> [@Aswan](#): > > For a group that nominally claims to be unbiased and detached, the SDMB is remarkably not so. Cite that anyone has ever said this? Check the banner at the top of the page, it says, “Fighting ignorance since 1973.” Hard to fight ignorance when you stand there and allow it to be flaunted with indulgent smiles all around. > [@Aswan](#): > > Perhaps another example. > > (The scene: a busy street corner. A shabbily dressed man with an ill kempt beard waves his hands and wails to passersby. “The world is coming to an end. Repent! Repent!”) > > You: > > A) Walk by peaceably. > > B) Gather a group of your friends together and hound him mercilessly. “What is your proof?” “You’re crazy!” “Imbecile, shut up!” Looks like somebody’s never spent any time in Hyde Park at Speaker’s Corner. Yes, that is EXACTLY what goes on there, and I’d say the Dope is a close Internet analogue to Speaker’s Corner. > [@Aswan](#): > > If you invite someone from another culture to your home for dinner and they begin to eat with their hands, do you berate them? Or do you tap the fork and knife together and show them how you use them with a friendly smile? Do you still keep smiling and tapping when your obstreperous guest gets up on the table, pulls out his dick and pisses in your food? My, such a saint you must be, I bet your mother is just loving her halo. > [@Aswan](#): > > All I’m saying is, if you smell blood in the water and chase it, what does that make you? Smart. > [@Aswan](#): > > And Galileo is not a bad comparison, considering the not-so-happy ending. Nope, on account of Galileo was right, and had science on his side. I have to agree, you really suck at analogies. Don’t quit your day job. ---
**Author:** ![wonky](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wonky/32/393_2.png) [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/48 "2008-11-23T18:48:12Z")
> [@Aswan](#): > > My point, and it must be my fault for not having communicated it more clearly, is merely this: there is a time and a place for holding people accountable for their statements. However, when it becomes apparent that the speaker is not accountable—for whatever reason—it is unseemly, in fact disrespectful of human dignity, to continue to taunt and humiliate him. So, what precisely makes him not accountable? I think he’d be offended at the suggestion, though you’re welcome to make it. Indeed, as I already said, you’re welcome to take part in that thread, steering it in whichever way you think it needs steering. You’re welcome to, in short, take responsibility for your ideas and put them right into motion. No one is stopping you. ---
**Author:** ![Chimera](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/8e8cbc/32.png) [@Chimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chimera)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/49 "2008-11-23T18:50:28Z")
> [@Aswan](#): > > For a group that nominally claims to be unbiased and detached, the SDMB is remarkably not so. I’m not so sure that this group or this board has ever claimed to be unbiased and detached. That being said, I have a serious issue with people who tell others to keep an open mind when what they’re really saying is: “Believe everything I say without questioning any of it.” Engaging one’s skeptical mind and questioning what one is being told is not necessarily “biased” any more than failing to do so is unbiased. Failing to question what you’re being told is simply “incredibly stupid”. So when you come at me with an idea that I find unlikely, counter-indicated or just plain silly; it doesn’t help your case to attack me for being biased or intolerant. That only works with weak willed patsies who want to be friends with everyone and have no mind of their own for fear of being wrong or of offending someone with their own beliefs. ---
**Author:** ![askeptic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/50 "2008-11-23T18:51:24Z")
> [@Aswan](#): > > Nah. Never claimed to. Just a sense of moral decency and the ability to invoke it. Dude, your sense of self righteousness and holier than thou attitude is pretty amusing. It’s like watching a guy throwing stones from a glass house. You really need to get over yourself. And if I was KGS I would tell you to go fuck yourself for being a condescending ass. You are more dismissive and giving him less respect than the worst flamer in that thread. ---
**Author:** ![Hamadryad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6de8d8/32.png) [@Hamadryad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamadryad)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/51 "2008-11-23T18:53:31Z")
> [@Aswan](#): > > You may do it lying to yourself that you’re “fighting ignorance,” but deep down, we all know better. No, I’m doing it because **KGS** is a stupid, addle-pated nincompoop who insists beyond all reason that the plural of “anecdote” is “data,” and that scientists are “out of touch” for using the correct terminology for their research. Since the whole giant pile of shit is in the Pit, I haven’t felt any need whatsoever to be calm or considered in my criticism of the aforementioned buffoon. Fuck you right in your stupid neck for comparing this putrid stoma to Galileo. ---
**Author:** ![Autolycus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/22d042/32.png) [@Autolycus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Autolycus)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/52 "2008-11-23T18:56:41Z")
The religion discussion between **Voyager** and myself was pretty good, even if it was hardly anything new for these boards. Now I feel bad for losing interest and letting the spotlight go back onto **KSG**. ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/53 "2008-11-23T19:01:58Z")
> [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](#): > > Yes, because the American Idol thing was the vital part of my post :D:rolleyes::smack: > > It’s a common misconception, but high horses don’t help you any in navigating the obstacle course of cogent argumentation. You’re the one who made the stupid analogy. Well chosen nickname, kudos. ---
**Author:** ![mswas](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e99b99/32.png) [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/54 "2008-11-23T19:02:58Z")
> [@Hamadryad](#): > > No, I’m doing it because **KGS** is a stupid, addle-pated nincompoop who insists beyond all reason that the plural of “anecdote” is “data,” and that scientists are “out of touch” for using the correct terminology for their research. > > Since the whole giant pile of shit is in the Pit, I haven’t felt any need whatsoever to be calm or considered in my criticism of the aforementioned buffoon. Fuck you right in your stupid neck for comparing this putrid stoma to Galileo. Why does simply being wrong offend you so deeply? ---
**Author:** ![Hamadryad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6de8d8/32.png) [@Hamadryad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hamadryad)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/55 "2008-11-23T19:11:08Z")
> [@mswas](#): > > Why does simply being wrong offend you so deeply? It doesn’t offend me that deeply. Well, misrepresenting the entire discipline of science IS pretty goddamned offensive - but really, I’m just in love with the sound of my own voice. ---
**Author:** ![Darkhold](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/90db22/32.png) [@Darkhold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darkhold)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/56 "2008-11-23T19:12:15Z")
> [@mswas](#): > > If someone’s being wrong leads to them hanging black people, you ridicule it because it needs to be ridiculed. If someone’s being wrong leads to them taking photos with a Kyrlian camera, you respectfully disagree and remain cordial. > > If you can’t see the difference perhaps it is you who is retarded. Whoa where’s this hostility come from? I asked a specific question about where not tolerating behaviors became hypocritical. From the content of your post (mentioning liberal PC elite and homosexuality) it went far wider then anything KGS had touched on in that thread so I was asking you to clarify. Clearly you’re dealing with enough issues of your own and I’ll leave you to it. ---
**Author:** ![Nzinga\_Seated](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/b5ac83/32.png) [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/57 "2008-11-23T19:15:57Z")
> [@monstro](#): > > Like saying all white people were going to hell You mean, they’re not? The rest of your post, I agree with. I don’t like the idea of special treatment in special cases unless they ask for it. Reminds me of a story I like to tell. I used to run a daycare center out of my home with my best friend Xina. We used to have races and games and stuff with the kids all of the time. I used to always let the kiddies win and say, “Aww, you beat me again, little Keisha!” But not Xina. Oh, no. When Xina heard “GO” in the phrase “Ready…set…GO!”, she took off like a shot! She pumped her stallion like legs with all of her might and she _crushed_ those kids! Left them choking on her kicked up dust! Used to crack me up every time. She also did this in checkers, coloring, whatever! If the kids asked her to play, she put in her 100%. One day, one of the kids said to her, “Could you play checkers with me, but take it easy on me! I’m just a kid.” And Xina said, “Ok”, and she let the kid win that time. A rambling pointless story maybe, but I think my point is, if a person thinks they can stomp with the big dogs, they gotta be ready to stomp. ---
**Author:** ![askeptic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/58 "2008-11-23T19:17:02Z")
> [@Darkhold](#): > > Clearly you’re dealing with enough issues of your own and I’ll leave you to it. That’s why many people don’t respond to his BS. ---
**Author:** ![Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/half_man_half_wit/32/21766_2.png) [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/59 "2008-11-23T19:22:39Z")
_on second thought, it’s not worth it_ ---
**Author:** ![Aswan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/c68b51/32.png) [@Aswan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aswan)\ **Post date:** [November 23, 2008, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107/60 "2008-11-23T19:30:25Z")
Just to be clear. At no point did I endorse the science or conclusions of KGS. At no point did I suggest that the logical arguments brought against his views were less than cogent and accurate. I made it clear that I thought his OP in the Pit was a mistake. That said, I do think that his subsequent taunting and humiliation for 15 pages was nothing short of degrading and a poor reflection of the SDMD. Let us suppose that he imagined his wit was rapier sharp and that he was tilting at windmills and winning. We all could see the obvious truth, and it was saddening. Prolonging it for someone’s amusement was an abuse. If that makes me sound superior, well, I can live with that. But I have to point out that the emperor has no clothes. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kgs-sad-sdmb-sadder/474107.md?page=4)