# Liberal's Prospective Suspension/Banning **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 27, 2006, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134 "2006-03-27T19:25:48Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/141 "2006-03-28T22:33:33Z")
> [@The King of Soup](#): > > As did the word itself, apparently. _Libertarianism_, of course. Saying “Liberalism” is fine, as long as you’re referring to its original, perfect form. Anyone who assumes you’re referring to the modern atrocity that has unfairly, savagely and forcibly seized the label and applied it to a mindless, Godless, responsibility-free pseudo-philosophy is a dirty smelly-head. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [March 28, 2006, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/142 "2006-03-28T22:52:35Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > First, although you might be on a responsibility jag, I couldn’t tell it from your post here: it appears that you want people to take responsibility in a very specific, **QED** -approved style. If he’s making a request to the mods as a way of helping him avoid temptation, that IS taking responsibility. He’s not said anything in this froufarole that denies responsibility. Eh? How is that specific to me? Other than asking the mods to “help” him not to post, I care not how he does it. I simply don’t think it’s reasonable to ask someone else to do something you are perfectly capable of doing yourself. That’s NOT taking responsibility, it’s a cop-out. > [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > Second, neither I nor anyone else appears to be saying that the staff are **obligated** to honor such requests; I’m just saying it’s silly to chastize them for doing so, or to chastize **Lib** for asking (although I think his asking publicly was silly). I read this: > [@You](#): > > I have trouble thinking of a reason that they shouldn’t honor. as an inference of some sort of statement of obligation on their part. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/143 "2006-03-29T00:57:09Z")
Just wanted to bid \*\* Liberal \*\* farewell… 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Xploder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/a183cd/32.png) [@Xploder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xploder)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/144 "2006-03-29T01:04:43Z")
> [@Slacker](#): > > lol… now that would be funny. 😃 Only because it’s true 🙂 Think about it. There are a LOT of people here that have NEVER paid to post. If Lib decided to be one of them he’d be assured of a lifetime subscription. And I can prove it. ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/145 "2006-03-29T02:25:52Z")
> [@Bryan Ekers](#): > > While I am as curious as Q.E.D. under what circumstances the mods would accept a request for a self-ban, I would hope that such requests were done in quiet dignity via e-mail (Lib’s claim that “e-mails obviously get misread” is definitely not dignified) and not thrown out as a public “fuck you, I’m outta here” gesture of malice. If you want to make excuses, claiming he’s an addict or something, go ahead. I decline. Several years ago, **Jodi** (then known as **jodih** , as I recall) requested the administration block her posting privileges while she was studying for something like grad school or the bar exam or something. She didn’t trust herself to avoid the temptation to get distracted if she was still able to post, but knew she could convince herself to stay away if she were actually prevented from doing so. Her status was changed to read something to the effect of “On Sabbatical” for that period of time. She came back when she had finished or passed whatever it was she was studying for. As much as I respect **tomndebb’s** contention that there’s nothing to be gained by attacking **Liberal** as he claims a desire to leave, I feel no remorse in expressing my hope that this time he stays away for good, and good riddance to him. Sanctimonious, arrogant prick that he is. I’m sure he feels the same way about me, but I have no intention of going anywhere, so at least this way we’d be rid of each other. ---
**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:** [March 29, 2006, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/146 "2006-03-29T02:42:26Z")
Since we’re speculating about why he wants to leave, here’s my take. \*\*Lib \*\*can be one of the most gracious guys around along as you agree with him. In fact, he can gush embarrassingly over his favorite posters (just ask **SentientMeat** ). However… he can (as \*\*Shayna \*_said) be a santimonous, arrogant prick slinging the vilest insults I’ve seen around here. Sort of exhibiting on-line bipolar behavior. Considering how dedicated he claims to be to his Christian beliefs, I always thought it was very hypocritcal_. So maybe he doesn’t feel very good about himself when his bad side emerges, and he feels he needs to reomve the temptation. Didn’t Jesus say something about cutting off your arm if it offends you and gouging out your eye if it does as well? A modern day Jesus might well say to get yourself banned from the SDMB if it motivates you to act in a spiteful, hateful way towards your fellow human beings. \*I can fling so vile myself, but I never claimed to be a Christian… love thy neighbor, etc. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Scylla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a5b964/32.png) [@Scylla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scylla)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 3:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/147 "2006-03-29T03:33:43Z")
Via con Dios, Liberal. If you cannot manage that, start small and Via con Huevos, y’know, this being Easter season and all. Take care, be well. ---
**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:** [March 29, 2006, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/148 "2006-03-29T04:02:43Z")
> [@Q.E.D.](#): > > Eh? How is that specific to me? Other than asking the mods to “help” him not to post, I care not how he does it. I simply don’t think it’s reasonable to ask someone else to do something you are perfectly capable of doing yourself. That’s NOT taking responsibility, it’s a cop-out. I see you claiming this, but I don’t see how it makes any sense. Taking an action to effect the change you want in your life is pretty much the definition of responsibility; you seem to want people to do it without help from others, which seems silly to me. > [@](#): > > as an inference of some sort of statement of obligation on their part. Perhaps the contraction is the problem. I don’t see any reason that they should actively NOT honor; if they decide not to honor a reason, that’s cool by me (albeit a little silly: if they choose not to honor any particular reason for someone asking for a permanent ban, that person could just make a sock account and force the issue, and why ask for more drama?) Daniel ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/149 "2006-03-29T04:09:33Z")
> [@Left Hand of Dorkness](#): > > Taking an action to effect the change you want in your life is pretty much the definition of responsibility; you seem to want people to do it without help from others, which seems silly to me. Not at all. But, where do you draw the line at what is reasonable taking of responsibility and what is merely seeking a crutch? I dunno either, but IMHO this has very definitely crossed that line. Reasonable people may, of course, disagree. ---
**Author:** ![Zoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/a4c791/32.png) [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/150 "2006-03-29T06:11:35Z")
> [@](#): > > **Q.E.D.** : But, where do you draw the line at what is reasonable taking of responsibility and what is merely seeking a crutch? I don’t think we know each other well enough, in general, to draw those lines. It’s an individual matter. Some need more help than others. Why should we be so judgmental? In this particular situation, perhaps **Liberal** _is_ excercizing his responsibility by asking for assistance. **John Mace** , I _think_ that you may be quite right. That has been my thinking for a while and one of the things that has allowed me to see **Liberal** in a different light. ---
**Author:** ![Q.E.D](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/51bf81/32.png) [@Q.E.D](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.E.D)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/151 "2006-03-29T06:21:41Z")
> [@Zoe](#): > > In this particular situation, perhaps **Liberal** _is_ excercizing his responsibility by asking for assistance. Possibly. But, given the tone of his ATMB thread, it’s more likely he’s simply excercising his right to be a drama queen. > [@Liberal](#): > > I’ve requested this by e-mail, but e-mails obviously get misread. I would like my name removed from the member roll by whatever method you use to get this done. Suspension. Ban. Whatever. I don’t want to post here anymore. I don’t want to be tempted to post here anymore. I don’t want to be able to post here anymore. Misinterpret it however you wish. Does that really sound like someone genuinely asking for help? Not to me. YMM, of course, V. ---
**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:** [March 29, 2006, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/152 "2006-03-29T12:30:15Z")
> [@Q.E.D.](#): > > Not at all. But, where do you draw the line at what is reasonable taking of responsibility and what is merely seeking a crutch? What’s the significance of such a line? If you need a crutch to walk and you go get a crutch, then you’ve taken responsibility for your own mobility. If you’re a harp seal or other non-tool-using species, then maybe you should have an ethic that forbids the use of tools; but we humans can use tools without becoming one. Daniel ---
**Author:** ![tomndebb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b9e5f3/32.png) [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/153 "2006-03-29T12:38:27Z")
_damned straight lines_ ---
**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:** [March 29, 2006, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/154 "2006-03-29T13:13:21Z")
It’s quite a stretch to liken **Liberal’s** request with others dealing with some type of addiction. He hasn’t “gone to get a crutch,” he fired off an e-mail asking someone else to get a crutch for him. It’s really akin to writing to the cable company and asking them to block access to Nickelodeon from your cable package because you watch it too much. How much personal responsibility does that show? I believe there are vastly more personally responsible ways to begin to address the problem. Sure, if there is a problem, **Liberal** has recognized it, which is…something, but asking others to take care of the problem is but a scintilla above doing nothing. If we’re talking in the context of some sort of significant impairment, then yeah, you kind of want to be overly laudatory of any step in a desirable direction. Presuming, on the other hand, a general level of competence and maturity, such small steps are a bit underwhelming. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/155 "2006-03-29T15:20:06Z")
This latest bout of silliness is up to 4 pages of criticism of the poor schmuck for being a drama queen, trying to get attention paid to him, and all the usual shit - _but he hasn’t posted to it at all._ The request was made in a forum that not that many people read regularly, and apparently only after his private request was not acted upon. He’s deserved the criticism in the past, but not this time. Sheesh. Give the guy a break, willya? He wants to be ignored now - is that so hard a request to comply with? ---
**Author:** ![askeptic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/156 "2006-03-29T15:34:16Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > He wants to be ignored now - is that so hard a request to comply with? Seems to me that someone that wants to be ignored would just stop posting… ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/157 "2006-03-29T15:47:45Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Sheesh. Give the guy a break, willya? He wants to be ignored now - is that so hard a request to comply with? Darn right. What’s a guy gotta do to be ignored these days - take out a banner ad? ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/158 "2006-03-29T15:48:02Z")
As I just pointed out, he hasn’t said jack here. ---
**Author:** ![askeptic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/eb9ed0/32.png) [@askeptic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/askeptic)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/159 "2006-03-29T15:52:54Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > As I just pointed out, he hasn’t said jack here. Neither has Bush, but that doesn’t stop us from talking about him. Look, Lib did a silly fucking thing. That thread was locked. People want to talk about it here. What the fuck is it to you? Besides I am sure Lib enjoys the attention, especially of the huggles bunch who chime in to say “Please don’t leave Lib, we love you”. In fact I suspect that was the point of his original thread. ---
**Author:** ![Crotalus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crotalus/32/41_2.png) [@Crotalus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crotalus)\ **Post date:** [March 29, 2006, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134/160 "2006-03-29T15:53:48Z")
He hasn’t said jack in any forum since his request to be banned. My understanding is that he doesn’t post in the Pit. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-prospective-suspension-banning/350134.md?page=9)