# NEW Stupid Republican Idea of the Day (Part 1) **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 22, 2020, 7:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140 "2020-06-22T07:01:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 248
**Author:** ![JohnT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnt/32/15048_2.png) [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2021, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4958 "2021-05-10T23:56:20Z")
… and ilks. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2021, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4959 "2021-05-10T23:57:33Z")
My grandfather was an Ilk. Or was he a Rotarian? ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [May 10, 2021, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4960 "2021-05-10T23:58:49Z")
> [@Rick\_Kitchen](#): > > Arizona official says that the covid vaccine turns you into a potted plant. I guess the vaccine was manufactured in Nilbog. [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/HyophYBP_w4/hqdefault.jpg "A Scene From Troll 2") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HyophYBP_w4) ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4961 "2021-05-11T00:00:34Z")
> [@Mijin](#): > > I think you’re talking past each other. > > I don’t think there’s much distinction between people who think that “facts” and “evidence” are just buzzwords, like “fake news”, that you just throw into a sentence for rhetorical purposes. > Versus those who think they are important, but have a very poor understanding of how to evaluate evidence and claims (e.g. those people who think that Ben Shapiro or Jordan Peterson represent the pinnacle of objective logical analysis). > > In both cases it seems that a level of education on basic reasoning is necessary before we can even start debating the issues. Well, you might get lucky and convince one such person of one claim. But in general, it’s a lot slower than a evidence-based discussion. That all makes sense to me. And of course we’d gotten onto a tangent (though the topic of ‘what should we, and should we _not,_ say to Republicans’ is not _entirely_ divorced from the topic of ‘Stupid Republican Ideas’). There are always arguments over the question of how to deal with people who do things like voting for Donald Trump, as well there should be. And I’d be glad to continue discussing it in some other thread, if anyone can point to an existing one on the general themes: 1. When the news is full of clips of Trump voters saying things like ‘I have evidence that the election was stolen, but I decline to share it,’ is it useful to share them? Or is it in some way counterproductive (and if so, in what way)? 2. When encountering someone who says ‘I have evidence that the election was stolen, but I decline to share it,’ is it appropriate to engage with them? If so, what would be some helpful ways to do so? 3. Etc. So if there’s no such thread already, perhaps it might make sense to create one. But, where…in the Pit? In Politics & Elections? Hmm… ---
**Author:** ![digs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/digs/32/14889_2.png) [@digs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/digs)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4962 "2021-05-11T00:18:35Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > When encountering someone who says ‘I have evidence that the election was stolen, but I decline to share it,’ is it appropriate to engage with them? _Appropriate?_ … Possibly. _Productive?_ … Hell, no. _Conducive to your mental health?_ … See “Productive”. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4963 "2021-05-11T00:19:37Z")
> [@digs](#): > > _Appropriate?_ … Probably not. > > _Productive?_ … Hell, no. > > _Conducive to your mental health?_ … See “Productive”. - I had considered using “entertaining,” but discarded it as being too cynical. ---
**Author:** ![Aspenglow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aspenglow/32/76_2.png) [@Aspenglow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aspenglow)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4964 "2021-05-11T00:30:16Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > So if there’s no such thread already, perhaps it might make sense to create one. But, where…in the Pit? In Politics & Elections? Hmm… I think it’s a good idea to start a thread so we can discuss these issues more pointedly. May as well start it in P&E… who knows? Maybe it will stay there. 🙂 In answer to your questions: 1. Yes, I think it’s useful to share such clips if only to demonstrate how completely out of touch these people are. It’s also a useful springboard to start a conversation with others to point out the bad faith nature of holding a position for which you’re not willing to share your “evidence.” Evidence should always be defensible. If it’s not, the individual ought to question themselves as to why they can’t defend it. But I think that’s exactly why they won’t share their “evidence.” Deep down, many of them are aware it won’t withstand even nominal scrutiny. 2. I would be unlikely to engage with anyone who declined to show their “evidence,” because it indicates bad faith and an unwillingness to have the “evidence” challenged in any way. That’s not an appropriate, productive or even entertaining discussion. As @Mijin points out, basic critical thinking is a big part of what’s missing in our society. Given that Republicans have actively worked against good education in this country for the past 50 years, I’m not hopeful there will be any short term fix. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 7:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4965 "2021-05-11T07:46:44Z")
> [@Aspenglow](#): > > As @Mijin points out, basic critical thinking is a big part of what’s missing in our society. Given that Republicans have actively worked against good education in this country for the past 50 years, I’m not hopeful there will be any short term fix. This. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4966 "2021-05-11T07:48:55Z")
I think, rather, most of those who are reluctant to show their evidence are so, not because they know it’s crap evidence, but rather because they don’t have any evidence (beyond some crank’s word they saw on the 'net) and they know it. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4967 "2021-05-11T10:34:37Z")
This is both kinda stupid and kinda evil: > **[Wisconsin Assembly calls for a Constitutional convention](https://apnews.com/article/wi-state-wire-wisconsin-constitutions-business-election-2020-a31f62768cf458a7e84480421e39de34)** > > MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Wisconsin Assembly passed a resolution Tuesday calling for a convention of the states to consider making changes to the U... ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4968 "2021-05-11T16:07:29Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > I think, rather, most of those who are reluctant to show their evidence are so, not because they know it’s crap evidence, but rather because they don’t have any evidence (beyond some crank’s word they saw on the 'net) and they know it. That doesn’t feel right to me (I could be wrong). I feel like there’s a mindset that I don’t understand and I would like to understand what’s going on. What is someone who says that really thinking/feeling? For example, someone might say it because they don’t want to have a confrontation or argument. They might not want to share with someone who will dismiss and demean them. That, I get. But in situations where that’s not going to happen, what else is driving the sense of secrecy? ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4969 "2021-05-11T16:15:43Z")
The last time a Constitutional Convention [was held](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Convention_(United_States)) the purpose was to amend the Articles of Confederation. Instead they were tossed wholesale and the constitution we’re currently under implemented instead. > At the time, the convention was not referred to as a “Constitutional convention”, nor did most of the delegates arrive intending to draft a new constitution. Many assumed that the purpose of the convention was to discuss and draft improvements to the existing Articles of Confederation, and would not have agreed to participate otherwise. Once the convention began, however, most of the delegates – though not all – came to agree in general terms that the goal would be a new system of government, not simply a revised version of the Articles of Confederation. Of course, with the sense of history these yahoos have, they either know nothing of it or worse, don’t figure it’ll happen to them. ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4970 "2021-05-11T16:27:49Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > This is both kinda stupid and kinda evil: Our wacky Pubs tried to do the same thing here in Kansas. > **[GOP's split halts push in Kansas for convention of states](https://apnews.com/article/kansas-election-2020-government-and-politics-6f4d13af853b652be80be15f3f6755aa)** > > TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Conservative Republicans who see the federal government as out of control split Wednesday and halted the push in Kansas for a convention of states to propose changes to the U.S. ---
**Author:** ![Steve\_McQwark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4da419/32.png) [@Steve\_McQwark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_McQwark)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4971 "2021-05-11T19:01:44Z")
A Republican state legislator(\*) in Texas has introduced a bill to ban vegetarian products from using the words meat, beef, pork or poultry product in their names (they’re looking at you Beyond Meat). In and of itself, it’s not a completely stupid idea; I don’t support it, but if you squint a bit and look at it in a dimly lit room, you can sort of see his point. However, the reasoning of the legislator has some stupidity in it. In addition to protecting regular Texans from accidentally ingesting plant-based food, he claims that his bill will also help protect “those who choose not to eat meat” and that “The most frequent call I’ve gotten is from vegetarians that are for this bill.” Now, I’m not a vegetarian myself, nor have I spent any time discussing labeling laws with vegetarians, but are there really that many people out there accidentally buying real hamburger when they intended to buy Impossible Burger? I have to think this bill would protect literally zeroes of people. (\*) I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that said legislator helps to run a cattle operation. > **[Texas House OK’s bill to ban plant-based foods from using ‘meat’ and ‘beef’...](https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2021/05/10/texas-house-oks-bill-to-ban-plant-based-foods-from-using-meat-and-beef-in-names/)** > > AUSTIN — Plant-based and other meatless products could be accused of misleading consumers under a bill approved in the Texas House on Tuesday. Texas is the... ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4972 "2021-05-11T19:13:58Z")
Rand Paul tacitly connects Dr. Fauci and NIH with “super viruses” being created in Wuhan. > **[Rand Paul presses Fauci on creation of 'super viruses' in tense Senate...](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/fauci-rand-paul-senate-hearing-super-viruses)** > > Sen. Rand Paul and Dr. Anthony Fauci had a tense exchange during a Senate hearing when the two discussed “juicing up super viruses” in labs. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4973 "2021-05-11T19:30:30Z")
> [@Steve\_McQwark](#): > > Now, I’m not a vegetarian myself, nor have I spent any time discussing labeling laws with vegetarians, but are there really that many people out there accidentally buying real hamburger when they intended to buy Impossible Burger? I have to think > this bill would protect literally zeroes of people. I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years and IMO your assessment is accurate. ---
**Author:** ![Snowboarder\_Bo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowboarder_bo/32/229_2.png) [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4974 "2021-05-11T19:33:12Z")
It becomes easier to understand his neighbor’s actions the more I learn about Rand Paul. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4975 "2021-05-11T19:36:46Z")
> [@Snowboarder\_Bo](#): > > It becomes easier to understand his neighbor’s actions the more I learn about Rand Paul. - I learned enough years ago. ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4976 "2021-05-11T20:32:54Z")
Nonetheless, Dr Fauci needs to count his negatives a little more carefully > [@](#): > > “Sen. Paul, with all due respect, you are entirely and completely incorrect that the NIH has not ever and does not now fund gain of function research in the Wuhan Institute,” Fauci responded. ---
**Author:** ![LurkMeister](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/3da27b/32.png) [@LurkMeister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LurkMeister)\ **Post date:** [May 11, 2021, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140/4977 "2021-05-11T21:13:26Z")
> [@Steve\_McQwark](#): > > Now, I’m not a vegetarian myself, nor have I spent any time discussing labeling laws with vegetarians, but are there really that many people out there accidentally buying real hamburger when they intended to buy Impossible Burger? I have to think > this bill would protect literally zeroes of people. I’ve recently started buying various vegetarian foods, just as an alternative to meat (which I still eat) and it’s been my experience that they are kept in a separate freezer section than meat products. I can’t imagine how I could accidentally buy real hamburger from a freezer filled with BocaBurgers and Morningstar Farms products. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140.md?page=247) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day-part-1/911140.md?page=249)