# Omnibus Evil MFers in the news thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 3, 2023, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496 "2023-05-03T11:05:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 167
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3326 "2025-08-16T01:36:21Z")
IMHO, calling the mayor a dhimmi (given that the word cannot actually apply to them) should be seen the same way as calling the mayor of DC a goy, or a schwarze, or a mulignan because all of these words, despite the oft heard claim that they’re not really bigoted slang, are intended to dehumanize their target and should be seen as equivalent as far as the Board’s rules are concerned as any other bigoted slur. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3327 "2025-08-16T02:04:02Z")
> [@Jackmannii](#): > > Really creepy dude found guilty. I confess myself surprised that the justice system managed to find him, apparently through distinctive tattoos that had been published on an Interpol notice, which were then spotted by medical staff while he was getting treatment in Scotland for Covid-19. That last bit gives me pause. Used for good in this instance, but I’m not sure that going for medical help should expose one to legal sanctions. Not sure, not sure why. I guess I have semi-unconsciously absorbed, over time, the idea that medicine should not be an arm of law enforcement, or something like that. Sorry I can’t articulate it better, or understand it better. Like I said, a generally beneficial result this time. ---
**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:** [August 16, 2025, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3328 "2025-08-16T02:12:54Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > Used for good in this instance, but I’m not sure that going for medical help should expose one to legal sanctions. If you go to the hospital to get those bullets pulled out of your flesh, it _will_ get reported, and probably investigated. If a toddler is treated for serious bruises on their back, it very likely will bring down CPS. Medical personnel are not shrinks bound by an ethos of confidentialty and will go to relevant authorities when certain conditions merit suspicion. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3329 "2025-08-16T02:37:34Z")
> [@Roderick\_Femm](#): > > I guess I have semi-unconsciously absorbed, over time, the idea that medicine should not be an arm of law enforcement, or something like that. Sorry I can’t articulate it better, or understand it better. Like I said, a generally beneficial result this time. From a public health perspective, it’s a bad idea to use hospitals as a part of _immigration enforcement_ - undocumented immigrants who get sick will avoid going to the hospital, which may mean that whatever they’re sick with spreads through their community, which likely has a lot of other undocumented immigrants who will avoid going to the hospital, until you’ve got a genuine epidemic on your hands. But I think banning doctors from reporting any crime at all is going to do more harm than good - there’s a lot of abusers that only get caught when their victim ends up in the hospital, for example, and not allowing doctors to report clear evidence of abuse they see in their patients wouldn’t be good. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3330 "2025-08-16T02:37:38Z")
Understood, but what he was getting medical treatment for was, in itself, innocent. I guess I was taken aback that medical personnel are following Interpol listings, on the off chance of finding someone. ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3331 "2025-08-16T02:38:18Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > I think banning doctors from reporting any crime at all is going to do more harm than good That’s fine, because that is not something I ever suggested or thought of. ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3332 "2025-08-16T02:41:04Z")
Oh, well, I guess I didn’t understand your post, then. ---
**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3333 "2025-08-16T02:41:22Z")
Aren’t medical personnel and “shrinks” mandated reporters? ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3334 "2025-08-16T02:49:17Z")
Probably, but I don’t think they are mandated to keep up with the posted characteristics of foreign criminals so they can catch them when they get sick and come to them for help. It’s not a bad thing that this happened in this case, and maybe it was a million-to-one shot anyway. It just gives me pause, and makes me think about other situations where this might not be such a good thing. ---
**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:** [August 16, 2025, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3335 "2025-08-16T04:11:43Z")
Shrinks (I use the word because it covers several disciplines) base their practice on confidentiality. They use what you tell them to assess/diagnose the defective parts of your mind and how to fix those issues. You have to be able to tell them whatever is in your head, confident that it will be used to make you better. If you are concerned that the doctor might pass along what you tell them, you might fail to give them the info they need to help you, so they are expected to keep your secrets to themselves. ---
**Author:** ![BippityBoppityBoo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bippityboppityboo/32/5745_2.png) [@BippityBoppityBoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BippityBoppityBoo)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 4:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3336 "2025-08-16T04:27:37Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > Shrinks (I use the word because it covers several disciplines) base their practice on confidentiality. My understanding of ‘shrinks’ is that they are MDs who have completed a residency in psychiatry. They diagnose and treat mental illnesses, including prescribing medications and treatment such as ECT. A shrink is a psychiatrist, an MD. Those other disciplines you lump together are psychologists (who usually have a doctoral degree), as well as MSWs, clinical social workers, counselors may diagnose and treat but don’t prescribe medication or deliver treatment such as ECT. In a few places doctoral level psychologists, with additional training, can prescribe a limited range of medications but that is on a small scope currently. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3337 "2025-08-16T10:53:15Z")
I agree with maybe not having medical personnel turn you in to the cops if you go in for help, but I’m happy it happened here. I guess I’m a hypocrite. If I’m a wanted crook with bright purple eyes, and they recognize me, should they call the police? ---
**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:** [August 16, 2025, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3338 "2025-08-16T14:24:22Z")
[Richard Speck](https://www.chicagohistory.org/first-mass-murderer-richard-speck/) was turned in to police when he showed up in a Chicago hospital ER two days after murdering eight nurses. A physician recognized his “Born To Raise Hell” tattoo. More recently, there was a case (documented on _Forensic Files_) where a hand surgeon was treating a badly infected wound suffered by a hotel custodian. The infection, with a bacteria associated with mouth flora, Eikenella corrodens, didn’t fit the custodian’s explanation of having cut himself on a sharp object at work. It did correlate with mouth injuries sustained by a murdered guest at the hotel, and was consistent with a “fight” wound where you injure your hand punching someone in the mouth. That, and the discovery of a piece of her jewelry in the custodian’s toolbox (he’s claimed he was framed by Another Suspicious Guy) were key pieces of evidence convicting him of the murder.\* \*he got out after 30 years in prison, having found God, and courts are still wrangling over whether he should get a new trial over alleged prosecutorial misconduct. ---
**Author:** ![Broomstick](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/broomstick/32/246_2.png) [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3339 "2025-08-16T14:41:00Z")
I absolutely support that criminals receive any needed medical care. However, I don’t think they also have a “stay out of jail free” card. For serious, violent crimes patch them up, then call the police. ---
**Author:** ![Love\_Rhombus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/love_rhombus/32/10694_2.png) [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3340 "2025-08-16T14:56:02Z")
I didn’t say “stay out of jail.” It just feels weird that someone like a nurse might recognize your tattoo and call the cops. I’m not sure _why_ it feels wrong to me, though. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3341 "2025-08-16T15:03:17Z")
Lowering the Bar is a really funny site, would recommend. ~Max ---
**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:** [August 16, 2025, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3342 "2025-08-16T15:15:20Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > I absolutely support that criminals receive any needed medical care. > > However, I don’t think they also have a “stay out of jail free” card. > > For serious, violent crimes patch them up, then call the police. [This](https://www.kwch.com/2025/08/16/man-arrested-murder-harry-rock-hit-and-run/) happened in Wichita a few days ago. A 19-year-old man, suspected of being under the influence, was traveling at a high rate of speed down a Wichita street. He lost control, hit a power pole and a utility box, which were forced into a 14-year-old pedestrian, who died at the scene. The driver and a passenger were apprehended, and the driver was taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries. After he was admitted to the hospital, the police left. He then walked out on his own and remained free for a couple of days before being arrested and booked into jail on second-degree murder charges. I don’t think the hospital was at any fault, but the WPD certainly was. No way they should have left him alone at the hospital. ---
**Author:** ![Max\_S](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/46a35a/32.png) [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3343 "2025-08-16T15:24:15Z")
Well, think back to stereotypical westerns and it fits right in. Doc will recognize you from the wanted poster, he’d treat you, but he might also help law enforcement. ~Max ---
**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:** [August 16, 2025, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3344 "2025-08-16T16:20:43Z")
> [@Max\_S](#): > > Well, think back to stereotypical westerns and it fits right in. Doc will recognize you from the wanted poster, he’d treat you, but he might also help law enforcement. Or [shoot you](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doc_Holliday). ---
**Author:** ![Roderick\_Femm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/roderick_femm/32/14875_2.png) [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2025, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496/3345 "2025-08-16T17:29:34Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > Shrinks (I use the word because it covers several disciplines) base their practice on confidentiality. When I was seeing a shrink (psychologist), I was informed by him that in my state, he was required to report certain revelations of past activity, including sexual abuse of children, so that they could be investigated. This was in response to my question about general confidentiality. > [@BippityBoppityBoo](#): > > A shrink is a psychiatrist, an MD. Since the word is slang, short for headshrinker, I don’t think the limitation you are suggesting is accurate. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496.md?page=166) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omnibus-evil-mfers-in-the-news-thread/983496.md?page=168)