# Penile Lengthening Column **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [October 20, 2000, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716 "2000-10-20T22:33:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 17
**Author:** ![andygirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9adbd/32.png) [@andygirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andygirl)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2000, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/321 "2000-11-02T22:17:35Z")
[http://www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?id=31244&StoryType=ReutersNews](http://www.healthcentral.com/news/newsfulltext.cfm?id=31244&StoryType=ReutersNews) is a pro-circ article on the same site that you cited. BTW, the site itself is a commercial website. I invite you to draw your own conclusions about a commercial website that has a partnership with [vitamins.com](http://vitamins.com), a place where you can readily buy herbal supplements- even ones that have been considered dangerous- without so much as a word of warning about possible negative side effects of said supplements. I wouldn’t call that credibility. Still waiting for a peer-reviewed article from a credible medical journal… ---
**Author:** ![Satan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Satan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Satan)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2000, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/322 "2000-11-02T22:21:31Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > > \*\*1) Multiple sexual partners increases the risk of contracting penile cancer; 2) Uncircumcised men are more likely to be sexually active with multiple partners. > \*\* Anyone have a machette? I am having trouble cutting through this irony… It’s so thick… * * * Yer pal, [Satan](http://www.members.tripod.com/jmspoofe/sdmb/satan.jpg) \*I HAVE BEEN SMOKE-FREE FOR: Six months, three weeks, three days, 20 hours, 25 minutes and 0 seconds. 8314 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,039.25. Extra life with Drain Bead: 4 weeks, 20 hours, 50 minutes. **David B used me as a cite!** \* ---
**Author:** ![sublemon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@sublemon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sublemon)\ **Post date:** [November 2, 2000, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/323 "2000-11-02T22:22:30Z")
Hey This thread is great fun. I posted way back in the beginning refuting JDT assertions based on personal experience (everyone ignored me…) Anyway, after looking at some of the anti-circumcision sties and other “evidence” offered by JDT, my feeling is that he is an anti-semite, and the anti-circumcision stance is by and large just a masked form of anti-semitism. Especially obvious when they start bringing up conspiracy theories, etc. I would say that there are valid arguments for and against circumcision, but it probably isn’t that important in the long run. Finally, the stuff about stretching the penile skin into a new foreskin, and that bizarre contraption, that is utterly ridiculous. Anyone who thinks they could stretch themselves a new forekin is clearly whacko. I wonder how many amputees think they can stretch themselves new limbs? Just attach weights to the stump… sublemon ---
**Author:** ![Gaudere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/324 "2000-11-03T00:00:25Z")
**hastur** : > [@](#): > > The most erogenous part of the human body is the brain, and as you seem to be missing that [Moderator Hat ON] Would you quit that? _Now_. We have a Pit thread where you can insult, and I fail to see how you could believe “you seem to be missing a brain” is not a direct personal insult. [Moderator Hat OFF] ---
**Author:** ![Gaudere](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e495f1/32.png) [@Gaudere](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gaudere)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/325 "2000-11-03T00:05:03Z")
**JDT** : > [@](#): > > It’s the same sort of heart-wrenching thought process that you go thorough when you decide what posts to delete. It is indeed a traumatic event, at times removing up to 15 square inches of text. Those people who have had part of their posts removed without their consent are in denial about what they went through, and the myth of anti-semitism is only a tool to prevent them from realizing what was brutally, forcibly taken from them. Did you know that 30% of posters whose posts have been deleted are unable to hit “submit”? Did you know that 69% of those who read threads that contain deleted posts are unable to finish them? The scientists and researchers are in denial, but for several years now, we have studied the nature of message boards. We have studied resources available on the internet. We have conducted a zero-budget experiment with volunteers. We have collected anecdotal information. We have studied posts up close. And, we routinely exchange information with other moderators across the globe who also study the nature of message boards. In an academic environment that refuses to study this matter, we are experts. I know that it is a very sad state of affairs that we know more about the posting on message boards than any Ph.D. on the planet, but what are you gonna do? ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/326 "2000-11-03T00:10:12Z")
(wiping away tears of laughter) Oh man, **Gaudere**. You’re my hero. ---
**Author:** ![JDeMobray](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/85e7bf/32.png) [@JDeMobray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JDeMobray)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/327 "2000-11-03T00:20:15Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Esprix \* > **Reminds me of Homer Simpson - “Yeah, like when a clown dies.” (Although for the life of me I can’t remember what it was in response to - anyone? Beuller? Beuller?)** Subbing for Beuller: It was Homer to John Waters in response to John’s description of ‘camp’ “You know, kitsch, the ludicrously tragic? the tragically ludicrous?” BTW, this thread is terrific. Hours of entertainment, all in one click. ---
**Author:** ![Jodi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/7feea3/32.png) [@Jodi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jodi)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/328 "2000-11-03T00:28:12Z")
> [@](#): > > Camp: “You know, kitsch, the ludicrously tragic? the tragically ludicrous?” If that’s not an apt description of this thread, I’ll eat my TugAhoy. ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Dean\_Tyler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/46a35a/32.png) [@Jack\_Dean\_Tyler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Dean_Tyler)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/329 "2000-11-03T00:58:46Z")
David B, Well, David B, while your inmates are blowing off steam, I’d like to have a discussion with you. I’m sure that you are aware of the Principle of Falsifiability, are you not? And, I’m sure that you know what Ockham’s Razor is also, correct? Beyond that, I’m sure that you have a proficient understanding of the science of logic. And, that assumes that you are knowledgeable with regard to informal fallacies. So, those will be the rules. We will each follow them and when we feel the need to divert from them in any way, we will expect contempt to follow, OK? So, I would first ask if you agree with the following statement: Those that advocate Routine Infant Circumcision (RIC) are advocating a dogmatic belief. We’ll do a little give and take and I’m sure we can really get this debate in gear. So, I’ll await your response. Thank you. ---
**Author:** ![Ambumax](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/2acd7d/32.png) [@Ambumax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ambumax)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/330 "2000-11-03T01:58:57Z")
Okay, Everybody _ **DUCK** _ Esimated length of debate proposed by Jack 4 posts. Estimated length of time to clean up the pieces of Jack: 7-1/2 weeks. ---
**Author:** ![David\_B](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@David\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_B)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/331 "2000-11-03T02:03:26Z")
Jack said: > [@](#): > > Gonna have to challenge you to debate and show contempt for you whenever you don’t debate fairly. Since the feeble-minded can’t think logically or objectively anyway, no contempt from me will have any acute affect on them. But, for you it’s different. There’ll be that fear deep down inside that maybe my contempt is justified because you’ll have to admit to yourself that I’m doing my best to be logical as I apply my contempt. ROFL! I haven’t seen stuff this ridiculous since he-who-shall-not-be-named was around. You should take this act on the road. No, I mean it. As soon as possible. ---
**Author:** ![tiggeril](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tiggeril/32/7234_2.png) [@tiggeril](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiggeril)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/332 "2000-11-03T03:04:09Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by Satan \* > \*\* > Anyone have a machette? I am having trouble cutting through this irony… It’s so thick…_\* ::snork:: Perhaps some anesthetic would help? ---
**Author:** ![Una\_Persson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/una_persson/32/346_2.png) [@Una\_Persson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Una_Persson)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 4:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/333 "2000-11-03T04:16:56Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by msrobyn \* > \*\* > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Jack Dean Tyler \* > > Some military hospitals won’t even do circumcisions anymore. > > I hate to nitpick, but I’d like to know what basis you have for this statement. Military hospitals generally follow the same regs, and they are also bound by the same laws and regs that civilian hospitals follow. They certainly will perform circumcision when indicated, and that includes at the serviceman’s request. Military hospitals that also deliver babies also circumcise the newborns. I know this because I had to throw a screaming fit at the nurse who insisted that my son be circumcised over my objections. > > Robin \*\* I think **Robin** deserves an answer on this, don’t you **Mr. Tyler**? Can you please, kindly provide your proof backing your assertion on this point? I’m not saying you made this up, but the only military hospitals I know of that don’t do circumcisions don’t do so because they have no OB Doctors or Pediatric Doctors on staff. ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 5:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/334 "2000-11-03T05:30:21Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Gaudere \* > \*\ ***hastur** : > > > [@](#): > > > > The most erogenous part of the human body is the brain, and as you seem to be missing that > > [Moderator Hat ON] > > Would you quit that? _Now_. We have a Pit thread where you can insult, and I fail to see how you could believe “you seem to be missing a brain” is not a direct personal insult. > > [Moderator Hat OFF] \*\* Mea Culpa. Really. ---
**Author:** ![edwino](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/35a633/32.png) [@edwino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edwino)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/335 "2000-11-03T05:40:49Z")
Something strangely apropos about Jack Dean talking all this talk about Ockham’s Razor. Was Ockham a mohel? ---
**Author:** ![Jack\_Dean\_Tyler](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/46a35a/32.png) [@Jack\_Dean\_Tyler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Dean_Tyler)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 6:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/336 "2000-11-03T06:05:19Z")
Anthracite, \>I think Robin deserves an answer on this, don’t you Mr. Tyler? Can you please, kindly provide your proof backing your assertion on this point? \< Norfolk Naval Hospital no longer does Routine Infant Circumcision. ``` Also, I realize that I have made two very large errors in a few of my earlier posts. Don't know what I could have been thinking. The US armed forces were forcing servicemen to have circumcisions during WW I in addition to WW II. And, I said that these circumcised fathers were supporting the circumcisions of their sons after WW II. That is wrong. Babies were being circumcised routinely without any parental consent at this time. The parents were just handed a mutilated baby. ``` ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/337 "2000-11-03T13:35:44Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > What you consider mutilation, and what a fair portion of American society seems to view as extremely minor cosmetic surgery, apparently reduces the occurrence of a (admittedly rare) type of cancer by approximately 95 percent. Not performing the mutilation/minor cosmetic surgery could cause the incidence of that type of cancer to increase by 200 percent. This would seem to be a significant reason to avoid dismissing the procedure completely, as you want. > > Incidentally, the story about invasive penile cancer rates said it was commonly diagnosed in men over 50. Over 50, to me, does not mean “so old that something else is gonna kill me soon.” Average life expectancy for a man in the U.S. is approaching 80 years, I believe. > > > [@](#): > > > > \*Originally posted by Jack Dean Tyler \* > > The American Cancer Society says that the actual number of DEATHS associated with penile cancer may approximate the number of deaths associated with circumcision. > > You’re telling me that the American Cancer Society has done a study that indicates 1,400 circumcisions per year in the U.S. are botched so badly that infants DIE? If this is accurate, you will have gone a long way toward persuading me to your side of the debate. If it isn’t, your credibility with me is completely shot. Can you provide a link or a cite for that information? (You saw that coming, right?) Still waiting on a response to either of these points, Jack. My position at this time is that circumcision appears to significantly reduce the occurrence of penile cancer in men. The ACS doesn’t appear to agree, but I can’t find anything from them regarding the matter that’s more than 18 months old, while the studies I’ve cited are much more recent. Also, I can’t find anything from the ACS that indicates circumcision kills 1,400 infants every year. Also waiting on a response regarding the ACS’ position that one of the major risk factors for penile cancer is multiple sexual partners, and their assertion that uncircumcised men are more likely to have multiple partners than circumcised men. ---
**Author:** ![Sauron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ce7236/32.png) [@Sauron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sauron)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/338 "2000-11-03T14:19:54Z")
Also waiting on a cite from a study indicating boys masturbate more if they’ve been circumcised, or that circumcision results in an increased libido. The American Cancer Society’s conclusions would seem to refute that. ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/339 "2000-11-03T14:37:06Z")
> [@](#): > > _Originally posted by **sublemon** _ > > … the stuff about stretching the penile skin into a new foreskin, and that bizarre contraption, that is utterly ridiculous. Anyone who thinks they could stretch themselves a new forekin is clearly whacko. The point you’re missing is that the _Tug A-Hoy™_ and similar such devices aren’t really meant to recreate one’s foreskins - they are mastrubation aids. Esprix ---
**Author:** ![Esprix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/esprix/32/7899_2.png) [@Esprix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Esprix)\ **Post date:** [November 3, 2000, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716/340 "2000-11-03T14:42:30Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Sauron \* > > 1. Multiple sexual partners increases the risk of contracting penile cancer; 2) Uncircumcised men are more likely to be sexually active with multiple partners. Well, **Jack**? What’s your response to this? (I can guess, but I want to hear it from you.) Esprix [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penile-lengthening-column/37716.md?page=18)