# Protocol question **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 19, 2005, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248 "2005-03-19T01:09:25Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![mattmorgan64](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@mattmorgan64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattmorgan64)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/101 "2005-03-19T04:13:37Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > :rolleyes: I wish my eyeballs were gigantic, so the very act of rolling them would do justice to this comment. Exactly. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/102 "2005-03-19T04:15:04Z")
> [@mattmorgan64](#): > > And believe it or not - you don’t own this board. > > The fact you have nothing intelligent to offer to any discussion other than flames (well, not really flames… more like, hmmm… sparks… well, not really sparks… mopre like… hmm I don’t know. But it smells pretty bad, whatever it is). \*\*Matt \*\* old buddy, let me get you hip. Most of the folks in this thread (present company excluded) are among the sanest, smartest, most compassionate, understanding folks on the board. Really. \*\*Bryan Ekers \*\* has tons to offer. (I say this even though he reamed me a new one a while back) You need to back up, take a breath, put down the Pabst Extra Light Draft, re-read your posts, and think about your responses. ---
**Author:** ![mattmorgan64](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@mattmorgan64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattmorgan64)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/103 "2005-03-19T04:17:44Z")
> [@Contrapuntal](#): > > \*\*Matt \*\* old buddy, let me get you hip. Most of the folks in this thread (present company excluded) are among the sanest, smartest, most compassionate, understanding folks on the board. Really. \*\*Bryan Ekers \*\* has tons to offer. (I say this even though he reamed me a new one a while back) You need to back up, take a breath, put down the Pabst Extra Light Draft, re-read your posts, and think about your responses. Bryan Ekers is a clueless fuckwit who is an embaressment to not only the internet, but all humanity. Perhaps he has handed you your ass in the past, but given what you have shown so far - this isn’t surprising. ---
**Author:** ![Excalibre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/898d66/32.png) [@Excalibre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Excalibre)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/104 "2005-03-19T04:21:39Z")
> [@mattmorgan64](#): > > And believe it or not - you don’t own this board. > > The fact you have nothing intelligent to offer to any discussion other than flames (well, not really flames… more like, hmmm… sparks… well, not really sparks… mopre like… hmm I don’t know. But it smells pretty bad, whatever it is). I already pointed out some of the insults you’ve used in the thread. Why do you keep accusing others of doing nothing but insulting you? You haven’t come up with anything to support your argument except insults. That demonstrates that you don’t _have_ an argument. If you disagree, by all means, come up with one. But till then, it really seems strange that you’re bitching about other people being mean. I know, I know, your feelings are fragile, and being insulted hurts you. Don’t hang out in the Pit then. That’s what happens here. And you’ll discover that a lot of folks here are much better at it than you. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/105 "2005-03-19T04:22:20Z")
> [@mattmorgan64](#): > > The fact you have nothing intelligent to offer to any discussion other than flames… > [@mattmorgan64](#): > > Bryan Ekers is a clueless fuckwit who is an embaressment to not only the internet, but all humanity. > > Perhaps he has handed you your ass in the past, but given what you have shown so far - this isn’t surprising. I know you haven’t been reading what others post, but do you even read your own? ---
**Author:** ![milroyj](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e57/32.png) [@milroyj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/milroyj)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/106 "2005-03-19T04:22:56Z")
> [@This Year's Model](#): > > Well, that’s a different question completely. Now we’re not talking about morals, we’re talking about law. You’re right, but talking about different morals isn’t against the rules here, but asking for advice on ways to circumvent U.S. laws IS. Benefit fraud is definitely illegal in the U.S. (And no, to whichever moron posted it, nobody said getting divorced was illegal). Are you people even serious? If someone in GQ posted about how their best friend were here illegally, but the two of them were planning to get “married” so s/he could stay, and could anyone give them any pointers on how to “pose” as a couple to get away with it in front of the Immigration Officer, that would be OK? Under the rules? Are you kidding? No? How is “posing” to be divorced any different? ---
**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 19, 2005, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/107 "2005-03-19T04:23:06Z")
> [@mattmorgan64](#): > > Bryan Ekers is a clueless fuckwit who is an embaressment to not only the internet, but all humanity. Considering you’ve been posting on this board for about fifteen minutes (and you’re a great flaming asshole), I’ll give your statement to weight it deserves. And chuckle mildly in the process. ---
**Author:** ![mattmorgan64](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@mattmorgan64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattmorgan64)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/108 "2005-03-19T04:23:08Z")
> [@Excalibre](#): > > I already pointed out some of the insults you’ve used in the thread. Why do you keep accusing others of doing nothing but insulting you? You haven’t come up with anything to support your argument except insults. That demonstrates that you don’t _have_ an argument. If you disagree, by all means, come up with one. But till then, it really seems strange that you’re bitching about other people being mean. > > I know, I know, your feelings are fragile, and being insulted hurts you. Don’t hang out in the Pit then. That’s what happens here. And you’ll discover that a lot of folks here are much better at it than you. Yeah, I know. Funny, no one yet, through all of this BS, can tell me why lying is OK. That would fucking impress me. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/109 "2005-03-19T04:24:04Z")
to **FaerieBeth** --he would seem to be quite stupid, no? Maybe he didn’t read my post or yours. Answer the queries put to you, **Matt** --that is what this is about. Stick to the topic at hand. Several posters ahve brought up excellent debating points with you. The fact that you would rather indulge in petty name calling and obscenities speaks volumes to me about your mental ablitiies and your character. Of the two of you–I’d say that **AuGratin** is the more honorable–she is trying to find ways to assist her husband in a culture that is hostile to disabled people. You, on the other hand, are indulging in a tantrum of righteousness. Keep at it–you’re gaining friends and influencing people with every post. ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/110 "2005-03-19T04:24:48Z")
> [@mattmorgan64](#): > > Bryan Ekers is a clueless fuckwit who is an embaressment to not only the internet, but all humanity. > > Perhaps he has handed you your ass in the past, but given what you have shown so far - this isn’t surprising. Well, he had help. 🙂 You have said that stealing is wrong yet you steal music (or at least have not explained your cryptic statement about it). You have said that lying is always a BAD IDEA. You have been given two situations where lying might not be a BAD IDEA but have failed to address them. Focus on that for now. ---
**Author:** ![Nocturne](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/9fc348/32.png) [@Nocturne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nocturne)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/111 "2005-03-19T04:25:25Z")
> [@mattmorgan64](#): > > Yeah, I know. > > Funny, no one yet, through all of this BS, can tell me why lying is OK. > > That would fucking impress me. Okay, I really want to know: What about it makes it lying to you? If you clarified the issue a little bit more, I’d be glad to discuss the issue. I know I said I wasn’t coming back, but this looks like it could turn into an actual discussion rather than insult-slinging. ---
**Author:** ![mattmorgan64](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@mattmorgan64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattmorgan64)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/112 "2005-03-19T04:26:02Z")
> [@eleanorigby](#): > > to **FaerieBeth** --he would seem to be quite stupid, no? Maybe he didn’t read my post or yours. > > Answer the queries put to you, **Matt** --that is what this is about. Stick to the topic at hand. Several posters ahve brought up excellent debating points with you. The fact that you would rather indulge in petty name calling and obscenities speaks volumes to me about your mental ablitiies and your character. > > Of the two of you–I’d say that **AuGratin** is the more honorable–she is trying to find ways to assist her husband in a culture that is hostile to disabled people. > > You, on the other hand, are indulging in a tantrum of righteousness. Keep at it–you’re gaining friends and influencing people with every post. And here we go again. Although a new voice, perhaps. Tell me eleanorigby - why is it OK to fake a divorce ot get benefits? ---
**Author:** ![Contrapuntal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e274bd/32.png) [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/113 "2005-03-19T04:28:13Z")
> [@mattmorgan64](#): > > And here we go again. > > Although a new voice, perhaps. > > Tell me eleanorigby - why is it OK to fake a divorce ot get benefits? AAAAND here we go again. Please show us where the fake divorce is. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/114 "2005-03-19T04:28:33Z")
> [@milroyj](#): > > You’re right, but talking about different morals isn’t against the rules here, but asking for advice on ways to circumvent U.S. laws IS. Benefit fraud is definitely illegal in the U.S. (And no, to whichever moron posted it, nobody said getting divorced was illegal) You are correct. But neither you, nor our esteemed OP, has yet demonstrated, with a citation to appropriate sources, that **AuGratin** ’s hypothetical plan would have constituted benfit fraud. I’m not saying that it would, or that it wouldn’t. I’m only saying that it will take more than your and **mattmorgan** ’s unsupported assertions to convince me. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/115 "2005-03-19T04:29:25Z")
There is nothing “fake” about it…Jeebus. She states that she would get an actual divorce. It would be fake if she LIED to the G-ment and didn’t actually get a divorce. You may not approve of her motive–fair enough. Hell, you may think that what she is THINKING about doing is immoral–that is your perogative. You cannot state that the OP getting an actual divorce is a LIE–IF she does indeed do so. Christ on a cracker–how hard is this? ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/116 "2005-03-19T04:30:11Z")
> [@mattmorgan64](#): > > Why is it OK to fake a divorce ot get benefits? In the spirit of Nocture’s overture of reason (pun intended)… She is not faking a divorce. She is getting a real divorce. She does not have to have a reason to divorce him in most states other than “I wish to be divorced from my marriage contract with this person”. ---
**Author:** ![mattmorgan64](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f19dbf/32.png) [@mattmorgan64](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mattmorgan64)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/117 "2005-03-19T04:30:48Z")
> [@Nocturne](#): > > Okay, I really want to know: > > What about it makes it lying to you? If you clarified the issue a little bit more, I’d be glad to discuss the issue. I know I said I wasn’t coming back, but this looks like it could turn into an actual discussion rather than insult-slinging. Allright Nocturne, here’s the deal. You seem an intelligent chap, so I promise that any insult slinging I’ve done I will now stop. On the other hand, I will only respond to questions from you. Now, here we go: \*What about it makes it lying to you? \* 1. A and B are married. 2. B gets sick. 3. A can’t support A & B alone. 4. A gets a divorce from B to get the benefits that will enable A to support A & B together. My position is getting a ‘divorce’ to obtain benefits, while not really ‘divorcing’ is a lie. ---
**Author:** ![FaerieBeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e95f7d/32.png) [@FaerieBeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FaerieBeth)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/118 "2005-03-19T04:32:48Z")
> [@FaerieBeth](#): > > In the spirit of **Nocturne** ’s overture of reason Sorry, **Nocturne** , the karma from all my lying has stiffened my fingers. ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/119 "2005-03-19T04:35:37Z")
Analogy that may help– You take in foster kids. But thru some snafu, Family services thinks you ahve 3 FC and not 2. Cashing those checks, indeed, not calling and correcting it, would be lying and illegal and wrong(immoral). Taking in FC because you think it will help with the money situation is immoral and stupid because it won’t–but it is legal to do this. But just because your motive is not pure, does not make your action illegal. If you pass the screening-you have FC, no matter the “hidden agenda”. FWIW, I do not equate the OP’s speculations to be on par with the scum who think to work the system by taking in FC and who really don’t want them. ---
**Author:** ![woodstockbirdybird](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/woodstockbirdybird/32/7905_2.png) [@woodstockbirdybird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/woodstockbirdybird)\ **Post date:** [March 19, 2005, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248/120 "2005-03-19T04:36:14Z")
> [@mattmorgan64](#): > > Ooooh I’ve been cut to the bone, you’ve exposed all my hidden demons and secrets. > > Problem is - I don’t lie to the state to get my music. Uh, yes you do. Do you claim the songs you download on your tax form? WHo the hell do you think makes it illegal to download music without paying for it - the record companies? Maybe you should bone up on who passes laws in this country. Anyway, your appeals to authority - i.e., your apparent wish to fellate “the state”, as if it’s the end-all of morality - is just another way for you not to have to think for yourself. Not everything that’s illegal is by default immoral. Personally, I don’t give a shit if she’s considering divorce to help her ailing husband financially, nor do I mind paying for it, or for that matter paying for universal health care - fuck knows my taxes go to far less worthwhile and humane pursuits. Maybe you should look into how exactly your beloved “state” is spending your money and you might not end up sounding like such a knee-jerk bureaucratic apologist. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protocol-question/295248.md?page=7)