# Rumsfield claims a trained ape could manage war better than Obama **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 25, 2014, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547 "2014-03-25T19:48:21Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 6
**Author:** ![iiandyiiii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/iiandyiiii/32/7924_2.png) [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/101 "2014-03-26T18:01:49Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > The environment is too acidic. A number of conservative posters over the years have been driven away, and the mix has always been liberal in any event – undoubtedly a result of the newspaper column’s publication by alternative city papers, which themselves attract a strongly left crowd. > > I, personally, am here for the acid. My view has always been that I can’t weigh the strength of a position if I advance it to a crowd of like-minded people. My views should be tested against highly motivated, intelligent opposition. That’s why I’m here. > > Unfortunately, along with the highly motivated, intelligent opposition, there are fools who share the political positions of the majority. > > There doesn’t seem to be a way to get rid of the chaff and leave the wheat. Have any of your political opinions changed based on your Dope discussions (besides the one I remember best, because it was my thread, in which you reversed your opinion on ultrasound requirements before abortions)? ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/102 "2014-03-26T18:06:06Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > Unfortunately, along with the highly motivated, intelligent opposition, there are fools who share the political positions of the majority. Is the majority always foolish? ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/103 "2014-03-26T18:06:25Z")
> [@magellan01](#): > > I fixed your comment: MODERATING No, what you did was violate a fundamental board rule. You may not alter a person’s text to change its content inside quote tags, _for any reason_, ever. Do not do this again. This is a formal and recorded warning. RickJay Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Lobohan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobohan/32/79_2.png) [@Lobohan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobohan)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/104 "2014-03-26T18:06:51Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > The environment is too acidic. A number of conservative posters over the years have been driven away, and the mix has always been liberal in any event – undoubtedly a result of the newspaper column’s publication by alternative city papers, which themselves attract a strongly left crowd. > > I, personally, am here for the acid. My view has always been that I can’t weigh the strength of a position if I advance it to a crowd of like-minded people. My views should be tested against highly motivated, intelligent opposition. That’s why I’m here. > > Unfortunately, along with the highly motivated, intelligent opposition, there are fools who share the political positions of the majority. > > There doesn’t seem to be a way to get rid of the chaff and leave the wheat. Of course any board dedicated to the eradication of ignorance is going to be hostile to the party of creationism, climate change denialism, and trickle-down economics. There are fools on both sides, but as it stands, the GOP is trying to put fools in charge. And you vote for them. ---
**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 26, 2014, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/105 "2014-03-26T18:12:23Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > MODERATING > > No, what you did was violate a fundamental board rule. You may not alter a person’s text to change its content inside quote tags, _for any reason_, ever. Do not do this again. > > This is a formal and recorded warning. > > RickJay > Moderator If I may observe, does this apply even when the altered “quote” is not attributed to a specific person or linked back to its original form, as was the case here? That is, if I can raise what I think is a valid objection amid what is apparently a sea of acid and chaff. I would have thought if one wanted to get rid of the chaff, the acid would do, but… whatever. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/106 "2014-03-26T18:14:26Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > The environment is too acidic. A number of conservative posters over the years have been driven away, and the mix has always been liberal in any event – undoubtedly a result of the newspaper column’s publication by alternative city papers, which themselves attract a strongly left crowd. > > I, personally, am here for the acid. My view has always been that I can’t weigh the strength of a position if I advance it to a crowd of like-minded people. My views should be tested against highly motivated, intelligent opposition. That’s why I’m here. > > Unfortunately, along with the highly motivated, intelligent opposition, there are fools who share the political positions of the majority. > > There doesn’t seem to be a way to get rid of the chaff and leave the wheat. I also post at DU. It just isn’t as interesting because there is no thoughtful response from the other side of the aisle. There is usually some opposing opinion that is interesting and informative at SDMB. ---
**Author:** ![BrainGlutton](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/82dd89/32.png) [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/107 "2014-03-26T18:29:11Z")
> [@The\_Second\_Stone](#): > > I also post at DU. It just isn’t as interesting because there is no thoughtful response from the other side of the aisle. There is usually some opposing opinion that is interesting and informative at SDMB. If only there were some way DU and FR could be merged . . . ---
**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 26, 2014, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/108 "2014-03-26T18:31:09Z")
durf? ---
**Author:** ![Oliveritaly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oliveritaly/32/15233_2.png) [@Oliveritaly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oliveritaly)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/109 "2014-03-26T18:32:37Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > The environment is too acidic. A number of conservative posters over the years have been driven away, and the mix has always been liberal in any event – undoubtedly a result of the newspaper column’s publication by alternative city papers, which themselves attract a strongly left crowd. > > I, personally, am here for the acid. My view has always been that I can’t weigh the strength of a position if I advance it to a crowd of like-minded people. My views should be tested against highly motivated, intelligent opposition. That’s why I’m here. > > Unfortunately, along with the highly motivated, intelligent opposition, there are fools who share the political positions of the majority. > > There doesn’t seem to be a way to get rid of the chaff and leave the wheat. You are a voice from the right that I very much respect Bricker. I said it before but you always make me reexamine my own personally held beliefs and I appreciate you being here. ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/110 "2014-03-26T18:32:51Z")
We really shouldn’t be so hard on old Charley. We all know that you have to post using the brains you **HAVE** , not the brains you **WISH** you have. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![GrandWino](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grandwino/32/67_2.png) [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/111 "2014-03-26T19:27:36Z")
For those keeping track at home, Charlie here used to post under the name **Lazlo Hapsburg** before changing his handle at some point. ---
**Author:** ![Kobal2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kobal2/32/20_2.png) [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/112 "2014-03-26T19:38:43Z")
> [@Bricker](#): > > I, personally, am here for the acid. Just don’t eat the brown one, OK ? It’s no good. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/113 "2014-03-26T19:41:20Z")
> [@Bob Ducca](#): > > Charlie here used to post under the name **Lazlo Hapsburg** before changing his handle at some point. Probably because he was getting too much lip. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/114 "2014-03-26T20:44:19Z")
Polo claps. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/115 "2014-03-26T20:53:33Z")
> [@iiandyiiii](#): > > Have any of your political opinions changed based on your Dope discussions (besides the one I remember best, because it was my thread, in which you reversed your opinion on ultrasound requirements before abortions)? It was here on the SDMB that he came to the conclusion that he could not, in good conscience, oppose the legalization of SSM. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/116 "2014-03-26T22:08:37Z")
> [@Robot\_Arm](#): > > Could he be laying the groundwork for the next Republican nominee? > > “Vote Trained Ape in '16!” I’d pay to watch a trained ape in a Republican Debate who flung poo at the audience when they applaud torture and boo veterans. I’d pay double if he flung poo at the other candidates who said they support creationism. Though I could excuse him from not wanting to be related to that pack of ninnies. ---
**Author:** ![Voyager](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voyager/32/133_2.png) [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/117 "2014-03-26T22:10:53Z")
> [@Charlie\_Wayne](#): > > I can understand that many of you do not like that and many of you wish I would just leave or die or something similar. Well, that is your right and I just hope that you do not find yourself needing to fight to preserve that right any time soon. > > I wish us all the best of luck. That assholes have the right of free speech in no way means that they are not still assholes. And them being called on it in no way limits their free speech. Care to defend your position instead of whining? ---
**Author:** ![VinylTurnip](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b2d939/32.png) [@VinylTurnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VinylTurnip)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/118 "2014-03-26T22:36:06Z")
> [@leftfield6](#): > > We really shouldn’t be so hard on old Charley. We all know that you have to post using the brains you **HAVE** , not the brains you **WISH** you have. The absence of apes is not aping absence. ---
**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 26, 2014, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/119 "2014-03-26T22:41:39Z")
> [@Charlie\_Wayne](#): > > I can understand that many of you do not like that and many of you wish I would just leave or die or something similar. If I expressed a preference, it would be for you to smarten up. I realize that is indeed “death” in a manner of speaking to someone of your current mindset, but so be it. ---
**Author:** ![magellan01](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2014, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547/120 "2014-03-26T23:11:07Z")
> [@RickJay](#): > > MODERATING > > No, what you did was violate a fundamental board rule. You may not alter a person’s text to change its content inside quote tags, _for any reason_, ever. Do not do this again. > > This is a formal and recorded warning. > > RickJay > Moderator Wait. I know the rule, which is why I removed the posters name from the quote box. How is that a violation? I even bolded the portion that I altered. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547.md?page=5) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rumsfield-claims-a-trained-ape-could-manage-war-better-than-obama/684547.md?page=7)