# Scotty Mo, get your dumb ass down here.... **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 2, 2011, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239 "2011-08-02T23:43:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/41 "2011-08-03T03:55:55Z")
> [@Indygrrl](#): > > The bottom line is, why post in Great Debates if you can’t or won’t abide by board rules and standards? When people join, they typically read for a long time before posting, just so they get an idea of how we do things. If you make a statement in GD, back it up with a cite or risk people thinking you are an obtuse moron. If you keep dismissing well-educated people who do have cites and accurate information for four pages, you remove any doubt. Well I posted at least one cite in the original thread that I felt helped to justify my point. But that wasn’t good enough. How in the fuck could I prove something like what I’m proposing? 100 cites? A book? No doubt there are some out there but really if I had to take that time, we wouldn’t have ever got this far. Besides, it’s a belief. ---
**Author:** ![punch\_line\_loser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8e7dd6/32.png) [@punch\_line\_loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/punch_line_loser)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/42 "2011-08-03T03:56:03Z")
> [@Scotty Mo](#): > > Yes, I am aware of how that sounds. At least I got your attention and besides I already conceded that point upthread. > > All I’m saying is there needs to be more balance. You certainly got our attention, and now you have a lot of us convinced that not only do you have stupid ideas, you’ve got no idea how to properly argue them. I recommend setting more challenging goals in the future, though you probably don’t need to hear that from me at this moment. Also, your point was not that “there needs to be more balance.” The substance of your argument for the longest time was that we’d be better off if women ruled the world, a completely different assertion. What you’re trying to do here is to amend your argument so that no one can argue with it (who wouldn’t agree there needs to be balance?) and give yourself grounds for righteous indignation at us even after you presented the point in the interest of debating in the first place. I hate to say it, but you do have this coming to you. And anyway, if you want to continue the debate, your thread is still open. ---
**Author:** ![DocCathode](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doccathode/32/18773_2.png) [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/43 "2011-08-03T04:01:25Z")
> [@Scotty Mo](#): > > Well I posted at least one cite in the original thread that I felt helped to justify my point. But that wasn’t good enough. No it was not. It did not claim to prove what you said it proved. > [@](#): > > How in the fuck could I prove something like what I’m proposing? I’d go in steps. Like this Women are less violent than men- here’s a cite Women leaders are less likely to start wars- here’s a cite > [@](#): > > 100 cites? A book? No doubt there are some out there but really if I had to take that time, we wouldn’t have ever got this far. No, if you’d bothered with decent cites we’d never have gotten this Pit thread. > [@](#): > > Besides, it’s a belief. Apparently, it’s a belief based on no evidence since you have been unable to provide any. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/44 "2011-08-03T04:05:02Z")
> [@Scotty Mo](#): > > All I’m saying is there needs to be more balance. You never did explain how that could be achieved even if you had full power over everything. I think you were just pulling a version of the old ‘guy attends feminist rally to get laid’ gambit but it backfired because you were so bad at it. Try writing female appreciation poetry next time and not waste people’s time with one of your so-called debates. A simple love sonnet sung to a strumming ukulele might be a good starting project for you. ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/45 "2011-08-03T04:06:56Z")
Well I’m probably wrong. But you all know, and I know, that none of us will ever know. ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/46 "2011-08-03T04:11:52Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > You never did explain how that could be achieved even if you had full power over everything. I think you were just pulling a version of the old ‘guy attends feminist rally to get laid’ gambit but it backfired because you were so bad at it. Try writing female appreciation poetry next time and not waste people’s time with one of your so-called debates. A simple love sonnet sung to a strumming ukulele might be a good starting project for you. So sorry I made you read my thread and participate in it. I guess I’m just dumb and you’re really smart. I bet you got all the answers. ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/47 "2011-08-03T04:15:21Z")
> [@Scotty Mo](#): > > I guess I’m just dumb and you’re really smart. I bet you got all the answers. Well yeah but nobody has all the answers. The difference is that smart people don’t start debates about something they can’t even discuss intelligently. ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/48 "2011-08-03T04:20:08Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > Well yeah but nobody has all the answers. The difference is that smart people don’t start debates about something they can’t even discuss intelligently. Yeah, well I don’t give a fuck. I’ll say whatever I want. ---
**Author:** ![gregorio](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/fbc32d/32.png) [@gregorio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gregorio)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/49 "2011-08-03T04:21:00Z")
What debate tactic is that? ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/50 "2011-08-03T04:22:16Z")
> [@gregorio](#): > > What debate tactic is that? Freedom of speech. ---
**Author:** ![punch\_line\_loser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8e7dd6/32.png) [@punch\_line\_loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/punch_line_loser)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/51 "2011-08-03T04:22:17Z")
> [@Scotty Mo](#): > > Yeah, well I don’t give a fuck. I’ll say whatever I want. Fine, but don’t be surprised or upset when you get reactions like this. ---
**Author:** ![Indygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/52 "2011-08-03T04:24:04Z")
> [@gregorio](#): > > What debate tactic is that? I believe it’s what we call the “I know you are, but what am I?” school of debate, pioneered and made famous by 8-year-olds.:D:D ---
**Author:** ![punch\_line\_loser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8e7dd6/32.png) [@punch\_line\_loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/punch_line_loser)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/53 "2011-08-03T04:28:21Z")
I know about Godwin’s law, but is there one about invoking the First Amendment? Everyone with stupid ideas seems to end up making that argument. **Scotty,** no one’s trying to deny you your right to say stupid shit. By all means, fire away. But no matter what impunity with which you can espouse your misguided ideas, you’re not going to be able to stop people from firing back. What is this, your first time on a message board? ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/54 "2011-08-03T04:36:55Z")
> [@punch\_line\_loser](#): > > I know about Godwin’s law, but is there one about invoking the First Amendment? Everyone with stupid ideas seems to end up making that argument. > > **Scotty,** no one’s trying to deny you your right to say stupid shit. By all means, fire away. But no matter what impunity with which you can espouse your misguided ideas, you’re not going to be able to stop people from firing back. What is this, your first time on a message board? No, actually I’ve lurked around here since I was 16. I’m 25 now. ---
**Author:** ![Indygrrl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/58f4c7/32.png) [@Indygrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indygrrl)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/55 "2011-08-03T04:50:30Z")
> [@Scotty Mo](#): > > No, actually I’ve lurked around here since I was 16. I’m 25 now. If that’s true, how is it you are so confuzzled about cites and debate? You could get away with some cluelessness in MSPIMS or even IMHO, but why post in GD if you don’t intend to abide by board standards? ---
**Author:** ![punch\_line\_loser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8e7dd6/32.png) [@punch\_line\_loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/punch_line_loser)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/56 "2011-08-03T04:51:24Z")
In all that time it couldn’t have hurt to acquaint yourself with the idea of a “rhetorical question” as well… ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/57 "2011-08-03T04:54:23Z")
> [@Indygrrl](#): > > If that’s true, how is it you are so confuzzled about cites and debate? You could get away with some cluelessness in MSPIMS or even IMHO, but why post in GD if you don’t intend to abide by board standards? Well I had an idea and felt like GD would be the best place to put it. I wanted some feedback. And I really thought someone who knows a lot more than me would come back me up. ---
**Author:** ![punch\_line\_loser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8e7dd6/32.png) [@punch\_line\_loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/punch_line_loser)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/58 "2011-08-03T04:55:19Z")
> [@Scotty Mo](#): > > Well I had an idea and felt like GD would be the best place to put it. I wanted some feedback. And I really thought someone who knows a lot more than me would come back me up. Well you wound up one for two. Not too bad, right? ---
**Author:** ![panaccione](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/94ad74/32.png) [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/59 "2011-08-03T05:11:29Z")
> [@punch\_line\_loser](#): > > Well you wound up one for two. Not too bad, right? I dunno. Sure did take a lot of heat for it. I do still think though that putting more women in power is a quick method to positive change in this world. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [August 3, 2011, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239/60 "2011-08-03T05:13:11Z")
> [@Scotty Mo](#): > > Well I had an idea and felt like GD would be the best place to put it. I wanted some feedback. **And I really thought someone who knows a lot more than me would come back me up.** And the fact that the bolded didn’t happen didn’t make you say, “Oh, guess I was wrong,” but rather dig your heels in, grab on with both hands and continue to make the same ridiculous “arguments” you couldn’t back up. **That’s** the part that gets people in a lather. I’ve been wrong before on this board. (Hard to believe, I know. 😉 ) We all have, sooner or later. Trust me, half the battle is to know when to stop digging. The rest is admitting you were off base and thanking those people that know more for sharing their information and points of view. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotty-mo-get-your-dumb-ass-down-here/591239.md?page=4)