# Stupid Republican idea of the day **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [March 26, 2009, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897 "2009-03-26T18:48:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2214
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2020, 7:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44269 "2020-05-03T07:48:02Z")
> [@SuntanLotion](#): > > Speaking of conspiracy theorists, it seems David Icke was banned on facebook. Is that censorship? I don’t know, I’m hoping someone who knows legal areas like that may have an opinion. Of course it’s censorship; however, it’s not government censorship. ---
**Author:** ![DesertDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/desertdog/32/11503_2.png) [@DesertDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DesertDog)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2020, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44270 "2020-05-03T14:16:14Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > There are way too many six-foot-tall toddlers in this country. If the world were a just place those who flout (a tip of the hat to **eschereal** ) the distancing guidelines would get the back of their hand stamped with indelible ink that would last about two weeks. If hospitals do not get overwhelmed, no problem – the stamp has no effect. However, if ER gets crushed because too many people are sick with Covid-19, those who arrive with a handstamp, even for a non-Covid reason like a car accident, are the ones tipped off of the gurney onto the floor. ---
**Author:** ![Sherrerd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sherrerd/32/8_2.png) [@Sherrerd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sherrerd)\ **Post date:** [May 3, 2020, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44271 "2020-05-03T23:31:37Z")
> [@DesertDog](#): > > If the world were a just place those who flout (a tip of the hat to **eschereal** ) the distancing guidelines would get the back of their hand stamped with indelible ink that would last about two weeks. If hospitals do not get overwhelmed, no problem – the stamp has no effect. However, if ER gets crushed because too many people are sick with Covid-19, those who arrive with a handstamp, even for a non-Covid reason like a car accident, are the ones tipped off of the gurney onto the floor. That is a very practical idea—the best suggestion I’ve seen. (Others had suggested making people sign ‘won’t go to the emergency room’ pledges and such.) Of course no state or locality will take it up (no way to legally enforce it), but it’s still a great idea. If enough people talked about it, just the concept alone might give some folks pause… ---
**Author:** ![Kamino\_Neko](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kamino_neko/32/34_2.png) [@Kamino\_Neko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kamino_Neko)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44272 "2020-05-04T01:40:28Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > Besides which, Icke is purely looney tunes. He ought to be committed. > > And I don’t care how \*he \*pronounces his name. To me it is forever “ick”. And so is he. Wait. His name _isn’t_ pronounced Ick? _Googles_ … Well, I’ll be. (Also…argh…he has the same middle name as me (well, I spell it without the second a)…that’s annoying.) ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44273 "2020-05-04T03:47:19Z")
> [@Sherrerd](#): > > That is a very practical idea—the best suggestion I’ve seen. (Others had suggested making people sign ‘won’t go to the emergency room’ pledges and such.) > > Of course no state or locality will take it up (no way to legally enforce it), but it’s still a great idea. If enough people talked about it, just the concept alone might give some folks pause… Here’s an idea. Don’t tell _them_ about it. Have the police stamp their hands as part of some “crowd control” scheme, and then just pass word on to the hospital staff about it. They get to the hospital, and it’s all, “Oh, just a few more minutes Mr. MAGAHat!”, “Just one more form to fill out Mr. AR-15!”, “Oh, that guy who just went ahead of you? No, he’s been here for hours! Oh, no you’re mistaken, you weren’t here first, just wait your turn!” Nothing in writing, no explicit denials, just let them suffer the consequences of their bad decisions. ---
**Author:** ![OttoDaFe](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ottodafe/32/356_2.png) [@OttoDaFe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OttoDaFe)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44274 "2020-05-04T07:00:10Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Here’s an idea. Don’t tell _them_ about it. Have the police stamp their hands as part of some “crowd control” scheme, and then just pass word on to the hospital staff about it. > > They get to the hospital, and it’s all, “Oh, just a few more minutes Mr. MAGAHat!”, “Just one more form to fill out Mr. AR-15!”, “Oh, that guy who just went ahead of you? No, he’s been here for hours! Oh, no you’re mistaken, you weren’t here first, just wait your turn!” > > Nothing in writing, no explicit denials, just let them suffer the consequences of their bad decisions. Don’t need to put up that obvious a pretense. Ever heard of triage? “The man who went ahead of you? Priority case. Potentially terminal abrasions and contusions, with complications. His cuticles are completely severed, poor soul.” ---
**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:** [May 4, 2020, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44275 "2020-05-04T07:10:51Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Here’s an idea. Don’t tell _them_ about it. Have the police stamp their hands as part of some “crowd control” scheme, and then just pass word on to the hospital staff about it. > > They get to the hospital, and it’s all, “Oh, just a few more minutes Mr. MAGAHat!”, “Just one more form to fill out Mr. AR-15!”, “Oh, that guy who just went ahead of you? No, he’s been here for hours! Oh, no you’re mistaken, you weren’t here first, just wait your turn!” > > Nothing in writing, no explicit denials, just let them suffer the consequences of their bad decisions. It’s my understanding that ERs are virtually NEVER first come, first served. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 10:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44276 "2020-05-04T10:35:52Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Nothing in writing, no explicit denials, just let them suffer the consequences of their bad decisions. Those fools are already suffering the consequences of their bad decisions. The big problem is that the rest of society also is suffering the consequences of those fools’ bad decisions. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44277 "2020-05-04T12:20:45Z")
> [@kaylasdad99](#): > > It’s my understanding that ERs are virtually NEVER first come, first served. Do you really expect these entitled MAGAHats to know, understand, or care about that? If they were capable of such, they wouldn’t be out there demanding haircuts. As a society, we probably don’t want to make laws over this, because as they say, “Hard cases make bad laws”. But as individuals? We absolutely should start shunning these morons. They don’t want to follow the rules? Fine, we can’t force them to. But we also don’t have to interact with them in any way. Don’t want to wear a mask while shopping, or maintain social distancing? Then the stores can refuse to serve you. If you try to force your way in, we call the cops on you for trespassing. Demand to re-open your non-essential business, and force your employees to return to work, or lose their unemployment? Then no one will hire your business to do anything. Enjoy losing money. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 12:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44278 "2020-05-04T12:38:24Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Don’t want to wear a mask while shopping, or maintain social distancing? Then the stores can refuse to serve you. If you try to force your way in, we call the cops on you for trespassing. They’ll just shoot them: [Security guard at Flint store shot and killed for requiring mask.](https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2020/05/police-investigating-if-security-guard-at-flint-store-was-killed-for-requiring-mask.html?outputType=amp&__twitter_impression=true) ---
**Author:** ![Turek](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/turek/32/18782_2.png) [@Turek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Turek)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44279 "2020-05-04T12:53:56Z")
> [@Fear\_Itself](#): > > They’ll just shoot them: > > [Security guard at Flint store shot and killed for requiring mask.](https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2020/05/police-investigating-if-security-guard-at-flint-store-was-killed-for-requiring-mask.html?outputType=amp&__twitter_impression=true) In the interest of honesty, I’ll just point out that you left out some important words: > [@](#): > > \*\*Police investigating if \*\*security guard at Flint store was killed for requiring mask Emphasis added > [@](#): > > Police are investigating social media rumors that a security guard was shot and killed Friday afternoon over a dispute regarding someone not wearing a mask inside a Family Dollar store in Flint. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44280 "2020-05-04T16:31:59Z")
> [@Turek](#): > > In the interest of honesty, I’ll just point out that you left out some important words: > > > [@](#): > > > > Police investigating if security guard at Flint store was killed for requiring mask A follow-up story is that the wife of that security guard was told by his coworkers at the store [that the shooting was the result of an argument over a customer not wearing a mask](https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2020/05/slain-family-dollar-security-guard-mourned-at-candlelight-vigil.html). Eyewitnesses. ---
**Author:** ![Senegoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senegoid/32/6606_2.png) [@Senegoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Senegoid)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44281 "2020-05-04T22:13:47Z")
> [@Morgyn](#): > > A follow-up story is that the wife of that security guard was told by his coworkers at the store [that the shooting was the result of an argument over a customer not wearing a mask](https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2020/05/slain-family-dollar-security-guard-mourned-at-candlelight-vigil.html). Eyewitnesses. Note that the incident happened several days ago, on May 1. [Even newer update story.](https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2020/05/3-charged-in-fatal-shooting-of-guard-enforcing-mask-use-at-flint-store.html) Three suspects identified, one of them arrested, two others being sought. There is video. ETA: Article says the video is of the original argument that started all this, not of the shooting itself. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [May 4, 2020, 10:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44282 "2020-05-04T22:37:49Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > Note that the incident happened several days ago, on May 1. > > [Even newer update story.](https://www.mlive.com/news/flint/2020/05/3-charged-in-fatal-shooting-of-guard-enforcing-mask-use-at-flint-store.html) Three suspects identified, one of them arrested, two others being sought. There is video. > > ETA: Article says the video is of the original argument that started all this, not of the shooting itself. Dang. I just came in to post a link to an AP story stating this. They don’t have video, though. ---
**Author:** ![Monty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/monty/32/47_2.png) [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2020, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44283 "2020-05-05T03:15:13Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Do you really expect these entitled MAGAHats to know, understand, or care about that? If they were capable of such, they wouldn’t be out there demanding haircuts. No doubt they’re convinced those folks “taking up space” in the emergency room are undocumented aliens “gaming the system” and aren’t there for a real emergency. ---
**Author:** ![CalMeacham](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/calmeacham/32/35_2.png) [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2020, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44284 "2020-05-05T16:09:27Z")
**See America First. Now," Says Mnuchin** > **[Steve Mnuchin Urges Americans To Live Dangerously And Travel The Country](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/steve-mnuchin-coronavirus-summer-road-trips_n_5eb0db28c5b60a927781046a)** > > However, the CDC says Americans should stay home to protect their health. > [@](#): > > Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is encouraging Americans to travel around the country this summer. > > “It’s a great time for people to explore America,” Mnuchin said on Fox Business News on Monday. “A lot of people haven’t seen many parts of America. I wish I could get back on the road soon.” > > One problem: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly recommends avoiding all nonessential travel to protect against COVID-19. > > “Travel increases your chances of getting and spreading COVID-19,” the agency warns on its website. The “CDC recommends you stay home as much as possible, especially if your trip is not essential.” ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2020, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44285 "2020-05-05T16:24:06Z")
But it’s essential to getting the economy going again. Plus all those folks making bank off the $600 bonus unemployment should be able to take a nice trip, amirite? ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2020, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44286 "2020-05-05T16:29:52Z")
> [@CalMeacham](#): > > **See America First. Now," Says Mnuchin** > > [Steve Mnuchin Urges Americans To Live Dangerously And Travel The Country | HuffPost Latest News](https://www.huffpost.com/entry/steve-mnuchin-coronavirus-summer-road-trips_n_5eb0db28c5b60a927781046a) > [@](#): > > Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin is encouraging Americans to travel around the country this summer. > > “It’s a great time for people to explore America,” Mnuchin said on Fox Business News on Monday. “A lot of people haven’t seen many parts of America. **I wish I could get back on the road soon.** ” For once, I agree. I wish he’d hit the road. ---
**Author:** ![Morgyn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/morgyn/32/3041_2.png) [@Morgyn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgyn)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2020, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44287 "2020-05-05T16:51:59Z")
> [@running\_coach](#): > > For once, I agree. I wish he’d hit the road. As long as the road gets to hit back. It’s only fair. ---
**Author:** ![Skypist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skypist/32/169_2.png) [@Skypist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skypist)\ **Post date:** [May 5, 2020, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897/44288 "2020-05-05T17:11:03Z")
Travel industry must be complaining. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=2213) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stupid-republican-idea-of-the-day/490897.md?page=2215)