# The Flying Morons - another plane delayed by a fucking idiot **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 7, 2016, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219 "2016-05-07T20:51:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 17
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/321 "2016-05-19T05:13:09Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > A woman become concerned, or afraid, of something a fellow passenger did or said. And if that “something” was merely scribbling math equations, which a reasonable person ought to know enough not to be “concerned or afraid of”, do you agree that this passenger made a stupid mistake in choosing to alert security about her fellow passenger? Or do you think that any concern or fear, no matter how irrational or ill-informed, justifies alerting security services about suspected terrorist activity? \*\*Do you think that the DHS actually wants the public to be reporting irrational or ill-informed suspicions? \*\* We all make stupid mistakes sometimes, and it’s not bullying to point out that somebody else’s stupid mistake was stupid. The fact that you have to spin elaborate unfounded hypotheticals in order to create a possible alternative scenario where the reporting passenger **wasn’t** making a stupid mistake should be a tip-off that reality and probability are not on your side here. ---
**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 19, 2016, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/322 "2016-05-19T06:07:37Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Some morons only lie in a meadow and draw flies. **doorhinge** , you should try that too. It would be an improvement. ---
**Author:** ![septimus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/septimus/32/410_2.png) [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/323 "2016-05-19T09:47:49Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > You don’t know what her side of the story is. You don’t know what her political affiliation is. She saw something, she said something. You follow Groupthink and consider her a moron. I agree that Dopers would speak better of this maligned woman if they [listened to her own story.](http://www.theonion.com/article/socialite-prodigy-reports-faulty-equation-52988) > [@](#): > > Of course, I had no objection to him doing his partial differential equations on the plane. I often kill time that way, though I usually can do them in my head without pencil and paper. His was a simple separable equation with a few constraints. It wasn’t until he attempted some humongous substitution inside an integrand that I got alarmed. Any grad student would have seen that Lagrange multipliers would quickly reduce his problem to a simple polynomial-trigonometric form, but this guy had forgotten all about Euler’s theorem! I was trying to deduce whether it would be a hyperbolic cosine or an ordinary one, while he was busy dropping one constant of integration after anothr! > > I couldn’t be sure he was a terrorist, but he was obviously no mathematics professor so I alerted the authorities. ---
**Author:** ![JKellyMap](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jkellymap/32/15880_2.png) [@JKellyMap](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JKellyMap)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/324 "2016-05-19T11:37:21Z")
Ha! That’s funny. I’m glad you posted that excerpt, because the “article” has apparently been removed from the Onion site. ---
**Author:** ![Bill\_Door](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@Bill\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bill_Door)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/325 "2016-05-19T13:17:05Z")
> [@eschereal](#): > > She had simply reached her limit. Hey, I laughed, even if no one else noticed. ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/326 "2016-05-19T15:09:29Z")
> [@Bill\_Door](#): > > Hey, I laughed, even if no one else noticed. I noticed. And found it suspicious, so I reported it to the DHS. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/327 "2016-05-19T16:38:55Z")
> [@Kimstu](#): > > And if that “something” was merely scribbling math equations, which a reasonable person ought to know enough not to be “concerned or afraid of”, do you agree that this passenger made a stupid mistake in choosing to alert security about her fellow passenger? > > Or do you think that any concern or fear, no matter how irrational or ill-informed, justifies alerting security services about suspected terrorist activity? > > \*\*Do you think that the DHS actually wants the public to be reporting irrational or ill-informed suspicions? \*\* > > We all make stupid mistakes sometimes, and it’s not bullying to point out that somebody else’s stupid mistake was stupid. The fact that you have to spin elaborate unfounded hypotheticals in order to create a possible alternative scenario where the reporting passenger **wasn’t** making a stupid mistake should be a tip-off that reality and probability are not on your side here. (underline added) What do you mean “And if”? Are you creating an unfounded hypothetical to justify your position? Don’t you know what she was thinking? Is that because her side of the story hasn’t been released yet? I prefer to wait for all sides of the story BEFORE deciding that she’s a moron. It’s apparent that Groupthink doesn’t allow you to wait for all the facts. Someone decided for you that she must be a moron and you have no choice but to parrot Groupthinks conclusion. Sucks to be you. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/328 "2016-05-19T16:43:15Z")
> [@Saint\_Cad](#): > > According to you and the-dumbass-on-the-plane, differential equations. I never said that but why let facts get in your way. :smack: ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/329 "2016-05-19T16:44:20Z")
> [@Senegoid](#): > > **doorhinge** , you should try that too. It would be an improvement. Why would I want you buzzing around. Shoo. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/330 "2016-05-19T16:48:00Z")
> [@Muffin](#): > > The one thing the moron remembered from school was that “the pen is mightier than the sword,” so when she saw a brown person writing . . . Yeow! Now you’re calling the woman a racist. Or are you assuming she would do what you would have or have done? ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/331 "2016-05-19T16:58:19Z")
> [@Monty](#): > > Actually, it is _you_ who evidently do not care what her side of the story is. You’ve automatically–for no fathomable reason–decided that there must have been something nefarious being done by a completely innocent person for this woman you’re defending to have been so afraid that she refused to remain on the flight. You’re also either conveniently ignoring facts with your ludicrous assertion that nobody has referred to those other morons who’ve caused similar problems in the past–there has been at least one thread regarding such morons on this very site. Hahahaha. Of course, that’s why I’m waiting to hear her side of the story before deciding whether she’s a moron or not. You’ve automatically, or is it mechanically, decided to attack a woman for voicing her concerns about a fellow passenger. The Groupthink is strong within you. I have no idea what the whole story is. One passenger has told the public what he wants the public to hear. The other passenger has not made any statement. You chose to conveniently ignore the fact that all of the facts have NOT been reported but Groupthink demands that you attack the woman and attack anyone who questions the lack of facts associated with this incident. ---
**Author:** ![doorhinge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a5b964/32.png) [@doorhinge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/doorhinge)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/332 "2016-05-19T17:03:18Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > She’s already given her side of the story; > > She saw a brown man doing math on an airplane and this made her scared. She reported it because she thought the brown man doing math must be doing something bad. When you don’t have facts, you chose to create racism. I suggest that your post makes you a racist. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/333 "2016-05-19T17:04:05Z")
[Flail away.](https://yeoldeschoolminiatures.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/true-troll-with-flail-1.jpg?w=450&h=475) ---
**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 19, 2016, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/334 "2016-05-19T17:14:15Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > Hahahaha. Of course, that’s why I’m waiting to hear her side of the story before deciding whether she’s a moron or not. > > You’ve automatically, or is it mechanically, decided to attack a woman for voicing her concerns about a fellow passenger. The Groupthink is strong within you. > > I have no idea what the whole story is. **One passenger has told the public what he wants the public to hear.** The other passenger has not made any statement. You chose to conveniently ignore the fact that all of the facts have NOT been reported but Groupthink demands that you attack the woman and attack anyone who questions the lack of facts associated with this incident. So he tells his story but you don’t believe him. If the woman should ever speak up, why would you think she’s telling the truth? Why not think she will tell a story that doesn’t make her look like a moron? The economist told his story and the authorities found no reason to detain him or remove him from that plane and allowed him to fly. ---
**Author:** ![Euphonious\_Polemic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/euphonious_polemic/32/3002_2.png) [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/335 "2016-05-19T17:21:18Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > When you don’t have facts, you chose to create racism. I suggest that your post makes you a racist. Troll away you sad little muppet. ---
**Author:** ![dasmoocher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dbc845/32.png) [@dasmoocher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dasmoocher)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/336 "2016-05-19T17:54:21Z")
I like the moral of this story–[What to do if you catch someone reading the Quran on your flight](http://www.elephantjournal.com/2013/04/what-to-do-if-you-catch-someone-reading-the-quran-on-your-flight/): > [@](#): > > Don’t do this. > > Do as this stewardess did: > > ``` > “Ex-flight attendant here, day of the attempted shoe bombing a few years ago in London I was working in Chicago where flights had only just resumed. A lady in 1st class was seated next to a man reading a quran and dressed in traditional clothing. Just as we were about to do our safety announcement she gets up, walks down the aisle and taps me on the shoulder. She whispers to me "We need to go back, the man next to me is reading from one of those books and how are we to know what it says?!?”. Took me a minute to realize who she was referring to, and asked to have the plane taken back to the gate. She refused to return to her seat and choose to sit in economy until we removed the passenger she was referring to. Once we got back she was slightly surprised to find that I had organized for her (and not the man she was complaining about) to catch another flight later that day after she had calmed down. Meanwhile back on the aircraft another passenger in 1st class had asked to switch seats and be moved next to the man in question and proceeded to spark conversation in order to make him feel less embarrassed for the unwarranted event. I cannot speak for what occurred in Boston but I want people to know that this kind of thing happens more than you may think. > > ``` > > **Moral of the Story: Woman wanted a muslim man removed from our flight, so we removed her. Simple as that**. [My bold] ---
**Author:** ![eschereal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/eschereal/32/18939_2.png) [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/337 "2016-05-19T18:38:48Z")
There is obviously only one airline upon which differentiation is acceptable. He should have been flying with them. ---
**Author:** ![Colibri](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colibri/32/1841_2.png) [@Colibri](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Colibri)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/338 "2016-05-19T18:51:05Z")
> [@Euphonious\_Polemic](#): > > Troll away you sad little muppet. You do realize his membership in the Morons Union requires him to vigorously defend the actions of any moron anywhere at any time? Unfortunately the fact that he’s a moron means he’s not very good at it. ---
**Author:** ![dasmoocher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/dbc845/32.png) [@dasmoocher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dasmoocher)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/339 "2016-05-19T18:54:49Z")
> [@Colibri](#): > > You do realize his membership in the Morons Union requires him to vigorously defend the actions of any moron anywhere at any time? > > Unfortunately the fact that he’s a moron means he’s not very good at it. Local 60, which also seems to be his IQ. ---
**Author:** ![Kimstu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/ecd19e/32.png) [@Kimstu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kimstu)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2016, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219/340 "2016-05-19T19:33:09Z")
> [@doorhinge](#): > > I prefer to wait for all sides of the story BEFORE deciding that she’s a moron. :dubious: Obviously, knowing whether the reporting passenger in question is actually “a moron” would require quite a bit more evidence than just hearing “her side of the story” about this one incident. **But I didn’t ask whether she should be considered “a moron”, nor did I assert anything of the kind.** I asked whether you would agree that if she reported a fellow passenger merely because of his writing mathematical equations— **which is what all the evidence so far indicates, including all the evidence from the reporting passenger herself, which she has the option of publicly providing or withholding at will** —then would you agree that she had made **a stupid mistake**? And I also repeat my other question: Do you seriously believe that \*\*the DHS actually wants the public to be reporting irrational or ill-informed suspicions? \*\* [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219.md?page=16) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flying-morons-another-plane-delayed-by-a-fucking-idiot/754219.md?page=18)