# What the hell is THIS doing in GD? **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [June 22, 2005, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414 "2005-06-22T18:59:49Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/1 "2005-06-22T18:59:49Z")
[http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=322160&page=1&pp=50](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=322160&page=1&pp=50) “Should we support the mutant registration act?” There is no such act. There are no real mutants with superpowers. That thread belongs either in Cafe Soceity or IMHO. “But they are having fun!”- Sure, and they can have fun in those forums too. “But they are taking it seriously!”- Sure, mostly- but serious matters are discussed in those forums also. It’s “less than cosmic” (it’s _comic_, not _cosmic_😃 ) and thus it’s more of a IMHO. “But it’s a “what if”!” Yes, but it’s a fantasy “what-if” and one from a comic book. Here’s another reason why it doesn’t belong in GD- no cites. Cites are impoassible, so anyone can make up any source they want to. I asked for “Cite?” around page 3, and was more or less ignore- not suprising. But that’s the point- in such a thread, you have to ignore anyone who asks for a cite- but we really are supposed to give cites in GD. ---
**Author:** ![ultrafilter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/3d9bf3/32.png) [@ultrafilter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultrafilter)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/2 "2005-06-22T19:06:16Z")
What’s the difference between debating the Mutant Registration Act and debating whether math was discovered or invented? ---
**Author:** ![Ponder\_Stibbons](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ponder_stibbons/32/343_2.png) [@Ponder\_Stibbons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ponder_Stibbons)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/3 "2005-06-22T19:11:28Z")
Why did the infamous scalar weapons thread go on for so long in GQ? Fake cites and all? IANAM, but I think that _every_ once in a while it’s kind of fun to “break” the rules for a forum in a way that appears to be very much in the spirit of the forum. ---
**Author:** ![Scott\_Plaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Scott\_Plaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scott_Plaid)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/4 "2005-06-22T19:22:52Z")
I am not sure, but I think I recall agree with you on some past posts, (Or was that someone else?) So, out of assuming you actual deserve an answer, then here. You asked: 1. Cite? 2. Cite? 3 Cite? Can Batman beat Superman? I will assume that went to the following: > [@Muad'Dib](#): > > All ready passed in the congress, the Mutant Registration Act is now up for debate in the senate. The filmed documentary. > [@](#): > > As many of you know the country is quite polarized on the issue with many leftist groups comparing it to the forced registration of Jews in Hitler’s Germany, while many on the right claiming it is necessary for our safety. This is what can be expected to be said on the issue. If a reasonable person would say it, they will. > [@](#): > > There was a story in the paper the other day of a girl in New Orleans that was randomly absorbing the “life force” of those around her. The poor thing did not even know what was going on herself, but in the end thirteen people are in the hospital, four in deep comas. Luckily the girl was safely apprehended and is now in a controlled safe environment. No cite needed for plausible scenarios. Can Batman beat Superman? No, but Captain Marvel can beat Superman. Also, others have already pointed out why it is ok to be in GD. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/5 "2005-06-22T19:50:00Z")
> [@Scott Plaid](#): > > l.No cite needed for plausible scenarios. > . “\* plausible\* scenarios”? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Purd\_Werfect](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/e47c2d/32.png) [@Purd\_Werfect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Purd_Werfect)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/6 "2005-06-22T19:52:03Z")
Since GD is the place for wittnessing, are cites a requirement for every conceivable thread that may pop up there? ---
**Author:** ![Mtgman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/b5a626/32.png) [@Mtgman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mtgman)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/7 "2005-06-22T19:56:59Z")
What the hell is is doing in GD? Generating interesting discussion as to how the US legal system works when dealing with an entire class of people. Enjoy, Steven ---
**Author:** ![Scott\_Plaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Scott\_Plaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scott_Plaid)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/8 "2005-06-22T19:59:52Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > “\* plausible\* scenarios”? :dubious: :rolleyes: You are welcome. And yes, it is possible that a girl, under emotional stress, might manifest her mutant powers against her will, in public, causing harm to other. Now, I know what you mean, that the idea of mutants is not plausible, but if you think that scenarios have no place in GD, then I feel… Well, fill in the blank what name I should call you. ---
**Author:** ![Kaspar\_Hauser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/b3f665/32.png) [@Kaspar\_Hauser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaspar_Hauser)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/9 "2005-06-22T20:01:54Z")
You took it seriously, realized you made an ass of yourself in doing so, and out of spite started a petulant rant hoping to get the thread closed down. Hah! ---
**Author:** ![Lobsang](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lobsang/32/4067_2.png) [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/10 "2005-06-22T20:03:23Z")
Why is the word ‘death’ misspelled in your username? ---
**Author:** ![amarinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/3be4f8/32.png) [@amarinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/amarinth)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/11 "2005-06-22T20:04:30Z")
Of course, in and of itself, it isn’t a real issue- but there are enough plenty of parallels with real issues (that I’m sure the writers/artists were thinking of when they first came up with the MRA). Discussions about personal privacy, allowable and desirable levels of state intrusion onto a person, acceptable government data collections, definitions of protected class, discrimination against non-protected, but stigmatized classes, crime-prevention, and public health policies all belong in GD. A thread about those subjects does as well. Plus, you never really know, do you? ---
**Author:** ![BMalion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e274bd/32.png) [@BMalion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BMalion)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/12 "2005-06-22T20:16:31Z")
Why do you hate Mutant America? ---
**Author:** ![Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/ac8455/32.png) [@Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bippy_the_Beardless)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/13 "2005-06-22T20:19:50Z")
Being a non realistic scenario that parallels realistic scenarios, it is possible to explore the issues of privacy vs’ public safety without risking the backlash or moral questions that would be associated with a more realistic OP. What is it with people who make a dick of themselves in a thread, and then start a pit thread to point out the fact to anyone who might have missed it? ---
**Author:** ![Miller](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/miller/32/481_2.png) [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/14 "2005-06-22T20:24:30Z")
Snarky answer: God doesn’t exsist, either, but he gets debated plenty in GD. Serious answer: It’s a hypothetical situation that uses a comic book setup to discuss pertinent moral and legal issues as regards how our society balances the rights of the individual versus the safety of the public. The scenario is Cafe Society, but the discussion itself is pure GD. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/15 "2005-06-22T20:25:51Z")
> [@Bippy the Beardless](#): > > What is it with people who make a dick of themselves in a thread, and then start a pit thread to point out the fact to anyone who might have missed it? I just thought I’d point out that I opened that thread on day one and went “meh - not interested” before immediately closing it. But now I’m going to read the whole thing to find out how many people were taken in by it. Yeah, I loved _Blair Witch_, too. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/16 "2005-06-22T20:29:01Z")
All I know is that these threads are the funniest since Bosda di’Chi of Tricor went missing. OMG GOD SENATOR KELLY IS A JERK!! ---
**Author:** ![Scott\_Plaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Scott\_Plaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scott_Plaid)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/17 "2005-06-22T20:29:12Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > But now I’m going to read the whole thing to find out how many people were taken in by it. Please, don’t just read it, comment on it. We could use more people with your kinda Username in the thread. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/18 "2005-06-22T20:51:32Z")
> [@Scott Plaid](#): > > Please, don’t just read it, comment on it. We could use more people with your kinda Username in the thread. (Well, I don’t know how much use I’d be to you. I’m halfway through, and at every \*\*Bricker \*\*post I’m nodding and at every \*\*andros \*_post, I’m nodding more. Damn, ambivalence_ sucks.) \*In the literal, strong-feelings-on-both-sides sense, not the apathetic sense, of course. ---
**Author:** ![Scott\_Plaid](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/258eb7/32.png) [@Scott\_Plaid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Scott_Plaid)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/19 "2005-06-22T20:53:58Z")
> [@WhyNot](#): > > (Well, I don’t know how much use I’d be to you. This isn’t abot use to me, this is about how **you** feel. And furthermore, - > [@](#): > > Damn, ambivalence\* sucks.) Never mind. :Slinks away ---
**Author:** ![Cervaise](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cervaise/32/16693_2.png) [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Post date:** [June 22, 2005, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414/20 "2005-06-22T23:03:37Z")
Personally, I think it’s a very, very interesting way to debate legal and social philosophies, from a macro point of view, without getting sidetracked into the irritating minutiae that always accompany similar debates on actual real-world issues (e.g. yes, but did Newt Gingrich actually present his divorce decree to his wife **in** the hospital? ad nauseum). In a weird sort of way, stepping to the side and looking at ourselves through an oblique metaphor is even more clarifying than trying to do so directly. I for one am glad the mods have elected to leave the thread right where it is. It’s silly, but at the same time it’s deadly serious. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-the-hell-is-this-doing-in-gd/309414.md?page=2)