# You, sir. Yes, you! Are a partisan asshole. **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [August 6, 2011, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780 "2011-08-06T23:10:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![ladyfoxfyre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/ad7895/32.png) [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/81 "2011-08-07T22:57:51Z")
My personal vote for most disgusting partisanship has to be **ralph124c** ’s[Did Obama cause the 31 US Seal Team 6 Deaths?](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=619366) ETA: He shockingly concludes that yes, it is Obama’s fault. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 11:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/82 "2011-08-07T23:57:32Z")
> [@Miller](#): > > You called me out first, dickhead. **You single me out by name, insult me,** and when I respond, you, with deliberate dishonesty, try to paint yourself as the innocent victim. > > You are a duplicitous coward. > [@Miller](#): > > You started treating me, after I’d made every effort to be friendly to you, exactly the way **assholes like Elv1sLives** were treating you. And when I protested about it, you shifted the blame to other people. It’s not _your_ fault you treat people who’ve tried to be friendly to you like shit. You were forced to by those evil liberals! … > This is why you’re a shitty person. \*\*As useless as he is as a poster, at least **El1vs** never pretended to be friendly to any of the people he attacked. \*\* Bolding added to demonstrate the “interesting” contrast there, and the resulting credibility of its context. :rolleyes:’ Now do please start to try to be at least one little bit better than **SA**. The evidence so far is against you. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [August 7, 2011, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/83 "2011-08-07T23:59:06Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Can you name a significant issue that I have been “ambiguous” about? No. Dismissive, strawmannish, false-equivalencing, yes, constantly. But ambiguous? No. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/84 "2011-08-08T00:00:07Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Bolding added to demonstrate the “interesting” contrast there, and the resulting credibility of its context. :rolleyes:’ > > Now do please start to try to be at least one little bit better than **SA**. The evidence so far is against you. You’re an idiot if you think what you bolded is what **Miller** is calling **SA** on. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/85 "2011-08-08T00:11:35Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > No. Dismissive, strawmannish, false-equivalencing, yes, constantly. But ambiguous? No. Don’t take this personally, but no one around here cares what you think. I will give you credit, in an ironic sort of way, for showing up in a thread like this. ---
**Author:** ![Jonathan\_Chance](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jonathan_chance/32/701_2.png) [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/86 "2011-08-08T00:17:57Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Under which party did you run? I seem to remember you as a pretty libertarian-type guy back in the day, but then you disappeared for awhile and you don’t seem to be so much in that category any more. But I could be wrong. > > How’s that for some “ambiguous muttering”? 🙂 And I continue to be a pretty libertarian. But it’s a false equivalency to say that libertarianism equals conservatism. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/87 "2011-08-08T00:19:22Z")
> [@Bosstone](#): > > You’re an idiot if you think what you bolded is what **Miller** is calling **SA** on. You’re an idiot if that’s what you think I"m calling \*\*Miller \*\*on. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/88 "2011-08-08T00:21:54Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Don’t take this personally, but no one around here cares what you think. Compared to _you_? :dubious: > [@](#): > > I will give you credit, in an ironic sort of way, for showing up in a thread like this. I was named first. Now, how about going back to your “I’m proud to be above all you grubby, compromised _participants_ who somehow think any of it matters” act? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/89 "2011-08-08T00:24:27Z")
> [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](#): > > Most of the politicians do. In fact, there aren’t really _any_ noteworthy congressional republicans that aren’t either on or more insane than the party line. Or am I wrong? Now, that all conservatives don’t toe said party line… Yes, I suppose that’s true. But I still question the wisdom of those who vote for those who do. So, you are just talking about politicians here, and not all conservatives? > [@](#): > > Perhaps I was a little bit harsh… Or a lot. If nothing else, not all of those who hold conservative views are Republicans. > [@mhendo](#): > > Well, obviously only you know why you do (or don’t do) certain things, but that seems like a pretty piss-poor argument. > > I mean, as far as i know, just about everyone on this message board concedes that the place leans to the left/liberal side politically. It’s not really a secret. So if you hang around here, you are aware of this, and the idea that you would refrain from backing up an argument that you agree with just because of the volume of opposition seems pretty lame. Why stay at all, if that’s the case? Because there are discussions here that don’t involve politics? ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/90 "2011-08-08T00:28:02Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > You’re an idiot if that’s what you think I"m calling \*\*Miller \*\*on. Okay, let’s put it a bit more explicitly: **Miller** is not calling **SA** out for singling out a poster and insulting him. He’s calling **SA** out for doing that _and then_ backpedaling and acting the victim. Insults are not, in themselves, a failing to be avoided. Dumbass. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/91 "2011-08-08T00:32:59Z")
> [@Jonathan\_Chance](#): > > And I continue to be a pretty libertarian. But it’s a false equivalency to say that libertarianism equals conservatism. OK. At least my memory isn’t completely wrecked. I have to say that there are fewer and fewer Republicans these days who even rate as libertarian on the economic side of things. Too many corporate and anti-science types. As a libertarian leaning person, it’s much easier voting for Democrats than Republicans these days. The Democrats still like to try and manage the economy more than I would like, but they pretty much support the same time of trade policies that the Republicans do, even if they’re rhetoric is sometimes more populist. In CA, the Republicans dumped Tom Campbell in the last primary for Senator in favor of Carly Fiorina. :rolleyes: That was a like a slap in the face to someone like me. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/92 "2011-08-08T00:38:18Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Compared to _you_? :dubious: Yes. Compared to me. Modesty prevents me from quantifying that. You would do yourself a favor by listening to some advise from those on the same political side as you. ---
**Author:** ![El\_Kabong](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/el_kabong/32/496_2.png) [@El\_Kabong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Kabong)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/93 "2011-08-08T00:52:42Z")
[Quote=Elucidator] What chaps my hide about that is the self-serving presumption that since partisans are stupid, non-partisans must be somehow smarter. I offer the alternative suggestions that perhaps they just don’t give a rats, or can’t make up their minds. Hell, I can see both sides of the issues just as well, I’ve made a choice, and I’m going to pull on this end of the rope. And smug non-partisans can lead, follow, or get out of the way. [/Quote] In my opinion, you are completely misstating the position of non-partisans. I prefer to consider myself non-partisan, even though I routinely vote Democrat when it comes to elections. I don’t think I’m smarter than anyone else for that; hell, I’m probably dumber than most when it comes to politics. But Jeasus peasus, I am goddam sick and tired of the same few posters on this board endlessly pissing on my leg and telling me it’s raining. When one chooses to post to this board more or less exclusively on politics, and when one resolutely refuses to accept the pointing out of potential errors in one’s statements, as many of these tinpot poltical shills do, then frankly one is being an asshole. As for the second paragraph, what the hell does that even mean? My vote counts the same as yours, sunshine. I’ll grant you’re certainly good at the one-liner, but your tedious smugness, **Elucidator** , frankly does you no favors.\* I am of course certain that you will reply to this, if at all, with a snide, dismissive, passive-aggressive one-liner. Well, the floor is yours; have at it. Hope it’s a good one. \*Work with me here, folks; next time **Starving Artist** runs his line of bullshit that he’s being singled out unfairly, you can point to this post. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/94 "2011-08-08T01:02:02Z")
> [@John\_Mace](#): > > Yes. Compared to me. Modesty prevents me from quantifying that. As well as the complete lack of supporting facts. And there’s that irresponsible dismissiveness and strawmannishness of yours _yet again_. Schmuck. > [@Bosstone](#): > > **Miller** is not calling **SA** out for singling out a poster and insulting him. He’s calling **SA** out for doing that _and then_ backpedaling and acting the victim. Either you really are too dumb to get it, or you’re too cowardly to admit you didn’t. Schmuck either way; pick one. > [@elucidator](#): > > What chaps my hide about that is the self-serving presumption that since partisans are stupid, non-partisans must be somehow smarter. I offer the alternative suggestions that perhaps they just don’t give a rats, or can’t make up their minds. I offer another alternative, one which I think the evidence usually better supports - that they lack the courage and responsibility to act on a conclusion, and therefore avoid stating or, sometimes, even reaching one. ---
**Author:** ![mhendo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mhendo/32/3159_2.png) [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/95 "2011-08-08T01:04:41Z")
> [@curlcoat](#): > > Because there are discussions here that don’t involve politics? Sure, but i think it’s reasonable, in the context of this discussion, to assume that those taking part are precisely the sort of people who are interested in political discussions. I’m sure that even **Starving Artist** is capable of making a non-stupid post in a thread titled “What is your favorite movie?” or “Tell us what you cooked for dinner last night,” but it’s precisely political debates that we are talking about here. In his post, **the lone cashew** specifically said that one reasons that conservatives might not come to **Starving Artist** ’s aid is that “since the board is so heavy on the opposition, some of us deem it hopeless to try to put our two cents in.” But there are plenty of conservatives who do, in fact,“put their two cents in” in GD threads; they just don’t generally do it in support of **Starving Artist** ’s contributions. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Mace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/john_mace/32/185_2.png) [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/96 "2011-08-08T01:08:46Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > As well as the complete lack of supporting facts. And there’s that irresponsible dismissiveness and strawmannishness of yours _yet again_. Schmuck. Schmuck? Funny, you don’t look Jewish. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/97 "2011-08-08T01:26:22Z")
> [@El\_Kabong](#): > > …I am of course certain that you will reply to this, if at all, with a snide, dismissive, passive-aggressive one-liner… I regret that I must disappoint. My best to you and yours, as always. With deep and abiding respect, your pal, **e.** ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/98 "2011-08-08T01:26:48Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Either you really are too dumb to get it, or you’re too cowardly to admit you didn’t. Schmuck either way; pick one. Nuh-uh, _you_ are. Pff. I said my piece. If **Miller** wants to try beating his head against this wall, he’s welcome to. ---
**Author:** ![curlcoat](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/ea5d25/32.png) [@curlcoat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/curlcoat)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/99 "2011-08-08T02:28:12Z")
> [@mhendo](#): > > In his post, **the lone cashew** specifically said that one reasons that conservatives might not come to **Starving Artist** ’s aid is that “since the board is so heavy on the opposition, some of us deem it hopeless to try to put our two cents in.” But there are plenty of conservatives who do, in fact,“put their two cents in” in GD threads; they just don’t generally do it in support of **Starving Artist** ’s contributions. Ah. The problem here is I don’t tend to read any of the GD threads so I don’t know that. However, I don’t tend to come to **Starving Artist** ’s defense because of the volume of the prose - I just don’t have enough interest to deal with that. Plus, of the little that I have read, he doesn’t seem to share many of my opinions. Which is kind of my point - being a conservative on some things doesn’t make me a Republican nor in any other box. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [August 8, 2011, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780/100 "2011-08-08T02:34:01Z")
Apparently I’m the third person who thinks we need to take some time out from the Starving Artist Show and Aftermath to impugn ralph124c for [this thread](http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?p=14111311). **SA** , here’s your chance to redeem yourself (at least a little). What do you think of his post? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-sir-yes-you-are-a-partisan-asshole/591780.md?page=6)