Using another's name to prove a point March 1, 2006 7:40 PM   Subscribe

This post is unrepentantly awful. Oh so brave internet crusading aside, is using another Mefi member (let alone four of them) to prove a point going to be allowed in FPP's now?
posted by Cyrano to Bugs at 7:40 PM (79 comments total)

I think (hope?) its just a matter of Matt not being around while orthogonality is taking a dump on the front page.
posted by vacapinta at 7:44 PM on March 1, 2006


worst post ever


posted by Dreamghost at 7:45 PM on March 1, 2006


Yeah, lame. I deleted it immediately when I saw it, then saw he was using them as "jews" and left it up, but it's pretty stupid and the comments are all kind of pointless.

Also, ornithogonally, your email is bouncing, or you would have gotten it from me when you first posted it.
posted by mathowie (staff) at 7:45 PM on March 1, 2006


I didn't really think you (or Jess) would let it stand, Matt. That was just my framing of the thing.

But thanks for the good call.
posted by Cyrano at 7:51 PM on March 1, 2006


Now can we address thirteenkiller's self-respect issues?
posted by Astro Zombie at 7:53 PM on March 1, 2006


BTW if you replaced names of Metafilter members with famous people like, say, Woody Allen, Barry Manilow, Lou Reed, Boris Becker and Richard Feynman, the post would have been just dandy.
posted by Jimbob at 7:57 PM on March 1, 2006


I've been stuck in a mild logic loop over that post. Did it self-Godwinize or not?
posted by loquacious at 7:58 PM on March 1, 2006


mathowie, you should delete dreamghost's post right there. It was a joke. Heh.
posted by Azhruwi at 8:10 PM on March 1, 2006


Astro Zombie: I believe that we settled on the fact she does not have self-respect but does like his balls, though she will only admit to the latter.

Also, what the hell was that thread all about. [ins jewish user] [ins link about Falwell] [ins jewish user] [ins another link].
posted by rob paxon at 8:12 PM on March 1, 2006


ornithogonally

I love this, and if I were inclined to want a sock-puppet, would totally use it to personify the anti-wonderchicken.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 8:13 PM on March 1, 2006


I do wonder why Azhruwi's comment was singled out for being deleted when half of the comments in that thread were noise. His persecution complex doesn't need feeding.
posted by rob paxon at 8:14 PM on March 1, 2006


Jimbob writes "BTW if you replaced names of Metafilter members with famous people like, say, Woody Allen, Barry Manilow, Lou Reed, Boris Becker and Richard Feynman, the post would have been just dandy."


Yeah, but those are celebrities -- I was trying to make the point that when Fakwell say that Jews don't go to Heaven, he's disparaging saying our friends and family -- people we know and care about, not people we read about in People Magazine.

Falwell and others of his ilk are saying that ParisParamus and OmieWise and Asparagirl and Amberglow just aren't really quite as human as Christians, not quite as worthy of justice, as, after all, the Big Judge Himself is going to punish them with eternal hellfire. That's dangerous and obscene, and yes, it's about the people we know, the people we interact with, here and elsewhere, in a much more important way that it's about Woody Allen. It's these people, not Boris Becker are endangered by Falwellian rhetoric.

It's not, as Matt put it, a "call out" of other members, but a reminder that its those real people who are threatened by Falwell's rabble-rousing and scapegoating.

And did anyone read the penultimate link -- from the comments, I guess not -- this was occasioned by Falwell's recent reversal. He know (oh so charitably) concedes that it might be possible for a Jew to get into Heaven and that it might not be necessary to convert the Jews to Christ worship.

Which is mighty big of Jerry of course.

I'd hoped we could have a discussion about the possible reasons for, implications of, Falwell's reversal, for the Religious Right, for Jews, and for America.
posted by orthogonality at 8:17 PM on March 1, 2006


Yeah. That'd go well.
posted by cribcage at 8:25 PM on March 1, 2006


There is no heaven.

Discuss.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 8:28 PM on March 1, 2006


It's not, as Matt put it, a "call out" of other members, but a reminder that its those real people who are threatened by Falwell's rabble-rousing and scapegoating.

Ok, let's be fair. I've been lurking around here since Cat Scans were on the front page. I can't remember any post that used other members to make its point so overtly (yeah, there's baiting sometimes and it totally blows, and ignoring for the moment that posts just To Make A Point don't really work with the whole Best of the Web thing [which I know is in and of itself a debatable point, but carrying on...]) Your point is valid; your presentation sucks. And please don't go thinking you're a gadfly or anything.

But you knew this post would lead to a callout. You fucking knew it. I don't know you, I don't know your name and I can't even email you to ask, so I won't call you a liar, but you knew it.

You feel the need to post something like this in the future, maybe you should go here.
posted by Cyrano at 8:32 PM on March 1, 2006


Is it really that outrageous for a Christian to think Jews don't go to Heaven? You know, the whole Jesus thing seems to play into this.

If you are a Jew and believe you are going to Heaven, what do you care what an obviously bigoted, windbag, laughingstock Christian thinks. He (mis)represents a different religion. However, AFAIK most/many Christian sects believe only Christians go to Heaven. Them's the breaks.

As far as possible implications go, I don't think that Jews generally are particularly fond of the religious right to begin with. I sure wouldn't be if I were a Jew just as I currently am as a ... nothing.

At any rate it seemed very peculiar to me, and apparently a lot of others, how the usernames were worked into it. I didn't find the topic noteworthy to begin with though so what do I know.
posted by rob paxon at 8:37 PM on March 1, 2006


Cyrano: Are you suggesting that he join a soapbox derby?
posted by rob paxon at 8:40 PM on March 1, 2006


Interesting choice of MeFites. I can't wait to see what they have to say.
posted by amro at 8:40 PM on March 1, 2006


Yeah, but those are celebrities -- I was trying to make the point that when Fakwell say that Jews don't go to Heaven, he's disparaging saying our friends and family -- people we know and care about, not people we read about in People Magazine.

Do we really need to have a dialog here at that level? It really disturbs me to have members singled out even for such a self-proclaimed lofty goal.

Did you ask them if they wanted to be singled out? I ask because if you had included me in, say, a post about anti-mexican-american legislation, I would have emailed Matt and aks that it be immediately taken down.
posted by vacapinta at 8:40 PM on March 1, 2006


However, AFAIK most/many Christian sects believe only Christians go to Heaven. Them's the breaks.

Yet, I've met many Christians who believe other Christian sects aren't going to Heaven. Go figure.
posted by jmd82 at 8:42 PM on March 1, 2006


That's what keeps it interesting jmd82... something to keep track of.
posted by rob paxon at 8:46 PM on March 1, 2006


I'm planning on going to Cat Heaven myself.

Fluffy pillows, plenty of treats and toys . . . milk to die for, and you get to sleep all you want. What's not to like?
posted by yhbc at 8:47 PM on March 1, 2006


Are you suggesting that he join a soapbox derby?

Heh. Reminded me of Jimmy Gronen for some reason (go down to the "Scandals" part.) I saw a documentary about that once, a looong time ago.
posted by Cyrano at 8:48 PM on March 1, 2006


Excellent. I've been meaning to make a list of Known Jews & Jew Sympathizers on MeFi and this gives me a great headstart.

/returns to whittling swastikas with a pen-knife
posted by evariste at 8:50 PM on March 1, 2006


Well, it's not like any of us 4 are in any way ashamed of being Jewish at all. I'm ok with it.

and AstroZombie wins: Of course, in posting my preceding comment in the context of this FPP, I feel a little bit like I'm chasing after a cattle car shouting "Wait for me, wait for me!"

oh no, you didn't! ; >
posted by amberglow at 8:50 PM on March 1, 2006


evariste=zombie Nixon?
posted by amberglow at 8:53 PM on March 1, 2006


I'd hoped we could have a discussion about the possible reasons for, implications of, Falwell's reversal, for the Religious Right, for Jews, and for America.

Well, they are trying to get some fundies into the Knesset i hear. (it makes that whole Rapture thing happen faster or something)
posted by amberglow at 8:56 PM on March 1, 2006


Matt: his name is orthogonality, not ornithology
posted by scarabic at 9:11 PM on March 1, 2006


people we know and care about

I see your intent, but don't lead with ParisParamus next time.
posted by scarabic at 9:11 PM on March 1, 2006


I see your intent, but don't lead with ParisParamus next time.

Zow.

By the way, Jews don't usually think they're going to heaven, because the Jewish idea of the afterlife is so ill-formed and murky that it's just bewildering to think about. We think there is something after we die, and suspect we may be going (along with the righteous off all nations), but beyond that it gets a little off.

My favorite Jewish conception of heaven is that god puts our sould in some sort of slingshot and spins it so that our sins fly right out of us. I've been on almost exactly that rise at Valleyfair.
posted by Astro Zombie at 9:19 PM on March 1, 2006


Ride, rather.
posted by Astro Zombie at 9:19 PM on March 1, 2006


orthogonality is zombie Charlie Parker?
posted by bardic at 9:32 PM on March 1, 2006


Yeah, admittance to heaven is a dubious offering for a Xtian to make to someone of different beliefs. But it's nice to know if someone thinks you're going to hell.
posted by scarabic at 10:06 PM on March 1, 2006


Waitwaitwait, hold up, time out:

Woody Allen's Jewish?
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 10:08 PM on March 1, 2006


I think it is a bit rude to use other members like that.
posted by caddis at 10:14 PM on March 1, 2006


God might not answer Asparagirl's prayers.

Mean. Meeeeeaaaan!

*bursts into tears*



Okay, not really.



I think you meant well, ortho, but please try to keep in mind how a post phrased like that will not just paste recognizable faces in a hyperbolic crosshairs for other people's (supposed) benefit, but how it will also affect the actual people you choose to call out. Seeing one's name in lights like that, just when one is settling in for a quick check of the ole Internet before getting into bed, mug of hot rooibos and garden catalog at the ready, does tend to give one a unwanted jolt.

But for a nice mental exercise, would you like to rework the post to be about Muslim fundamentalism instead of Christian fundamentalism? Because while Falwell's particular flavor of religious asshattery is brazenly silly and certainly something to keep an eye on, I can honestly say that Bin Laden's flavor has had a much more direct and profound impact on my life, personally. We're talking everything from what my wedding was like to my becoming more actively feminist to my future life plans--deep, basic questions about identity, security, faith, and so on. The most Falwell and the Christian Right have managed to provoke from me--so far, anyway--have been eyerolls, groans, and exteme annoyance at how they've first co-opted and then nosedived my chosen political party.

But I would never expect you to write a post about that. After all, we're those recognizable faces you can borrow, the cute poster children, but I think the poster campaign is still specifically yours, not our own.
posted by Asparagirl at 10:27 PM on March 1, 2006


oy
posted by scarabic at 10:32 PM on March 1, 2006


All else aside, it's a bit confusing for anyone who doesn't know off hand that they're jewish. Without that bit of information clicking immediately, I was left to wonder just what the hell you were doing naming names.
posted by cortex at 10:33 PM on March 1, 2006


whoa whoa whoa...Jews post on here?

*deletes work-in-progress post about the best comments on stormfront.org message boards*
posted by Falconetti at 10:55 PM on March 1, 2006


PP is a jew? that explains everything.
posted by puke & cry at 10:58 PM on March 1, 2006


Eh?

Prophecy fortells that the Antichrist will claim to be Christ returned, and many will believe him. Christ was Jewish. Therefore, some believe that the Antichrist will also come as a Jew, in order to better convince people of his Christlike nature.

Great, now he knows we're on to his scheme. Bugger will show up as something else now instead.
posted by five fresh fish at 11:14 PM on March 1, 2006


Well, there goes my theory that Mel Gibson is the antichrist.
posted by Astro Zombie at 11:17 PM on March 1, 2006


Personally, I'm going for complete annihilation. I've had enough religion to last a lifetime.
posted by five fresh fish at 11:18 PM on March 1, 2006


Well, two of the four names mentioned are notable mefite conservatives, so I assumed thats what the post was about. I had no idea it was about jews untill orthogonality's comment
posted by delmoi at 11:34 PM on March 1, 2006


When you die, if you get a choice between going to regular heaven or pie heaven, choose pie heaven. It might be a trick, but if it's not, mmmmmmm, boy.
posted by blue_beetle at 11:42 PM on March 1, 2006


Piescal's Wager.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 12:01 AM on March 2, 2006


The most Falwell and the Christian Right have managed to provoke from me--so far, anyway--have been eyerolls, groans, and exteme annoyance at how they've first co-opted and then nosedived my chosen political party

I know what you mean: old Jerry, may G-d bless his fat-clogged arteries, doesn't try to blow American synagogues up (at least that we know of). but A-Girl, I think you're massively underestimating the damage that people like Falwell (and their sweet, sweet cash) are doing to Israel, actively pushing the State towards more chaos, not towards peace, all in the name of a forthcoming Armageddon.
to a rational non-believer in Christ -- and especially to a Jew -- the fundy Protestant's faith looks indeed quite zany, but the Falwells effect on Israeli politics is appalling and very, very real

the Falwells of this world need Israel as a battleground, and they'd just love to ignite that final war. non-Israeli Jews who underestimate that make, in my view, a terrible mistake

"with friends like these" and all that, Asparagirl.
posted by matteo at 12:19 AM on March 2, 2006


All else aside, it's a bit confusing for anyone who doesn't know off hand that they're jewish.

Er, yeah. How does orthogonality even know? I use the plain theme - are there yellow stars next to Jewish user names in the blue/grey/green or something? And does that mean that Stan Chin is Jewish?
posted by jack_mo at 2:33 AM on March 2, 2006


Dude, didn't you know, we're all Jews now.
posted by Jimbob at 2:45 AM on March 2, 2006


Umm I seem to recall this use of MeFite [pronounced Meh-Fight] name(s) in a post came up last year orthogonality and I am confident you will remember that it didn't go over too well.

In a general sense too I wonder what it is about a bulletin board style site that is inadequate for some people. Most members present links and information and let the readership process it. For some people however, the message must first be smeared in pig's offal, tied to a brick and slung in through through the window. That's not some cool permutation of the art of rhetoric. That's just fucking rude.
posted by peacay at 3:20 AM on March 2, 2006


Yeah, why couldn't it have been "Jerry Falwell changes his mind about jews going to heaven?" It still would have been a crappy, probably volatile post, but it wouldn't have been deleted. Yet another example of how a person's style overruled any substance, and ruined the post.
posted by crunchland at 5:05 AM on March 2, 2006


Not in it, voted 1.
posted by Optimus Chyme at 5:20 AM on March 2, 2006


I guess I feel the need to qualify something: I am not a Jew. I'm not ashamed of not being Jewish, I'm ok with it.

There might be some confusion because I've made some posts on what might be termed Jewish themes, and because I've argued vociferously with a few other users who seem to have had problems recognizing that not all posts on Jewish issues need to be enlightened with arguments against Zionism. In such arguments, and because I have found it to be precisely beside the point, I've refrained from talking either about my own cultural background or politics. In that sense, I liked the post.

amberglow? Now he's a Jew!
posted by OmieWise at 5:24 AM on March 2, 2006


I was so hoping OmieWise was Jewish so that he could marry my sister. In any event, these "Guess what wacky shit Christians are saying now?!" posts don't go well here, and when they're couched in subtlety (even well-meant subtlety), even less so. Orthogonality is often fighting the good fight, but every so often he's just on a cranky tear, and sometimes it's tough to figure out which one.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 6:06 AM on March 2, 2006


But you knew this post would lead to a callout. You fucking knew it. I don't know you, I don't know your name and I can't even email you to ask, so I won't call you a liar, but you knew it.

I'll wager he truly did *not* know it. Since you are unfamiliar with our friend orthogonality, perhaps I can save you some confusion and outrage down the road. You see when Jehovah was handing out [...self-censored...].


So, who here likes latkes?
posted by If I Had An Anus at 6:11 AM on March 2, 2006


I guess I feel the need to qualify something: I am not a Jew.

You can still come to seder. You just can't lead it this year.
posted by kosem at 6:15 AM on March 2, 2006


Look, I can convert. If it's really important, I can convert.

(kosem-Save some brisket for me.)
posted by OmieWise at 6:23 AM on March 2, 2006


mmm... latkes.
posted by raedyn at 6:28 AM on March 2, 2006


lol brisket
posted by thirteenkiller at 6:35 AM on March 2, 2006



posted by mr_crash_davis at 6:46 AM on March 2, 2006


Move over Oolong, hello Latke Kitty.
posted by If I Had An Anus at 6:56 AM on March 2, 2006


I'm a knish man, myself.
posted by Astro Zombie at 7:15 AM on March 2, 2006


Since you are unfamiliar with our friend orthogonality, perhaps I can save you some confusion and outrage down the road.

I'm plenty familiar, thanks, but that did come out way more asshole-ish than I had intended (although I still stand by the point.) Apologies to ortho for that.
posted by Cyrano at 7:46 AM on March 2, 2006


Oh, *that* name. Apologies to you then.
posted by If I Had An Anus at 8:05 AM on March 2, 2006


Just load the charoset into this bag and nobody gets hurt.

You, schmuck—put down the lambshank and sit down. Nobody likes a hero.
posted by cortex at 8:13 AM on March 2, 2006


amberglow? Now he's a Jew!
just a mensch, really. ; >

And i disagree, Aspara: Falwell, Dobson, Robertson and their followers are very much a gigantic threat and influence on our lives here in the US, as Americans--and as Jews. They're trying to create a Christian theocracy here, and succeeding in many ways. They're affecting our lives from what laws are passed to what policies our government pushes and funds, to what rights we are allowed to retain or lose, or never get. Our relatives would not have come to America if it was now, given what's going on, and the power they wield.
posted by amberglow at 8:14 AM on March 2, 2006


Don't worry, Amber ... At least one of them is getting his due.

Robertson, 75, a longtime member of the [National Religious Broadcasters]'s board of directors, failed to win reelection despite good odds: He was one of about 36 candidates running for 33 seats...
posted by crunchland at 8:21 AM on March 2, 2006


Falwell and others of his ilk are saying that ParisParamus and OmieWise and Asparagirl and Amberglow just aren't really quite as human as Christians, not quite as worthy of justice, as, after all, the Big Judge Himself is going to punish them with eternal hellfire.


Last time I checked all non-Christians were destined to fry in the great lake wasabi according to this particular fairytale. Focusing in on Jews is just plain dishonest in the "OMG, TEH NAZIS" sense. This post was just more Godwin ridiculousness, glad it got deleted.

As a parenthetical, I'm offended by the notion that it's OK, even commendable, to believe in stupid shit as long as your stupid shit is all inclusive. Regardless of what Christians say "god' says about the Jews, they're just pulling shit out their ass, and need to be opposed on that basis.
posted by dgaicun at 8:24 AM on March 2, 2006


I'm disappointed that you're not Jewish, Omie--i shouldn't be, but i always thought you were, too. I guess for that alone the post shouldn't have been made.

(how are you at turning on lights, and lighting stoves, Omie--we could use a shabbas goy) ; >
posted by amberglow at 8:32 AM on March 2, 2006


Aspara, Alito sending Dobson a thank-you is all that needs to be said: ... As long as I serve on the Supreme Court, I will keep in mind the trust that has been placed in me. ...
posted by amberglow at 8:34 AM on March 2, 2006


amberglow writes "(how are you at turning on lights, and lighting stoves, Omie--we could use a shabbas goy) ; >"

The confusion probably comes from just how familiar I am with that role. Call me anytime!
posted by OmieWise at 8:54 AM on March 2, 2006


This discussion reminds me of the Hanukkah song:

Put on your yalmulka, here comes Hanukkah
Its so much fun-akkah to celebrate Hanukkah,

Hanukkah is the Festival of Lights,
Instead of one day of presents, we have eight crazy nights.

When you feel like the only kid in town without a Xmas tree,
Heres a list of people who are Jewish, just like you and me:

David Lee Roth lights the menorrah,
So do James Caan, Kirk Douglas, and the late Dinah Shore-ah

Guess who eats together at the Carnegie Deli,
Bowzer from Sha-na-na, and Arthur Fonzerrelli.

Paul Newman's half Jewish; Goldie Hawn's half too,
Put them together--what a fine lookin' Jew!

You dont need Deck the Halls or Jingle Bell Rock
Cause you can spin the dreidel with Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock--both Jewish!

Put on your yalmulka, its time for Hanukkah,
The owner of the Seattle Supersonic-ahs celebrates Hanukkah.

O.J. Simpson-- not a Jew!
But guess who is...Hall of Famer--Rod Carew--(he converted!)

We got Ann Landers and her sister Dear Abby,
Harrison Fords a quarter Jewish--not too shabby!

Some people think that Ebeneezer Scrooge is,
Well, hes not, but guess who is: All three stooges.

So many Jews are in show biz--
Tom Cruise isn't, but I heard his agent is.

Tell your friend Veronica, its time you celebrate Hanukkah
I hope I get a harmonica, on this lovely, lovely Hanukkah.

So drink your gin-and-tonic-ah, and smoke your marajuanic-ah,
If you really, reallywanna-kah, Have a happy, happy, happy, happy Hanukkah.

posted by caddis at 9:33 AM on March 2, 2006


Considering the season, we really need a Passover song. Beyong Dayenu, I mean.

Dai dai yenu, dai dai yenu
Dai dai yenu
Dayenu dayenu!
posted by Astro Zombie at 10:12 AM on March 2, 2006


Beyond, rather.

Did MetaFilter go down for a little while, or was it just my computer. Did I break teh internets?
posted by Astro Zombie at 10:31 AM on March 2, 2006


elu, hotzi, hotzi anu...
posted by amberglow at 11:15 AM on March 2, 2006


*gets naked, slathers body in used motor oil, starts humping on a shopping cart with a pnumatic grinder and singing Halber Mensch*
posted by loquacious at 2:57 PM on March 2, 2006


'Jews go to heaven? I never said that' --
"In yesterday's Jerusalem Post, Ilan Chaim reported that Jerry Falwell had finally relented and was willing to concede that Jews can get to heaven via a 'dual covenant' with God.

Falwell immediately denied the allegation."
posted by ericb at 8:41 PM on March 2, 2006


Falwell is going to have a much tougher time getting into heaven than anyone listed in orthogonality's post, but erhaps he won't care as Lucifer has an executive suite prepared and waiting for him.
posted by caddis at 7:01 AM on March 3, 2006


"Falwell immediately denied the allegation."

Priceless.
posted by raedyn at 4:43 PM on March 5, 2006


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