Comments by Quetzalcoatl

2301. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188624 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 9:29 am

Appleby-

I've got to go now, but I'll be back in a few hours. Perhaps you can answer comment 1015 in the meantime? I've only asked about thirty-five times now!

2302. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188609 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 8:52 am

Steveroot-

good joke. :)

Appleby-

still waiting.

2303. Is Science Killing the Soul?

Comment #188601 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 8:42 am

Artful-

All he did was take a very long time to say that substance dualism is obsolete. This, in fact, turns out to be very far from being the case

See comment 35.

2304. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188584 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 8:11 am

Appleby-

What's your answer to comment 1015? Do you condone rape? Yes or no and why?

2305. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188572 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 8:01 am

irate_atheist-

I'm getting there.

Appleby-

still waiting for you to point out my mistake.....

2306. Is Science Killing the Soul?

Comment #188568 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 7:57 am

Artful_Dodger-

to make things even easier for you, here is a link to my last post in the discussion we were having.

http://richarddawkins.net/articleComments,2581,The-Dissent-Of-Darwin---The-World-Of-Richard-Dawkins,Jaron-Lanier,page1#180560

I look forward to continuing the discussion- whenever you're ready...

2307. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188561 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 7:52 am

Appleby-

And you'll keep waiting

Pathetic. I've caught you out, and you know it. If I haven't, and I'm missing the really obvious flaw in my argument, then this is a great time for you to point it out to me.

How about anyone else? Have I gone wrong somewhere?

2308. Is Science Killing the Soul?

Comment #188557 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 7:50 am

Artful_Dodger-

if you're looking for an answer, why are you so unwilling to continue the dualism discussion we were having? Hmmm?

2309. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188553 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 7:48 am

Appleby-

I'm still waiting.....

2310. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188545 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 7:39 am

No, I'm not splitting hairs, Appleby, I'm merely assessing your own arguments. If moral or ethical bases are unsuitable for basing laws on, and consent is a moral/ethical question, then surely it cannot be used as an argument against rape? You have claimed that ethics and morals are inappropriate for judging bestiality, while the scientific method should apply to both bestiality and human sex. Why should ethical bases be appropriate for forbidding rape of a woman if they are not appropriate for forbidding the rape of a cat or a dog or a sheep? Do you therefore condone rape, Appleby? If you don't, what makes it different that you oppose it?

2311. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188537 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 7:30 am

Appleby-

What if I don't condone homosexuality. Got a problem with that?

Don't dodge the question, Appleby. This is what you said:

Valid according to the scientific methodology. Not ethics or some other ambiguous shit you are trying to base laws on

By this logic raping a woman is acceptable, since the issue of consent is an ethical thing, not a consequence of any scientific methodology. Do you therefore condone rape, Appleby? If not, why?

2312. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188530 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 7:26 am

Appleby-

do you condone rape? Yes or no? (Comment 983).

2313. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188512 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 7:03 am

Appleby-

Valid according to the scientific methodology. Not ethics or some other ambiguous shit you are trying to base laws on

By this logic rape is acceptable, since the issue of consent is an ethical thing, not a consequence of any scientific methodology. Do you therefore condone rape, Appleby? If not, why?

2314. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188495 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 6:52 am

al-rawandi-

if it makes you feel any better about him, I'm told Appleby spends a lot of time volunteering at his local animal shelter.

2315. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188485 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 6:34 am

Steve-

I think it can be made less problematic by saying that animals should not be exploited for entertainment while they are alive

Wouldn't it need qualification on what was meant by "entertainment", since obviously things like greyhound or horse racing are examples of entertainment that aren't necessarily exploitative. (Sorry to nitpick).

2316. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188480 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 6:27 am

Al-Rawandi-

thank goodness you're back. In your absence Appleby has already made a pass at me. Now that you've returned, he can focus his attention back on you, the main object of his affection!

2317. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188442 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 5:28 am

Appleby-

I'm afraid the consent argument is invalid. Haven't you been following this thread?

Just constantly repeating the claim that it is invalid doesn't make said claim true.

2318. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #188434 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 5:20 am

Txpiper-

I'm sure this will make virtually no difference, but there is a fascinating article in New Scientist today which demonstrates evolution in action: http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn14053-zombie-caterpillars-controlled-by-voodoo-wasps.html

Essentially these parasitic wasps lay eggs inside caterpillars, which then hatch and feed off the caterpillar's internal fluids. Once they reach the cocoon stage they leave and build cocoons nearby. However, some of the larvae remain in the caterpillar, and appear to control its behaviour, using it to keep guard over the cocoons and protect them from predators.

Now there are two explanations for this. The first is evolution. The second is that, in the few thousands of years since the garden of Eden, the wasps somehow rapidly evolved this behaviour and parasitical lifecycle structure. If you believe the latter, that such rapid evolution can occur, then what's the problem with evolution as a whole?

2319. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188421 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 5:07 am

Philip-

I will use my divine powers to punish anyone who treats a cat in such a fashion!

2320. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188413 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 4:43 am

hungarianelephant-

Or that the flailing claws indicate that she's totally luvvin' it.

That assumes that it's a "She".

2321. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188408 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 4:16 am

Appleby-

At least with bestials, the sex is "straight"

Even with males of the feline/canine/serpentine breed? That doesn't sound right.

(Nor does the whole concept, but even so).

2322. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188405 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 4:07 am

irate_atheist-

perhaps he believes that "Meow" qualifies as consent?

2323. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188387 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 3:19 am

Irate-

excellent!

Philip-

perhaps some of them have escaped into the wild. Or perhaps their influence was not required.....

Vaal-

I thought you only got 72? Or does their virginity somehow magically regenerate after each ploughing?

2324. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188382 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 3:10 am

Appleby-

I didn't even go gay during my brief stint in the porn industry, pal. Do you really think your avatar turns me on?

I sincerely hope it doesn't. Although given your obsession with bestiality, who knows?

And as for your "brief stint" in the porn industry- too many obvious jokes.

2325. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188379 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 3:03 am

Appleby-

Oops. I thought you were a chick.

Yeah. Sure you did.

2326. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188375 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 2:59 am

Philip-

I think it's time for you to call Billy, Appleby's coming onto me now. It's very disquieting.

2327. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188371 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 2:57 am

Appleby-

Well you'll have to get into bed with me for that

Hang on a minute.....I thought you found homosexuality disgusting? In addition, you were coming onto Al-Rawandi a few days ago. I won't be your rebound guy, for the simple reason that I'm not gay and, even if I were, I have standards. I'm flattered you asked, though.

2328. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188365 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 2:48 am

Appleby-

and actually took the time to teach them some useful things where other guys probably wouldn't bother

Such as? I'm sure we're all ears.

Like Philip said, you are not my gift to women.

2329. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188347 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 1:50 am

AllanW-

there is no 188312 on this thread: have you got the number wrong, or has Appleby deleted it?

2330. Lying for Jesus?

Comment #188334 by Quetzalcoatl on June 4, 2008 at 12:51 am

Txpiper-

Besides, albinism is an aberration, whereas what occurs in the cave-isolated animals is an adaptation to that environment. I don't think that the latter is accidental

Of course not. Like you said, it is an adaptation to their environment via natural selection. If anything, it confirms evolution. Good to see you're finally getting it.

2331. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188241 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 12:06 pm

Al-

Colwyn made the joke about tea bags. I didn't actually see your joke- excuse me for not refreshing the page after leaving a comment!

Colwyn-

What exactly are you implying that I've lost? ;)

2332. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188232 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 11:55 am

Colwyn-

Quetz...I'm currently resisting making a teabag reference. You're not helping. ;)

So many jokes, so liitle time :-)

2333. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188227 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 11:49 am

Philip-

Next thing you will be telling me is that you drink from the coffee cup....?

There's a joke here somewhere about dunking.....

2334. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188136 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 8:55 am

Rachel-

She proposed to me on the edge of a cliff, so I felt it would be wise to say "yes".

You weren't hanging over the cliff while she was holding onto your arms, were you?

2335. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188093 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 8:05 am

Epeeist-

he merely justifies it on the basis of his own personal prejudice.

2336. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188041 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 7:08 am

al-rawandi-

Unlike that cat, he better take me to dinner first. If he thinks he can open a can of Whiskis and get me naked, he has another think coming

I applaud your high standards.

2337. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188025 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 6:57 am

Irate-

Plinth

Phew. You are the real Irate. I was getting worried.

Al-

you should be flattered. Appleby finally puts his cat down, and the first guy he sets his eyes on is you.

2338. Mark Steyn vs. the 'Sock Puppets'

Comment #188012 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 6:43 am

Brainsys-

If you disagree and as you know my views better than me - you are still in the best position to respond.

That's not exactly making things clear for Fanusi, is it? Should he guess? Would you criticise him for attacking a strawman in that case?

2339. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188011 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 6:41 am

Irate-

Whoops. My mistake.

Hang on- are you the same Irate? You'll have to prove your identity- what's your favourite word?

2340. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #188007 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 6:37 am

Appleby-

Wow. You were gone for long.

2341. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #187999 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 6:14 am

Appleby-

Homosexuals and I are very different people too.

Yes, most of the homosexuals I know are quite pleasant to talk to and debate with.

2342. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #187966 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 4:57 am

Appleby-

As long as I'm not harming the animal - we do far worse things to animals anyway without their consent - I see no reason not to condone my fucking it (in the privacy of my own bedroom, no less).

Then you and I are very different people.

2343. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #187959 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 4:50 am

Appleby-

The very fact that "consent" is a requirement for sex between *humans* (and this is fair), makes it inapplicable to animals as a basis for inherently forbidding bestiality (animals can't give consent even if they wanted to). So the "consent" argument fails there

It strikes me that the fact that, as you say, animals are incapable of giving consent, is an excellent argument for not fucking them AT ALL. Not to mention all the other obvious arguments against it.

2344. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #187952 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 4:42 am

Appleby-

Hence why it's silly to make consent a criterion for sex with an animal

Are you being deliberately obtuse? Your original question was what is the difference between condoning homosexuality and condoning bestiality. Homosexuality involves two consenting partners, which is a valid basis for condoning it. Since bestiality does not entail an element of consent, you cannot attempt to claim that the two are somehow analogous when they are not.

2345. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #187946 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 4:33 am

Appleby-

How many times do I have to remind everyone about the baselessness of the "consent" argument?

Perhaps when you've shown that it is baseless. When was the last time your cat consented for you to have sex with it?

2346. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #187927 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 4:12 am

Appleby-

Because like AllanW admitted a while ago (and he was right), there is technically no difference between condoning homosexuality and bestiality. Under the banner of personal freedoms and rights, we have to accept both. But we don't quite accept bestiality, do we? I wanted to get to the bottom of that.

I'm not sure if that's quite what he said, but I'll leave that to him.

Anyway: surely the difference is simple- consent.

2347. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #187925 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 4:07 am

Appleby-

Comment #187917 by epeeist

And you should stick to fencing, if you're even any good at that.

Well, he has a few trophies, do they count?

2348. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #187896 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 2:10 am

Baaaaaa!!!

Well, I'm convinced.

2349. Losing Our Spines to Save Our Necks

Comment #187885 by Quetzalcoatl on June 3, 2008 at 1:19 am

lastgreekstanding-

I thought I did quite well

Trust me, you're the only one who thinks that.

(You know, your username "al-rawandi" sounds Arabic, and looks similar to "al-Qaeda". You're not like those "Arab shitholes", are you?)

Wait a second.....there's no hyphen, but al-rawandi sounds quite similar to al-cohol....maybe he's a drunk as well!

2350. Storm erupts over 'virginity' divorce

Comment #187741 by Quetzalcoatl on June 2, 2008 at 1:57 pm

MagratGarlick-

- Well, I'd love to continue this pointless discussion with you blockheads but I'd rather have (vaginal) sex with my girlfriend now. -

Do you want to borrow my footpump? :o)

You deserve a small prize for that!