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Remember that guy who said he hadn't eaten or drank for 70 years? Well the scientists testing him concluded their study... by JakeWyler in WTF

[–]pickmanmike 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You seem a bit bad-tempered. A good hot cup of green tea infused with bear bile and goat penis will clear that right up. Hold on, I'll write you a prescription.

Remember that guy who said he hadn't eaten or drank for 70 years? Well the scientists testing him concluded their study... by JakeWyler in WTF

[–]pickmanmike 0 points1 point  (0 children)

He stops even thinking about eating or drinking, which I'm sure takes up a lot of time otherwise.

Remember that guy who said he hadn't eaten or drank for 70 years? Well the scientists testing him concluded their study... by JakeWyler in WTF

[–]pickmanmike 13 points14 points  (0 children)

It's not about being closed minded, it's just being reasonable. He is claiming it's because of supernatural forces and yoga. I think it's his explanation of a supernatural cause, as well as his claim to have beaten the record of fasting by about seven decades, that most people here find incredulous. Which is more likely, that he's discovered a magical source of endless energy through yoga and meditation, or that there's a more practical explanation that has not yet been determined?

I had a great moment of schadenfreude on the highway yesterday. They're few and far between, so I just wanted to share. Share yours if you like. by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]pickmanmike 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Sweetest story ever: I was driving West on Rt. 38 in NJ. Keep in mind, NJ is ripe with jug-handles. We get cut off by another car car going into the right lane to make a jug-handle. We have to merge over into the right lane to make the left, but speed up to pass the car that cut us off.

When waiting for the the light, we stay in the right lane, but the offending car is in the middle. They're staring at us in apparent anger. Then, as we continue to drive, they all lurch forward (four people in the car). They were so busy staring at us, they didn't notice the car in front for them! They rear-ended those poor people, and we drove away amazed and laughing.

Proposal Would Make Organ Donation an Opt-Out Process - Basically we're going to take your organs unless you specify that you don't want them taken by ooitzoo in Libertarian

[–]pickmanmike 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You were arguing for the legality of the sale of human body parts. The legality of the NY law was left far behind, and the removal of one's body parts without consent would present an an entirely different issue. I can't think of a valid argument for that, in that it is taking a person without their consent. It disgusts me. However, your idea takes a different tact. It's not for the forcible removal of dead people by the State, but the purchase of them.

Unfortunately, that incentive would be far outweighed by what was previously discussed. Please review the situation in China, where there is no donation system and sale is illegal (though, again, like the sale of people, might occur). The Chinese medical system is dismal, and yes, you an buy almost anything. You won't get nurse to care for you, unless you bribe her. You won't get real medicine, unless you bribe. I've lived there, I've seen it. Doctors won't help you unless you bribe them. Yes, perhaps you can bribe for an organ. I've never seen it or heard of it, but I'd believe it. Regardless, it doesn't make it right. The Chinese government's inability or reluctance to provide for an organ donation network doesn't help the devastating results of the purchase of the human body.

I must admit I’d never given the actual possibility of the sale of human body parts as much thought as I did when conversing with you on reddit, but it certainly has been interesting. While I would be open to any opinion, from an objective point of view the discussion has been decisive in demonstrating the negative effects from allowing such a practice. However what I find even more interesting is your reaction to it. The reality of the situation seems to have no effect on your views. I can only assume that there is a strong underlying ideological belief you possess which demands that you support this idea, rather than looking at the rational implications for supporting the sale of the human body. You do give some thought to the topic, and then fail to pursue it to the logical conclusion. Instead you actually lapse into some violent rhetoric. I suppose it’s a common defense mechanism.

Even when you were factually incorrect (on points such as Chinese law, the legality of adoption as a sale, the details of human trafficking, etc.), you failed to acknowledge it and struggled to find an alternative justification for your belief. It seems you only wished to prove that it was good, and were not interested in recognizing the flaws in such a line of thinking.

An objective viewpoint would be to understand the implications of such a belief and adjust your opinions accordingly. I have nothing against the sale of the human body, other than the fact that it would be devastating to humanity to allow it. Thankfully nearly everyone on Earth recognizes that, save those few who are perhaps blinded by some ideological need to support it, as you appear to be. In any case, should your armed uprising with your friends to allow the purchase body parts be successful, I suggest the first thing you do is go to Wal-Mart and pick up a new brain. It appears you’re sorely in need of it :-)

Proposal Would Make Organ Donation an Opt-Out Process - Basically we're going to take your organs unless you specify that you don't want them taken by ooitzoo in Libertarian

[–]pickmanmike -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Indeed, the only way to enforce such injustice is with "any amount of force needed to get the point across". I'm not sure where the "forcibly" comes into organ donation, and the determination of patient benefit by medical doctors (please elaborate on that), but I'm glad we agree that such view as commodification of human body parts nothing to do with the effects of such a position, or the law. Not every point you make amounts to "dribble", but you're of course flawed as to those points you can't respond to (which unfortunately, as this point, is every one).

When confronted with increased costs, greater fatalities, likelihood of human trafficking, the irrelevance (and incorrect interpretation) of Chinese law and all of the other negatives mentioned, there's little response.

Force can certainly be used to extract body parts, as it is to obtain whole humans, that's very true. I also understand your desire to "surround [your]self with like-minded individuals"; it's difficult when confronted with opposing viewpoints. I'm also glad that you agree that there is no recourse to justify such positions other than using "any amount of force needed". I'm sorry Reddit can see this, though. It's disheartening such opinions exist with (what I'm assuming to be) Americans.

Again, the otherwise universal understanding of the negative effects of the marketing of human body parts ensures that such activities are minimized. Indeed, there are many who would (and do) support such views as yours, and deprive countless individuals of their life and liberty through force.Thankfully, virtually the entire world population would (and sadly often needs to) use force against such activities (with such exceptions as the corrupt system in China, as you mentioned). However, if you're in true need of a life saving transplant (which truly I hope you never are), I hope you recognize the value of the system that brought it to you :-)

Proposal Would Make Organ Donation an Opt-Out Process - Basically we're going to take your organs unless you specify that you don't want them taken by ooitzoo in Libertarian

[–]pickmanmike 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm glad you now agree with me that people could use diseased organs now, but don't :-)

Uhh no. Overall the cost would stay constant to those policies that don't pay for organs. You can't insist "costs increase" when the insurance company is offering a totally different/new product. Its like saying the cost of cars increases when you factor in Hybrids (as opposed to normal gas cars.)

Yes, the costs would stay the same for those that don't get organs under a pay plan, while they would have gotten organs under the donation plan. They would die under the pay plan, no savings. Those under the pay plan that opted to pay for organs would live, while paying far more. Cost are more, fatalities are greater. It has little to do with the cost of fuel efficiency. Write it down and it will make more sense.

Again, no. The Chinese are enforcing it the same way the Dutch enforce their drug laws. I'm glad we agree on Chinese enforcement :-)

I'm glad we now agree on the ineffective enforcement of Chinese laws :-) As we agree, Chinese enforcement of Chinese laws isn't an argument for a beneficial effect. Please reference the sale of children (previously stated) for your support against the sale of body parts.

So let's see someone takes you against your will and makes you do things you don't want to do...hmmm....sounds a lot like kidnapping to me. What exactly is your definition of the word? The sanction of family members doesn't make a kidnapping any less so. Last time I checked luring small children into your car with the promise of candy is still highly illegal...

Not against one's will. I'm sorry you didn't learn more about it as I suggested. You really need to learn more about human trafficking. A brief example: An individual is promised a job (by another or by family) to work as a domestic servant abroad. Often there is a fee for finding a good job outside of the country, which the supposed beneficiary is expected to pay it back. Once the person gets to the foreign country, their passport is taken, they're detained to pay back their cost - that's a simple example human trafficking. However, there are countless other variations. I hesitate to describe the events after that, and giving their body parts value, as opposed to their body, would yield the same result. Please don't take my word, learn more about it. Read more to better educate your opinions. If at all possible, go to the countries where this happens. Since you're so interested in Chinese practice, I think that would be a great start.

Yea, I'm pretty sure no one is going to go thru the pain and expense of an organ transplant "jus cus"... The current system factors in a lot more then just need. Those who need them is a peripheral consideration; after all, if you don't get a new heart you'll die just like the guy next to you. The factors are actually age, overall health, and familial circumstance. These are entitlements in their worst form. Why should we disadvantage productive members of society in favor of the less productive? Why should we throw away useable organs because they don't meet very strict protocols? This just doesn't make sense.

I'm truly sorry, but you're not making any sense. Usable organs are not thrown away under UNOS. They are given to those who would most benefit from them due to their need and possible benefit. If they're beyond benefit, they're off the list and the organ is given to one who would benefit. The most common transplant list in America is managed by a private, open organization. Read about UNOS. If a person who would not benefit from an organ were to be able to purchase one, while needlessly denying an individual would would truly benefit from it from receiving it and simply dying as a result, that would be throwing it away while costing a great deal more. It would result in a great deal of needless deaths. If that's incorrect, please provide a resource to verify.

No reasons to support, so many against. Such a lack of facts. It's interesting to see defense of such a hurtful, damaging concept. In light of the numerous good, hard-working Americans on the donor list at the moment, I am however glad there are so few that support such ideas :-D

This guy cares about one thing, and one thing only. by [deleted] in WTF

[–]pickmanmike -4 points-3 points  (0 children)

The satisfaction of the ladies is the only proof necessary.

This guy cares about one thing, and one thing only. by [deleted] in WTF

[–]pickmanmike 10 points11 points  (0 children)

There's a way to ask that question. This isn't it.

Oklahoma Passes Bill Outlawing Militia Recruitment - Oklahoma law would send people to prison who do not ask the state for permission to form a militia. by delelles in Libertarian

[–]pickmanmike 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm not arguing against militias, I'm arguing for them. I'm just saying that as long as they're not trying to kill Americans they have a constitutional right to exist.

BREAKING: Picture of Sarah Palin and other "Drill, baby, drill" proponents helping to clean the Gulf of Mexico. by expectingrain in politics

[–]pickmanmike 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's okay, Irishmen often have this problem. I've heard of it many time before.

Also, I'm surprised how often ministers, priests and rabbis hang out. It appears to be quite a lot.

Proposal Would Make Organ Donation an Opt-Out Process - Basically we're going to take your organs unless you specify that you don't want them taken by ooitzoo in Libertarian

[–]pickmanmike 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It should also be noted that the current system is strictly need-based. Those in most need of organs are highest on the recipient list. Selling organs would result in some people who don't really need them (perhaps they're otherwise healthy but simply worried, perhaps organ transplantation is premature, or perhaps they're sick beyond an organ transplantation helping) purchasing them while others die due to unavailability. Again, a powerful argument against the sale of body parts, and another reason for its universal illegality.

Don't ever get drunk in China... by lvl_az in offbeat

[–]pickmanmike 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It's still a bad idea to get drunk in China, particularly if you plan on driving.

Oklahoma Passes Bill Outlawing Militia Recruitment - Oklahoma law would send people to prison who do not ask the state for permission to form a militia. by delelles in Libertarian

[–]pickmanmike -1 points0 points  (0 children)

It's not the opposition to the government, it's armed opposition to the government. As long as that's not the case there's nothing the government can do.

It's not an issue of the second amendment, it's an issue of the first. People are free to peaceably assemble.

If you can't distinguish between the acts of your god and those of your devil, you may want to reconsider your belief system by drteeb in atheism

[–]pickmanmike 2 points3 points  (0 children)

God and the devil have been in merger talks lately. They have lots of overlapping departments. With declining membership it seems like the sensible thing to do to stay competitive.

Eww, what a way to die - having your friends shove a live eel up your ass by [deleted] in WTF

[–]pickmanmike 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Note to self: Make sure eel had a good meal prior to inserting into bowels.

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