Do you remember how to crash a poll? : Pharyngula

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PZ Myers is a biologist and associate professor at the University of Minnesota, Morris.
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You will hardly find one among the profounder sort of scientific minds without a religious feeling of his own. But it is different from the religiosity of the naive man. For the latter, God is a being from whose care one hopes to benefit and whose punishment one fears; a sublimation of a feeling similar to that of a child for its father, a being to whom one stands, so to speak, in a personal relation, however deeply it may be tinged with awe. But the scientist is possessed by the sense of universal causation… There is nothing divine about morality; it is a purely human affair. His religious feeling takes the form of a rapturous amazement at the harmony of natural law, which reveals an intelligence of such superiority that, compared with it, all the systematic thinking and acting of human beings is an utterly insignificant reflection… It is beyond question closely akin to that which has possessed the religious geniuses of all ages.

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Do you remember how to crash a poll?

Category: Pointless polls
Posted on: July 27, 2010 3:17 PM, by PZ Myers

It's been a while. I hope you haven't forgotten. Here's an easy one to get you back in the swing of things.

Do you think The Ten Commandments should be displayed in government buildings?"

Yes 76%
No 23%
Undecided 1%

It seems rather silly to post a bunch of laws, most of which everyone in the building will cheerfully ignore.

Jump to end

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Comments

Posted by: Danu | July 27, 2010 3:23 PM

73/26

Posted by: Ben Goren | July 27, 2010 3:25 PM

Anybody who has the spare brain cells to figure out a wget script and cares to post it….

Posted by: Celtic_Evolution | July 27, 2010 3:25 PM

Needs to be accompanied by a separate poll, right next to it, that asks "do you think it's ok to violate the first amendment to the constitution"?

I wonder if the results would match...

Posted by: Disturbingly Openminded | July 27, 2010 3:27 PM

Oh, those Tri-cities.

I had a job interview thereabouts once. We quickly agreed that I probably wouldn't fit in.

Posted by: Vicki, Chief Assistant to the Assistant Chief | July 27, 2010 3:28 PM

At least they know that the results are essentially meaningless.

Posted by: Algernon, elle sans chapeau | July 27, 2010 3:28 PM

@ 39 already.

Posted by: Aratina Cage | July 27, 2010 3:30 PM

Yes 54%

No 45%

Undecided 1%

Total number of votes: 1300

Posted by: The Science Pundit | July 27, 2010 3:31 PM

Yes 55%
No
44%

Undecided
1%

Total number of votes: 1273

Posted by: Moggie | July 27, 2010 3:32 PM

Can anyone remind me of the current US legal punishment for picking up sticks on the sabbath? Is it still death by stoning, or have those bleeding hearts demoted it to life imprisonment?

#10

Posted by: JamesR | July 27, 2010 3:33 PM

Yes/54%

No/45%

Getting there.

#11

Posted by: Rutee, Shrieking Harpy of Dooooom | July 27, 2010 3:35 PM

47 / 52.

#12

Posted by: blf | July 27, 2010 3:36 PM

Can anyone remind me of the current US legal punishment for picking up sticks on the sabbath? Is it still death by stoning, or have those bleeding hearts demoted it to life imprisonment?

You're required to join the Republican Party.

#13

Posted by: NotStradamus | July 27, 2010 3:36 PM

53% No
46% Yes

Finally on the right side.

#14

Posted by: consciousness razor | July 27, 2010 3:41 PM

Do you think The Ten Commandments should be displayed in government buildings?

Absolutely not. Although the directing and photography were excellent (for their time at least); the story is an unbelievable, ahistorical pile of garbage, and personally I thought a lot of the acting was terrible.

#15

Posted by: AnneH | July 27, 2010 3:43 PM

Yes
39%

No
60%

Undecided
1%

Total number of votes: 1815

The Code of Hammurabi is just as relevant to actual law as the the 10 Commandments is. If they really want to display law history, try the Magna Carta or British common law.

#16

Posted by: secularshawshank | July 27, 2010 3:46 PM

Seriously, is there anyone who would check off "Yes" who was not religious? S.E. Cupp, I guess. Anyone sane, though?

#17

Posted by: spaninquis | July 27, 2010 3:49 PM

Note: This poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The results cannot be assumed to represent public opinion.

What? We're not members of the public?

#18

Posted by: Snikkers | July 27, 2010 3:51 PM

30 Yes / 70 No

#19

Posted by: Snikkers | July 27, 2010 3:53 PM

The Code of Hammurabi is just as relevant to actual law as the the 10 Commandments is. If they really want to display law history, try the Magna Carta or British common law.

Anne, stop muddying things for the Xtians up with history lessons! No good ever came out of book learnin'.

#20

Posted by: https://www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmqD_mcUIrSfOTlK3iGVsnEDcZmI43srbI | July 27, 2010 4:01 PM

@14...
Oh, Moses! Moses! You stubborn, splendid, adorable fool!

#21

Posted by: jeffery.g.davis | July 27, 2010 4:07 PM

76% no by now, PZ your power is overwhelming.

#22

Posted by: kparker84 | July 27, 2010 4:10 PM

Yes
23%

No
76%

Undecided
1%

Total number of votes: 3106

Owned!

#23

Posted by: pasadena beggar | July 27, 2010 4:12 PM

I've been lurking for months.

I'm commenting now to tell you that I've helped crash the poll.

And, also: I like reading PZ's posts, but, like hanging out at dKos, the best part happens in the comments.

Someayou guys have really made me laugh.

Thanks.

#24

Posted by: The Science Pundit | July 27, 2010 4:17 PM

@MrT (#14)

Although the directing and photography were excellent (for their time at least); the story is an unbelievable, ahistorical pile of garbage, and personally I thought a lot of the acting was terrible.

Really?? But the trailer makes it look so good.

#25

Posted by: Brownian, Most Vicious & Petty of Pharyngulites | July 27, 2010 4:20 PM

Can anyone remind me of the current US legal punishment for picking up sticks on the sabbath?

So, that knocks this one off the list for Saturday game nights with the kids, but do you know if the bible says anything about Jenga or Kerplunk?

Seriously, why does the bible hate families?

#26

Posted by: Gar Lipow | July 27, 2010 4:25 PM

79% no. 20% yes 1% undecided

But they blocked me when I followed the link. Copy the link and paste it into another tab or window if this happens to you.

#27

Posted by: kristen.e.maier | July 27, 2010 4:26 PM

20% yes
80% no
That was fast!

#28

Posted by: r3v | July 27, 2010 4:30 PM

Yes: 19%
No: 81%
Un: 0%
3832 votes

I wasn't blocked when I followed the link, fwiw.

#29

Posted by: Weegiewarbler | July 27, 2010 4:33 PM

Just signed up for an account here, so when I helped the numbers along it said:
Yes: 20%
No: 80%
3668 votes..... I feel so liberated.... arf!

#30

Posted by: Olaf | July 27, 2010 4:33 PM

Yes: 19%
No: 81%
Un: 0%

I think that's a fair opinion poll. ;) LOL

#31

Posted by: ribidons | July 27, 2010 4:37 PM

I suppose the educational value of poll-crashing does outweigh the reinforcement of a few hicks' views on atheists. They probably figgered atheists were bastards anyway, but at least they might think twice before swallowing meaningless poll results.

Maybe.

A few of them.

Maybe?

18%/82%, fwiw.

#32

Posted by: oihorse | July 27, 2010 4:38 PM

Appears poll crashing skills are not forgotten.

Yes
17%

No
82%

Undecided
1%

Total number of votes: 4230

Most amusing part of my day so far (sadly?!)

#33

Posted by: heygetthis | July 27, 2010 4:40 PM

I would have voted YES if the question had provided for various religions to subsequently have a Holy War to determine w-h-i-c-h 10C (or 11C, 12C, 13C) would be displayed.

We haven't had a really in-your-face, kill-the-women-children-and-cattle Holy War in oh so long.

All sarcasm aside, I would vote to have my 'Ten Commandments of GodStone' displayed http://heygetthis.wordpress.com/2010/02/10/331/ .

#34

Posted by: Uzziel | July 27, 2010 4:40 PM

That's one crashed poll. They really need to start equipping those things with air bags.

#35

Posted by: Andromeda | July 27, 2010 4:44 PM

Done and done. Best part of my miserable day!

#36

Posted by: ribidons | July 27, 2010 4:44 PM

Good grief, make that 14%/86%. I'd hope that people aren't spamming votes from a single IP; it's unnecessary and even counterproductive to set them up for a "hackers on steroids" moment.

#37

Posted by: Erulóra (formerly KOPD) | July 27, 2010 4:47 PM

36 comments so far on no poll trolls? Wow.

#38

Posted by: GeorgeFromNY | July 27, 2010 4:49 PM

YES.

If the context is a historical display about famous laws and lawgivers - including Pericles, Hammurabi and so on.

HELL NO.

If the intention is to state (or even imply) allegiance to a particular religion.

#39

Posted by: Travis | July 27, 2010 4:50 PM

Considering how quickly this poll got slapped I have to wonder if the lack of fundies commenting is simply because very few people have actually voted yet, and even fewer will take the time to comment. I wish they were commenting though because that makes it more fun, like chum to a shark.

#40

Posted by: btthegeek | July 27, 2010 4:51 PM

Holy crap, 13% and 87%, 5615 votes. Nice job, for Bistol, Tennesee. Great racetrack. Too much bad naked at the NASCAR races though.

#41

Posted by: DropkickPA | July 27, 2010 4:59 PM

Poll smashed!
12% vs. 88% 6405 votes

#42

Posted by: neon-elf.myopenid.com | July 27, 2010 5:01 PM

Up to 89% No
pwned!!!11!

#43

Posted by: kieran | July 27, 2010 5:08 PM

There is an add for Sarah Palin 2012, you've got to be kidding. The rest of the world took the whole elect George W joke okay even if you took it to an extreme of 8 years but no way can we swallow Sarah "I don't understand fruit fly research" palin!

#44

Posted by: DownHouse | July 27, 2010 5:10 PM

Isn't simply creating a monument to the 10 commandments in direct violation of #2?

"Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them."
Exodus 20:4-5

#45

Posted by: sunshine.lemme | July 27, 2010 5:12 PM

Looks like they took the submit
button down. I thought they would
like an unscientific poll.

#46

Posted by: The Science Pundit | July 27, 2010 5:16 PM

Yes
10%

No
90%

Undecided
0%

Total number of votes: 7394

#47

Posted by: btthegeek | July 27, 2010 5:17 PM

Nah, people are still getting thru. 10% to 90% w/7386 votes. I officially am in awe of the Pharynguloids.

#48

Posted by: Doug Little | July 27, 2010 5:40 PM

Shouldn't they just post the 2 commandments that actually relate to the law and cross out the rest. Oh and have an audio loop of George Carlin explaining them. Now I could get behind that.

#49

Posted by: Unstrung | July 27, 2010 5:40 PM

Nice to be able to crash a local poll.

This area is about as red as you can get so the results should definitely confuse the heck out of them.

#50

Posted by: 'Tis Himself, Quel Dommage | July 27, 2010 5:44 PM

Yes 9%

No 90%

Undecided 1%

Total number of votes: 8242

Another poll fornicated.

#51

Posted by: Robert H | July 27, 2010 5:47 PM

Even the blatantly misinformed kknow when someone has peed in their poll.

#52

Posted by: Robert H | July 27, 2010 5:50 PM

Sorry for the extra k. My bad.

#53

Posted by: https://me.yahoo.com/a/SgxGvJQ2jolodhXvwPz_wgGCr3Tp0g--#8b6f2 | July 27, 2010 5:51 PM

I actually think it may be useful to post them, provided that the original text is given in full, and the "divinely ordained" penalties are included. See "The Uncensored Ten Commandments" at the link.

http://www.atheistnexus.org/profiles/blogs/the-uncensored-ten

#54

Posted by: robaylesbury | July 27, 2010 5:54 PM

91% No
9% Yes

Mwa ha. Mwa ha ha ha ha

That was an evil laugh, was that.

#55

Posted by: gadow | July 27, 2010 5:56 PM

Interesting bug in their software: answer the poll, close all instances of your browser, then go back and answer again.

Apparently, they are using session-based cookies to track whether or not you have answered.

(Insert "evil atheist" laugh here.)

#56

Posted by: SteveM | July 27, 2010 6:00 PM

You people should be ashamed of yourselves.
poopyheads!

#57

Posted by: valayas-chosen | July 27, 2010 6:02 PM

#53: Wait, I'm confused; who is supposed to do the executin' if you aren't supposed to kill anyone?

Or is there one guy who's supposed to "take one for the team" and do all the executions for the week/month/year then execute himself so the rest of the clan doesn't have to kill each other for killing each other?

#58

Posted by: SteveM | July 27, 2010 6:02 PM

re 51:
...someone has peed in their poll.

I see what you did there, I award you one internets.

#59

Posted by: Erulóra (formerly KOPD) | July 27, 2010 6:03 PM

Apparently, they are using session-based cookies to track whether or not you have answered

Ha! They're not even trying.

#60

Posted by: Nakarti | July 27, 2010 6:05 PM

Only if they're posted right next to the Wizards's Rules (From the Sword of Truth series. Ironically a very scientific set of moral and practical guidelines.)
1. People are stupid, they will believe a lie because they want it to be true; or they're afraid it's true.
2. The greatest harm can result from the best intentions.
3. Passion rules reason, For better or for worse.
4. There is magic in sincere forgiveness; in the forgiveness you give, but more so in the forgiveness you receive.
5. Mind what people do, not only what they say, for deeds will betray a lie.
6. The only sovereign you can allow to rule you is reason.(What exists, exists. What is, is.)
7. Life is the future, not the past.
8. Deserve Victory. (Be justified in your convictions. Be completely committed. Earn what you want and need rather than waiting for others to give you what you desire.)
9. A contradiction can not exist in reality. Not in part, nor in whole.
10. Willfully turning aside from the truth is treason to one's self.
11. The "Rule Unspoken", the "Rule Unwritten", "The rule from the beginning of time." (Basically comes down to: What you don't know may be more important than what you do.)

#61

Posted by: F | July 27, 2010 6:10 PM

Looking pretty crashed at this point. Apparently, it is just like riding a bike.

#62

Posted by: flyonthewall | July 27, 2010 6:16 PM

Witness the power of this fully operational ~~battlestation~~ poll-buster

#63

Posted by: kc5tty | July 27, 2010 6:29 PM

I voted NO...... but

I agree with having the 10 commandments on buildings as long as they are the right ones.

NOT the ones in Exodus 20 that every knows and that Moses destroyed (look it up)….

But the ones in Exodus 34 that ends in verse 28 “And he was there with the LORD forty days and forty nights; he did neither eat bread, nor drink water. And he wrote upon the tables the words of the covenant, the ten commandments.”

Remember the last commandment : THOU SHALL NOT SEETHE A KID IN ITS MOTHERS MILK.

These are the only ones in the bible that are called the “TEN COMMANDMENTS”

The fundies won't go for that. Have a nice day.

Steve

#64

Posted by: Brownian, Most Vicious & Petty of Pharyngulites | July 27, 2010 6:33 PM

THOU SHALL NOT SEETHE A KID IN ITS MOTHERS MILK.

As long as us Canucks can still eat all the poutine we want.

#65

Posted by: Red Falcon | July 27, 2010 6:42 PM

#60 - One of my favorite series by far. I don't know if you've read it, since they didn't sell it that way, but Law of Nines is actually SoT canon.

#66

Posted by: kc5tty | July 27, 2010 6:43 PM

Since I don't really follow the babble's rules (just the right ones) I'll have to try some Poutine. It looks and sounds good.

And barbequed goat was a delicacy where I was raised in Alabama.

The Hard 8 cafe in Stephenville Texas has some great Cabrito.

.... now I'm getting hungry.

steve

#67

Posted by: kparker84 | July 27, 2010 6:53 PM

Quick!

They're fighting back! I just saw yes gain 3% points in about 2 minutes!!!

HELP!

#68

Posted by: kparker84 | July 27, 2010 6:56 PM

They're REALLY fighting back! We need some hardcore cheating, now!

#69

Posted by: hznfrst | July 27, 2010 6:56 PM

Whoo hoo! 83% 'no'!

#70

Posted by: kparker84 | July 27, 2010 6:58 PM

We've lost 12% in about 10 minutes!

#71

Posted by: octopode.myopenid.com | July 27, 2010 7:12 PM

I prefer these: The Twelve Virtues of Rationality.

#72

Posted by: Moggie | July 27, 2010 7:15 PM

Only ten?

#73

Posted by: ribidons | July 27, 2010 7:15 PM

In hindsight, best practices in poll-crashing suggest doing it the day before the poll closes, not right at the beginning. By August 2, granny-net can circulate e-mails to all the people in their prayer circles, and redneck-net can push it over their flag-sharing listservs. Sad to say, Pharyngula readers don't outnumber these other groups.

#74

Posted by: Rutee, Shrieking Harpy of Dooooom | July 27, 2010 7:24 PM

In hindsight, best practices in poll-crashing suggest doing it the day before the poll closes, not right at the beginning. By August 2, granny-net can circulate e-mails to all the people in their prayer circles, and redneck-net can push it over their flag-sharing listservs. Sad to say, Pharyngula readers don't outnumber these other groups.

Bet we're more... savvy though ;)

#75

Posted by: jaybgee | July 27, 2010 7:28 PM

When I voted a few minutes ago, the results were as follows:
Yes 24%
No 76%
Total number of votes: 12,753

So it does indeed look like they're fighting back.

#76

Posted by: Judy L. | July 27, 2010 7:46 PM

No, the 10 Commandments, in whatever iteration, should not be posted in government buildings. However, Queen should be played constantly at a pleasant volume in all public areas in government buildings because Freddie Mercury is GOD!

#77

Posted by: Ken | July 27, 2010 7:52 PM

Queen should be played constantly at a pleasant volume in all public areas in government buildings because Freddie Mercury is GOD!

Maybe in England. Here in the US Led Zeppelin will do nicely in government buildings. I guess that would then make us Polytheists.

#78

Posted by: Ken | July 27, 2010 7:54 PM

(Yes, I know, it's one English band or another. I guess our government will come from the English one way or another...)

#79

Posted by: I'm sorry, thank you | July 27, 2010 7:54 PM

I have a newspaper that regularly offers meaningless but fun polls, mostly on just local issues.
But if we set up a poll decrying atheism and exalting Xian stupidity, would you crash it for me and impress the hell out of my bosses with the astounding web visit numbers?

#80

Posted by: Alverant | July 27, 2010 7:56 PM

Pushed it down to 23/77 but it lasts until Monday. Do you think we can keep it in the legal right until then?

#81

Posted by: Egg Fu Laura | July 27, 2010 8:08 PM

@63
seethe=boil? no boiling the babies? That sounds like one of those silly disclaimers they put on safety labels. Had to have been a pretty common practice if they had to make a rule expressly forbidding it though. ick.

#82

Posted by: TB Tabby | July 27, 2010 8:08 PM

Superb poll-fornicating, chums!

#83

Posted by: EvoDevo Mike | July 27, 2010 8:09 PM

Off topic, but related to newspapers, I was asked to post the following example of Xian stupidity and homophobia.

God used Pride Festival for his purposes

The 4 Corners Pride Festival held June 26 at Rotary Park was far more successful than anyone could imagine. God used the park and pride event for his silent pulpit to touch all who attended.

Unknown to the attendees, everyone received a blessing and permanently was touched by God's Holy Spirit. This included straight and homosexual people.

While the pride fest participants were indulging in their prefest party at the Lost Dog Bar & Lounge on the evening of June 25, a group of dedicated Christians met at Rotary Park for prayer and physical anointing of the park with God's holy oil. The oil has extreme spiritual power to overcome Satan's grip on those who are not Christians. Because of this, the Holy Spirit will remain with each individual as long as believing Christians continue to keep it activated with prayer.

Escape from homosexuality is possible with God's help. The Wednesday evening prayer chain for salvation is still alive and active. It was established to bring homosexuals to Jesus for eternal salvation and for deliverance from their lifestyle.

Any individual or community that continues to accept and condone homosexuality is going against God's teachings and will suffer severe consequences. This is explained in the King James Bible, which accurately has predicted mankind's future for more than 2,000 years.

Everyone is welcome to join the prayer chain by simply asking Jesus to include you in the many prayers going to God on Wednesday evenings.

Vi McCoy, Durango

from Durango Herald

#84

Posted by: Peter H | July 27, 2010 8:17 PM

Which 10 commandments? There are two sets and they are not easily reconciled, one with the other.

#85

Posted by: Peter H | July 27, 2010 8:19 PM

Voted NO, by the way. But you could have guessed hat.

#86

Posted by: Weed Monkey | July 27, 2010 8:46 PM

Unknown to the attendees, everyone received a blessing and permanently was touched by God's Holy Spirit. This included straight and homosexual people.

Oh! IT'S A TRAP!

This is explained in the King James Bible, which accurately has predicted mankind's future for more than 2,000 years.

This is just hilarious. :D

#87

Posted by: Not Guilty | July 27, 2010 8:54 PM

79/21 - Go team!

#88

Posted by: 朴競花/박경화 (Gyeong Hwa) | July 27, 2010 8:58 PM

This is explained in the King James Bible, which accurately has predicted mankind's future for more than 2,000 years.

The Greeks spoke Shakespearian English?

#89

Posted by: Peter H | July 27, 2010 9:07 PM

Just a point: the Authorized Version of 1611 was deliberately couched in language which would have sounded just slightly archaic and "grandiose" to the Shakespearean ear.

#90

Posted by: spaninquis | July 27, 2010 9:18 PM

I think there must be a Christian site trying to reverse-Pharyngulate the results. According to memory from earlier, and comments upstream, "No" was at a high of 91%. It's down to 79% and has been declining since about 6 PM.

#91

Posted by: Peter H | July 27, 2010 9:24 PM

Only been online just over an hour. The poll's nos were 78% when I voted; they're now 79% and at approaching 15,000 votes, it would take quite a few either way to make any appreciable difference. What's quite plain is a broad-based majority is not taken in by such fundie flim-flam.

#92

Posted by: Tim | July 27, 2010 9:40 PM

78 / 21 / 1 (Looks like the composition of the atmosphere: N2 / O2 / Ar Is there a lesson here?)

This "issue" has a curious feature. Although there seems to be overwhelming sentiment on the part of the religious loonies for posting the ten commandments on my property (i.e. public property), I have seen no instances where these loonies have posted them on their own front lawns. I have never seen a church that posts them on its property. (Location: Indiana)

Can you spell "Hypocritical"?

#93

Posted by: ATL-Apostate | July 27, 2010 9:41 PM

Cool, this poll originates from my old stomping grounds: the hills of Eastern Tennessee and Western North Carolina (I grew up on the border). They'll be scratching their heads for days after we're done with 'em.

#94

Posted by: ckitching | July 27, 2010 9:41 PM

You know, we might as well display the ten commandments in court rooms. Might as well be clear that Christians will receive special treatment.

Am I being too cynical?

#95

Posted by: jnordstrom | July 27, 2010 10:10 PM

I remember how to crash into a pole.

#96

Posted by: Stardrake | July 27, 2010 10:15 PM

Yes 20%, No 80%.

Hanging tough.

#97

Posted by: browne.as | July 27, 2010 10:28 PM

I had the weird feeling that I'd Pharyngulated this poll before, so I did a quick search and noticed that the same stupid question comes up fairly regularly in local US news sites.

It's still not legal to mix religion with government, children and sheep. Please give it a rest.

#98

Posted by: Crewvy | July 27, 2010 10:38 PM

Yep, voted twice, vote early vote often.

#99

Posted by: The Devil's Chaplain | July 27, 2010 11:08 PM

16548 & counting...

19% Yea
81% Nay
0% WTF

#100

Posted by: The Devil's Chaplain | July 27, 2010 11:19 PM

1 Undecided by YHWH

#101

Posted by: KennyG | July 27, 2010 11:25 PM

81 to 18, no. Keep it goin', people.

#102

Posted by: John Morales | July 27, 2010 11:32 PM

Love the disclaimer, which now seems common:

Note: This poll is not scientific and reflects the opinions of only those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The results cannot be assumed to represent public opinion.

I wonder if PZ's activities over time have had anything to do with this development? :)

PS I suggest a shorter version: "This is a pointless poll."

#103

Posted by: Cerberus, unnatural product of en-OMnomnom-ification | July 27, 2010 11:45 PM

EvoDevoMike @83

...

I want to condemn it, laugh at it, etc...

But then I almost want to encourage it among the nutjobs. More people secretly spraying their "sacred oils" all over the place are far less disruptive than the usual band of haters.

That said, the usual band of haters have been becoming more and more pathetic and it's almost cute to see them like antiquated dinosaurs who haven't realized its the Age of the Mammals (speaking of America, Eastern European mileage may vary).

And I believe we can now officially translate any incidence of "sacred oils" with its proudly historic term:

Snake oil.

Same non-descript panacea powers. Same mystical origins.

It's snake oil in every single aspect, right down to the "oil" in its name.

#104

Posted by: Marella | July 27, 2010 11:50 PM

82%-18%, we're gaining slowly.Gonna be a long haul to Monday though.

#105

Posted by: monado | July 28, 2010 12:13 AM

I'm logging in from a different city each night. That should help. Maybe we can recruit SF or gaming fans?

#106

Posted by: jcmartz.myopenid.com | July 28, 2010 1:49 AM

Here's another one: Do you pray before meals?

#107

Posted by: jcmartz.myopenid.com | July 28, 2010 1:54 AM

Oh, I forgot:

Preacher Seeks To Exorcise Demon From High School Teams

Ahmadinejad v. Paul, The Octopus

Tennessee Lt. Gov: Religious Freedom May Not Count For Muslims

#108

Posted by: AmandaS | July 28, 2010 4:44 AM

Reading the Uncensored Ten Commandments is messing with my head.

The Sixth Commandment: Exodus 20:13, Deuteronomy 5:17 You shall not kill.
The Sixth Penalty:
Exodus 21:12 Whoever strikes a man so that he dies shall be put to death.

Leviticus 24:17 He who kills a man shall be put to death.

Is it just me or is this just a great circular logical loop that only ends like a Shakespearean tragedy or the first episode of Red Dwarf, when everybody's dead, Dave?

The first guy kills someone, so someone has to kill him, but then they've killed someone, so they have to get knocked off ad infinitum...

Oh, wait, I'm trying logic on a religious text again, aren't I? Which is not, of course, the done thing. I think it's time to wander off and do another Sudoku, where logic has a pleasantly time-wasting point.

#109

Posted by: catsmate | July 28, 2010 6:32 AM

Would these "Ten Commandments" be the proper, original, Catholic version or the later Protestant version I wonder?

#110

Posted by: https://me.yahoo.com/a/Axh.iqAjooWTUdwKFYYlKsV.orI-#9d5fd | July 28, 2010 6:55 AM

I'm an atheist and I'm in favor of posting the 10 commandments. However, the list of 10 commandments must be only the ones that (according to the story) were 1) given to Moses by God, 2) written on stone tablets, and 3) specifically called "the ten commandments" by God.

These would be the 10 commandments in Exodus 34, not the ones most Christians know from Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5.

#111

Posted by: https://me.yahoo.com/hairychris444#96384 | July 28, 2010 7:27 AM

*clicky*

I like genesisman's post. Is that anyone on here?

#112

Posted by: and7barton | July 28, 2010 7:30 AM

Why would any post a vote that they are "Undecided" ?
If you are "undecided", then you don't actually know WHAT to vote. So why the hell would anyone want to tell us they don't know which way to vote ?

#113

Posted by: John Morales | July 28, 2010 7:46 AM

and7barton,

So why the hell would anyone want to tell us they don't know which way to vote ?

How much thought have you given this? :)

If you can work out why the undecided option is there in the first place, you should be able to work out why someone would choose to use it.

#114

Posted by: kbaute | July 28, 2010 8:35 AM

85%! PHARYNGULATED!

#115

Posted by: Peter H | July 28, 2010 8:42 AM

@ #106

That's a rather silly poll, also, but at least it has a moderately imaginative group of responses to choose from.

#116

Posted by: Epinephrine | July 28, 2010 8:51 AM

@AmandaS 108

You'e assuming that "put to death" and "kill" are interchangeable.

I'm as atheist as the next guy, but linguistics do enter that particular picture - it's quite possible that the sentences means "he who murders someone shall be executed," or something similar, in which execution does not entail murder.

#117

Posted by: Dean Buchanan | July 28, 2010 9:11 AM

I'm going down there to get my sausage mcgriddle™, plus the free one

#118

Posted by: Dean Buchanan | July 28, 2010 9:13 AM

oh...

15% Yes
85% No
21321 Votes

#119

Posted by: Charles Cusumano | July 28, 2010 9:14 AM

It’s been crashed, hard!

#120

Posted by: Algernon, elle sans chapeau | July 28, 2010 10:01 AM

How... does execution not mean murder?

I'm confused. I mean is it like Saw or something?

#121

Posted by: Bernard Bumner | July 28, 2010 10:04 AM

How... does execution not mean murder?

Murder is a legal definition which specifically deals with unlawful killing.

I know, I know...

#122

Posted by: Algernon, elle sans chapeau | July 28, 2010 10:19 AM

Oh I get it. Was there a similar distinction then?

Hmmm... I guess to answer the question then some one could explain the difference between the word used for murder in the 10C and the term used for put to death in the legal system of that time and place?

#123

Posted by: Rutee, Shrieking Harpy of Dooooom | July 28, 2010 10:27 AM

Oh I get it. Was there a similar distinction then?

I don't know if there's a linguistic one, but given that the Jews of Israel had a military, I'm sure they drew one just the same.

Remember, this isn't the time of Jesus (the hippy, some say). This is the time of YHWH the Smiter. Those were meant as in-group rules, not necessarily out-group rules.

#124

Posted by: OmiOne | July 28, 2010 10:52 AM

I missed crashing one... thanks for bringing one :)

#125

Posted by: Margaret | July 28, 2010 11:09 AM

Those were meant as in-group rules, not necessarily out-group rules.

Yes. IIRC, The God Delusion quotes some old Jewish document discussing the applicability of the commandment against killing, and "of course" it didn't apply to killing a non-Jew. Does anybody have anything more concrete on this than my faulty memory?

#126

Posted by: evilDoug | July 28, 2010 11:15 AM

So slipping Satan's grip is simply a matter of being properly lubricated?
Smear my body up with butter, and take me to the Freaker's Ball!

#127

Posted by: intelligentdesignfacts.com | July 28, 2010 11:24 AM

"It seems rather silly to post a bunch of laws, most of which everyone in the building will cheerfully ignore."I am delighted by the truth in those words.

#128

Posted by: Rutee, Shrieking Harpy of Dooooom | July 28, 2010 11:58 AM

Incidental note:
The only acceptable use of the Ten Commandments INSIDE a government building is in a museum of world religions, or legal codes throughout the entire globe, throughout all of history.

One commentor on that site said "It's part of freedom of expression!" Well, no, actually, it isn't. As part of a permanent monument inside a government building, it basically constitutes... oh what's that word. Endorsement. Freedom of speech is a guy with a 10 commandments sign at a protest. People don't have a right to use every government ground to leave monuments, and especially not inside buildings. It A: Leaves the impression of endorsement, and B: Means anyone can use the inside of every public building to leave more or less permanent signs of anything that can be protected. It would be improper to have a stone monument that reads "Socialism rules!" or "Religions are all in factual error" or anything else, just as much as it would be to have a 10 commandments display.

But both can be temporary, obviously citizen-created displays on the public GROUNDS...

#129

Posted by: The Devil's Chaplain | July 28, 2010 12:36 PM

13% Yea
87% Nay
@24716 votes

Keep spreading the "Good News".

#130

Posted by: The Devil's Chaplain | July 28, 2010 12:41 PM

PZ,

10 are not enough, perhaps?

http://looklex.com/textarchive/mesopotamia/code_hammurabi.htm

#131

Posted by: The Devil's Chaplain | July 28, 2010 12:52 PM

Such laws could really advance the science of medicine too, right Marduk?

218. If a physician make a large incision with the operating knife, and kill him, or open a tumor with the operating knife, and cut out the eye, his hands shall be cut off.

220. If he had opened a tumor with the operating knife, and put out his eye, he shall pay half his value.

http://looklex.com/textarchive/mesopotamia/code_hammurabi.htm

#132

Posted by: johnlil#0a224 | July 28, 2010 1:52 PM

How can these idiots who want to post the ten commandments fail to notice that one of the commandments condemns graven images.
How is a display of the Decalogue NOT a graven image?
Is anyone so innocent of logic that they cannot understand the problem with self-contradiction?

#133

Posted by: AmandaS | July 28, 2010 5:29 PM

Epinephrine @116

I think my problem is that I was looking at the Commandments as a moral code/ethical framework. Which means the inherent contradiction in #6 & its penalty makes my brain hurt, because if it is morally wrong for one person to kill another, it is always morally wrong.

But, I feel better after sleeping on it and realising that, of course, the Commandments are not a moral code nor an ethical framework. They are rules for the in-group (as described above) that tell you to obey the authoritarian group/elders, not to mess with the breeders by killing them or confusing the property inheritance rules by shagging them and not to raise a fuss about the fact that the elders have all the good stuff.

Though I'll always go for the fourth Commandment. As a 9-5 pleb, I'm eternally grateful for whoever came up with the concept of the weekend.

#134

Posted by: Disturbingly Openminded | July 28, 2010 6:54 PM

Looks like the Empire Didn't Strike Back after all.

13% yes
87% no

26,xxx votes

#135

Posted by: Tom Coward | July 28, 2010 7:21 PM

Maybe we are getting through after all. There are three pages of comments on the webpage with the poll, with many comments giving excellent summaries of the correct history of the constitution, and only one or two supporting the wingnut position.

#136

Posted by: Robbie | July 29, 2010 1:10 AM

Those results are much healthier now. Won't the gawd botherers be in a mess now! Goody.

#137

Posted by: Robbie | July 29, 2010 1:28 AM

Those results are much healthier now. Won't the gawd botherers be in a mess now! Goody.

#138

Posted by: The Devil's Chaplain | July 29, 2010 2:07 AM

Only 10 Commandments?

#139

Posted by: John Morales | July 29, 2010 2:22 AM

Devil's Chaplain, LOL.