Ohio AG Gets Urban Outfitters To Pull Satirical Prescription Coffee Mugs From Stores, Citing His Own Lack Of Humor

from the free-speech-doesn't-work-like-that dept

Tue, Jul 2nd 2013 10:26am — Timothy Geigner

If you take a hard line in your belief in free speech, you need to double that staunch stance when it comes to humor and satire, because they almost universally require an edge or offense of some kind. Quadruple your stance if that humor or satire is aimed at anything having to do with the government, since they're not allowed to be offended by our speech. Sorry, government, but that's the deal we made two-hundred-plus years ago: you get to pretend like you represent us and we get to make fun of you for it.

But apparently there are a significant number of attorneys general out there who are working hard to show you they don't have a sense of humor at all and they'll be damned if you get to laugh at a joke they don't find funny. At least, that's the conclusion I'm coming to after 23 AGs pressured Urban Outfitters, Inc. to pull their Prescription Line of products, which included a coffee mug dressed up to look like a prescription bottle.

Ohio AG Mike DeWine appears to have led this conga line of stupid:

"People die from accidental drug overdoses in this state every day, and these products make light of the problem," DeWine said in a May press release. "We don't find these products funny at all."

Unfortunately, Urban Outfitters caved and pulled the products, but think of all the things you could nix with this line of thinking: Many people are seriously concerned that they've been abducted by aliens, so we can't allow The X-Files on television. Hitler's Germany killed a buttload of people, so The Producers is not allowed. A certain percentage of the followers of Islam are offended by depictions of the Prophet Muhammed, so we can't show a satirical cartoon in...oh, wait.

And that's really the point: once we begin giving away our right for humor or satire in speech in favor of the comfort of the offended, we're lost. You might as well just outlaw humor altogether. This case shows that wonderfully, considering that nothing about a prescription coffee mug is directly poking fun at anyone overdosing or dying. Making that leap requires legs for which my mental faculties won't allow. Besides, I have to imagine there are better things twenty-three attorneys general could be doing than writing letters about coffee mugs.

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Filed Under: drugs, humor, mike dewine, ohio, prescription coffee mug

75 Comments

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rw (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 8:42am

"Making that leap requires legs for which my mental faculties won't allow."

Well, obviously to be an AG you HAVE to be dumber than the average rock.
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- ChurchHatesTucker (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 10:42am
  
  Re:
  I wish this sort of thing would be properly mocked. UO should have issued a press release saying, in its entirety, "You've got to be fucking kidding."
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Xploding_Cobra (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 7:58pm
  
  Re:
  Of course they are. They're all lawyers so what did you expect? Rationality?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 10:35am

And someone will sell it online and make a fortune, especially since the AG's decided to "ban" it.
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Jason, 2 Jul 2013 @ 10:37am

Missing it.
I'm sorry, but I think I'm missing something.

What the hell does that mug have to do with drug abuse?
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- Lord Binky, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:31am
  
  Re: Missing it.
  You use the mug as a measuring cup for your dose?
  O_O
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Shaun Wilson (profile), 3 Jul 2013 @ 7:30am
  
  Re: Missing it.
  Well it could have something to do with the fact that caffeine is more addictive than about half the illegal drugs out there, maybe they just want to be consistent and add it to the list - just say no to "drug paraphernalia"!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Jessie (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 10:47am

The AG's set their sights on their next target:

"An apple a day keeps the Dr away."

This phrase makes light of the millions of uninsured in america.
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- FarSide (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:16am
  
  Re:
  This comment has not been evaluated by the FDA.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 10:53am

Obviously they need a new warning on the coffee mug: "This product not available in any state where the Attorney General has been diagnosed as humor-deficient."
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- Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:10am
  
  Re:
  maybe a sticker that washes away?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Matt (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 10:56am

Their next target is probably the "Life's a Beach" coffee mugs.
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- ChurchHatesTucker (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:13am
  
  Re:
  False advertising!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 3 Jul 2013 @ 7:47am
    
    Re: Re:
    Puns are murder! You wouldn't steal a dangling preposition!
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
gorehound (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 10:57am

Yet another Assault on our Freedom by the Bagger Party ! To Dewine or Not............I say Dewine is not but Wine is a Yes.
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- Glen, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:42am
  
  Re:
  If you are referring to the Bagger Party as republicans, what about the other 22 AGs that signed on? I noticed some Democrats. Both parties are the fucking same!!!
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 12:01pm
    
    Re: Re:
    sadly since the latest leaks just how the same they are has become painfully clear.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Jay (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:07am

Dear Mike De Whiner...

How about a nice cup of shut the hell up?

You are not a businessman. You are a representative of the public. Your lack of a funny bone is not the reason you have free reign over artistic expression.

Sincerely,

Dis guy on da innernets
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- Dirkmaster (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 12:12pm
  
  Re:
  Maybe we should raise some money and send each one of these asshat AG's a nice STFU mug.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 2:13pm
  
  Re:
  You've never seen the prescription overdose rate in Ohio have you....and you've never seen a family member for from it like he had.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - John Fenderson (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 2:17pm
    
    Re: Re:
    Why does that matter? The objection to the drinkware is ridiculous in the extreme. If his personal experience has caused the Ohio AG to make this claim, then I think his grief is interfering with his judgement a bit too much.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 3 Jul 2013 @ 7:52am
    
    Re: Re:
    Holy fuck you want to make a mug with an umbrella on it? Have you see the death by hurricane propelled umbrella in Florida? No, of course you haven't because you're a monster.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
RyanNerd (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:11am

I have an Idea
We should make our own coffee mugs in the shape of prescription bottles and sell them.
Of course we would then face a copyright or trademark or patent court battles even though the products have been "pulled". Never mind. Not such a great idea after all.
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- Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 12:10pm
  
  Re: I have an Idea
  Too UO has already pulled them. I think a campaign of purchasing them and shipping them directly to the AG's would have been the appropriate response.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 12:18pm
    
    Re: Re: I have an Idea
    As i pointed out elsewhere, they still sell them:
    
    http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=26098897
    
    It seems they've only pulled them from their search results.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:13am

Mike DeWine is a dumb fuck.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:14am

It really isn't too far a logical leap. Someone drinking from a giant perscription bottle someone swallowing a full perscription bottle to commit suicide or whatnot. I see the angle they are coming from.

Disclaimer: I think those mugs are funny as hell and these guys are WAY too uptight!
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- Anonymous Coward, 3 Jul 2013 @ 7:53am
  
  Re:
  The too far logical leap is thinking that the former will lead to the latter.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:15am

Contact your AG and complain
Please contact your AG and remind them that this type of behavior is a waste of taxpayer funds - in the name of stifling free speech and commerce.

I contacted mine.
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- AdamBv1 (profile), 4 Jul 2013 @ 10:44pm
  
  Re: Contact your AG and complain
  Good idea. I just let mine know that I do not at all agree with these shenanigans.
  
  Colorado Attorney General John Suthers, welcome to the wall of shame.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:18am

DAMN IT!!!

This mug is AWESOME!!! Why am I now just finding out about this?

Must find mug... must buy mug...
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- Michael, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:19am
  
  Re:
  Your addictive behavior is disturbing and should not be taken lightly.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Lord Binky, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:22am
    
    Re: Re:
    That's why they suggest taking it after a full meal.
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- Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:32am
  
  Re:
  Looks like they still sell them:
  
  http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=26098897
  
  Also available at higher prices on ebay :P
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Lord Binky, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:21am

Sorry...(not really)
There is no right(nor should their be) or realistic way to a life without being offended. I am highly offended by such a concept, and anyone believeing in such should keep silent about it or else they do not truly believe in not being offensive.
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Michael, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:25am

Making fun of drug abuse
So what I am getting out of this is that objects of this shape and color with clear labels about how they should be used are making light of prescription drug abuse.

That actually explains a lot.

The containers that the drugs are in are actually making fun of their abuse. Holy crap! What a revelation! We clearly have to put a stop to that. Perhaps prescription drug containers should be shaped like coffee mugs and not have labels with instructions on them.

I am so glad they have helped point out that these containers and labels are taking such a serious problem lightheartedly.
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That One Guy (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:25am

How this should have gone down:
AG's: We find your product offensive, and would like to ask you to pull it.
UO: Are we breaking any laws?
AG's: Well... not as such, no.
UO: In that case we'll take your offense in consideration, and continue to sell our mugs anyway. Have a nice day.
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- Michael, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:51am
  
  Re: How this should have gone down:
  AG's: We find your product offensive, and would like to ask you to pull it.
  UO: Are we breaking any laws?
  AG's: Well... not as such, no, but we will attack you in the press, drag you into costly litigation, and make sure we do find any other, unrelated offenses that we can pin on you if you don't do what we want.
  UO: hmm...would it help you if we sold a bunch of these on CraigsList so you can attack them again?
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
FM Hilton, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:25am

Aw, I wanted one!
Damnit, this is why we can't have nice things! Stupid, paranoid, dumb people who see evil in everything.

I work in the goddamned pharmacy industry, and I thought it was funny. I would have liked a mug for myself..along with a few others.

Yeah, there are overdoses of prescription drugs..but that doesn't mean funny should be outlawed.

Also the fact that most OD's come from drugs that are illegally obtained doesn't seem to come into play, does it?

Nah, would make too much sense!
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- Baldaur Regis (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:31am
  
  Re: Aw, I wanted one!
  They're not uncommon on ebay.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 1:50pm
    
    Re: Re: Aw, I wanted one!
    Heck, they are not uncommon at all. A quick Google search finds multiple distributors. Including Amazon.
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- Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 3:01pm
  
  Re: Aw, I wanted one!
  The thing is about Ohio is that the rates are really that high. Illegal trafficking of prescription Meds has caused local buy back progerams in rural areas like Mount Vernon, Centerburg, and even big cities like Columbus. The rate of overdose deaths from recreational use of prescription Meds is almost as high as the same count as those who take controlled substances legally. Every 3 or 4 months my local pharmacy runs out of medication I need to function in society...Concerta....and it's very popular to pass it around to those who don't need it for cramming exams. I mean it is almost as bad as the Crystal Meth problem in Oregon.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Chronno S. Trigger (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 3:42pm
    
    Re: Re: Aw, I wanted one!
    And people from Ohio can't drive worth a damn ether. Should we ban all cars?
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  - Anonymous Coward, 3 Jul 2013 @ 8:03am
    
    Re: Re: Aw, I wanted one!
    The thing is about Florida is that the rates are really that high. Illegal trafficking of umbrellas has caused local buy back programs in rural areas like Perry, Middleburg, and even big cities like Tampa. The rate of hurricane propelled umbrella deaths from recreational use of umbrellas is almost as high as the same count as those who use umbrellas legally. Every 3 or 4 months my local Walmart runs out of parasols I need to function in society...Lace....and it's very popular to pass it around to those who don't need it for cramming exams. I mean it is almost as bad as the Crystal Meth problem in Oregon.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Zos (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:37am

most of the "better" things they could be doing involve enslaving more americans in for profit prisons, so on the whole i'd just as soon they stuck to fapping over stupid shit like this.
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iambinarymind (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:39am

Attorney Genitals
So tired of these Attorney Genitals and their freedom crushing ways.

If one find the mug offensive, here's an idea, DON'T SHOP THERE!

I look forward to the day the state disintegrates and said attorney genitals become obsolete...the day where a majority of individuals understand that complex social issues cannot be solved through state force/violence/aggression (or threat thereof).

I prefer consensual relationships and voluntary exchange.
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:48am

Amazon is still listing them as available.
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- Bumed, 4 Jul 2013 @ 9:26am
  
  Re:
  Well that sucks.
  Amazon canceled my order :(
  
  ------------- Begin message -------------
  
  We're sorry, but due to the restrictions of CA Prop. 65, we are not allowed to ship this item to the State of California. Unfortunately, this means your item/order will be need to be canceled.
  
  ------------- End message -------------
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Altaree, 2 Jul 2013 @ 12:34pm

They will really hate this.
Perscription flask:
http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/ee36/?pfm=Search&t=perscription
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Altaree, 2 Jul 2013 @ 12:36pm

Also, cheaper here:
http://www.oldies.com/product-view/34386G.html
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Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 12:46pm

I suspect it's actually the syringes and the text on the shot glass that prompted this.

http://www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/OhioAttorneyGeneral/files/3f/3f2b4a45-c87a-4a9d-82f3-946 a7de1cfce.jpg
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- Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 1:16pm
  
  Re:
  So what?
  They're also LEGAL.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 2:08pm
    
    Re: Re:
    So what?
    "We invite you to pull these products from your shelves and join with us to fight prescription drug abuse."
    If the products were not legal, this request would not be in the form of an invitation.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Anonymous Coward, 3 Jul 2013 @ 7:56am
      
      Re: Re: Re:
      So the fucking AG of the god damn state should find something better to do with their time then to imply these legal products are somehow pro-prescription drug abuse.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
DSchneider (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 12:48pm

New Advertising Slogan
23 out of 50 Attorney Generals Agree, this product is not funny at all. Really no humor to be seen here.
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- Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 2:16pm
  
  Re: New Advertising Slogan
  When you see a family member die from it like I have, it's not one bit funny.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - John Fenderson (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 2:20pm
    
    Re: Re: New Advertising Slogan
    ...and that's fine. Humor is highly subjective.
    
    However, it's a ridiculous stretch to think that these things are making fun of drug abuse, or supportive of drug abuse. So the objection is nonsensical.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 2:46pm
    
    Re: Re: New Advertising Slogan
    You have a family member that died from drinking coffee from a "prescription coffee mug"?
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 3:05pm
      
      Re: Re: Re: New Advertising Slogan
      Oh yes a prescription coffee mug is definitely what I'm talking about...you missed the subtext that a family member died from recreational use. I always knew he was sneaking my medications away and regret it every day that I let it slide.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
      - Anonymous Coward, 3 Jul 2013 @ 7:59am
        
        Re: Re: Re: Re: New Advertising Slogan
        So what you're saying is your tragic auntecdote has nothing to do with the subject at hand. Glad we're all on the same page then.
        [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - DSchneider (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 3:06pm
    
    Re: Re: New Advertising Slogan
    Then don't buy it. If humor had to steer clear of anything that might have possibly hurt/damaged/offended someone in the past, then all we'd have left if knock-knock jokes. I don't know about you, but I don't want to live in that world.
    
    There are plenty of things in this world that I find offensive, weird, or in bad taste, etc. My solution is to simply not buy/watch/support those things. It's not to try an magically make those things disappear and deprive them from those who enjoy them, as I'm sure there are many things that I and yes, you enjoy, that others don't like.
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  - Zos (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 4:08pm
    
    Re: Re: New Advertising Slogan
    you don't make me laugh, gtfo my internet.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Anonymous Coward, 3 Jul 2013 @ 7:57am
    
    Re: Re: New Advertising Slogan
    My mom died with a hurricane propelled umbrella pierced her aorta. Why are you such a heartless dick to not do exactly as I say!
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 12:54pm

Extortion?
It may be paranoia speaking but I wouldn't be surprised if the Attorney Gangsters are shaking down Urban Outfitters for "contributions". Give them the dough and they won't harass them using whatever abuses of logic and the letter of the law their twisted attorney minds are trained for.
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Votre (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 2:33pm

First rule of an AG: When you don't have anything of substance to deal with, try picking a stupid fight so inconsequential that you can "win" it without going to court.
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btr1701 (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 2:39pm

Jokes
I�m trying to figure out when it became the proper role of government to police bad jokes. Or when it became incumbent upon the citizenry to worry about what the government does and does not find funny.
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- Wally (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 3:16pm
  
  Re: Jokes
  The issue is that the state of Ohio has the highest reported amount of recreational prescription medication use related deaths in the nation. You would not believe the amount of potential clients I had who thought I had an MD thinking that psychiatry = psychology and faking their disorders during Ohio State's final exams. It was unbelievable!
  
  I grew up in Mount Vernon and two close friends of mine died due to recreational use of prescription medications.
  
  Furthermore, Mike DeWine has a huge sense of humor and judging by his usually jovial disposition, this coffee mug was not questioned without sufficient reason. The problem has hit my state hard.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - Wally (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 3:18pm
    
    Re: Re: Jokes
    Oh and I'm ordering that coffee mug now for myself and my brother :-3 I wonder if it can be personalized :-3
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - John Fenderson (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 3:45pm
    
    Re: Re: Jokes
    The issue is that the state of Ohio has the highest reported amount of recreational prescription medication use related deaths in the nation
    
    So? What does that have to do with these products?
    
    Furthermore, Mike DeWine has a huge sense of humor and judging by his usually jovial disposition, this coffee mug was not questioned without sufficient reason.
    
    If this is true, he should share the sufficient reason with us, because the reason he gave is bogus.
    
    In the end, though, I don't really blame the AGs. Being a humorless prick seems to come with the job. I blame Urban Outfitters for caving to their request.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
    - Zos (profile), 2 Jul 2013 @ 4:10pm
      
      Re: Re: Re: Jokes
      seems like a win/win for urban outfitters, outrage drives sales, they burn through remaining stock, while getting to say they cooperate ith prosecutor requests, and care about this scourge of the community, they get cred from both sides.
      
      rinse and repeat, come up with a new line, maybe something in cocaine this time.
      [ link to this | view in chronology ]
  - btr1701 (profile), 3 Jul 2013 @ 12:02pm
    
    Re: Re: Jokes
    > The issue is that the state of Ohio
    > has the highest reported amount of
    > recreational prescription medication use
    > related deaths in the nation.
    
    That's *an* issue, but it's not *the* issue here. The issue here is that government using its weight and authority in an attempt to chill free speech merely because one of its officials (in his own words) doesn't find it funny.
    [ link to this | view in chronology ]
- Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 11:11pm
  
  Re: Jokes
  That is the problem - they're not doing their job policing themselves - the ultimate bad joke.
  [ link to this | view in chronology ]
Anonymous Coward, 2 Jul 2013 @ 4:47pm

How much did DeWine spend on a coffee cup?
Time, expense, paperwork, staff?
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Anonymous Cowshit (profile), 3 Jul 2013 @ 3:05am

Just plain daft
People blow their brains out with guns, but you can still buy The Gun Mug.

Sometimes elevators fall and kill the occupants, but the Falling Elevator Death t-shirt is still available.

Some people should go get a life. Or a TV. Or a yo-yo. Anything to distract them from such pettiness.
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WickedCats, 3 Jul 2013 @ 10:40am

Geez, have they ever had a cup of coffee in their lives?
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