Coffin in Living Room Led to Florida Incest Arrest

Reuters ^

[Publius6961]

I don't think government is the answer to this problem though. Clearly it didn't work here (even though the law already existed).

Here is the Achilles' heel of your unyielding positions Owk.
Should we repeal bank robbery laws because banks continue to be robbed?

[slugbug]

no physical harm to the kids (I assume the incest was the adult sister)

The article states there were also grandchildren in the house which would mean that someone (I will assume the father) had sex with one or more of the children...Maybe that doesn't constitute physical harm in your book...

[OWK]

There is something inherently icky about incest, however, that causes one to consider it as just plain wrong, even if there is no possibility of offspring.

There is also in my opinion, something inherently "icky" about homosexuality, heterosexual S&M, heterosexual promiscuity, and many other things.

As such, I choose not to engage in such activities.

I do not however, consider it reasonable to initiate force against those who do.

The issue here in my opinion, is the question of offspring.

[OWK]

Should we repeal bank robbery laws because banks continue to be robbed?

Bank robbery violates rights.

[Publius6961]

Bank robbery violates rights.

That's irrelevant to the question.
I am not questioning the justification for a law, just the notion that if it is not 100% effective it should be repealed.

[OWK]

I am not questioning the justification for a law, just the notion that if it is not 100% effective it should be repealed.

I did not intend to imply that laws should exist or not, based on their effectiveness as a deterent (although I can understand from reviewing my words how you might have come to that conclusion).

I should have been clearer.

[62chrysler]

There is nothing "icky" about adult incest that isn't "ickier" about adult homosexuality and similar behavior such as bestiality and necrophilia--all of which bring to light the shortcomings of a completely morally relative, pure libertarian viewpoint.

[Teacher317]

It might imply that, but I try to avoid assumptions. The grandchildren could have been produced with a neighbor, an abductee, a 3-headed alien, etc. Also, the ages aren't really discussed. Those 'children' could have been 18+ yrs old when they gave birth. Under-age stuff is not necesary to fill in the blanks in the story. (Since the Patriarch is 53, he could have had kids at 25 with a slightly younger sister, and those kids would give birth in their 20's, and you'd still have plenty of grandchildren by age 53.)

[OWK]

all of which bring to light the shortcomings of a completely morally relative, pure libertarian viewpoint.

Libertarian philosophy is based upon moral absolutes.

It is in NO WAY a morally relativistic philosophy.

[Rustynailww]

bttt

[Registered]

the possibility of producing genetically deformed offspring...

So some humans have more value than others and that value impacts your thoughts about this situation? What's the matter with genetically deformed offspring?

[PLOM...NOT!]

A source said the couple's daughters began getting mysteriously pregnant when they reached adolescence
It doesn't sound like they had reached the age of 18 yet.

[Old Professer]

If I remember, Adam and Eve had the same problem.

[r9etb]

all of which bring to light the shortcomings of a completely morally relative, pure libertarian viewpoint.

In practice it means that we are required to allow the worst behavior to occupy any and all public spaces, and that we have no right to expect or require good behavior.

I guess one could compare the difference to that between "Potterville" and "Bedford Falls" in It's a Wonderful Life.

In bolder terms, it's called turning over the asylum to the inmates, and barricading the doors in hopes that they won't break in.

[Old Professer]

Mike,
There are times when I simply want to kiss you.

[stripes1776]

This is weird.

However, in mythology, siblings do marry and have children. In Greek mythology, Zeus and Hera are brother and sister. Their offspring are the other gods and goddesses.

It makes you wonder what was going on psychologically with these people. I speculate that it was some kind of inflated, overvaluation of self--an indentification with divinity.

These people belong in a looney bin. The sad part is the effect this may have on the children.

[OWK]

So some humans have more value than others and that value impacts your thoughts about this situation?

Huh? How the hell did you get THAT from what I said?

What's the matter with genetically deformed offspring?

Uh... they're genetically deformed?

Is this a trick question?

Hopefully you recognize genetic deformity as something a parent would choose to spare a child he was bringing into the world, if he had the choice.

[Cogadh na Sith]

But the possibility of producing genetically deformed offspring raises the bar on this issue.

How about only making it illegal unless you are members of Pharonic or French royal families.

That's where they get those bulging eyes, outrageous forheads and no chins from.

[Dallas]

"begat" is a relative term--LOL