Well, that certainly beats the hell out of ninurta's example of chopping off someone's hand, but it's still much different because--
(1) It hasn't been long-established as a widespread cultural norm
(2) Due to (1) above, a person without earlobes (especially a child) would be subject to ridicule from other people, whereas a person with a circumcised cock would not. Indeed, in certain countries (even in this country during the mid to late 20th century) it would be the reverse-- someone with an uncircumcised johnson would be more likely to suffer negative social consequences than one without
So if I were living in a country where safely and hygenically lopping off children's earlobes was a widespread and long-established cultural norm and religious practice, then no, I would not support a government ban on the practice. Again, it's a much better example than chopping off people's hands and shit. I really don't think it's too big a deal, but I could still be convinced-- you are making some strong arguments in favor of a ban. However, given that I think the state already bans enough shit, I'm gonna be disinclined against most proposals/arguments that begin "The government should ban..."
My point was more aimed at the fact that you could survive without a hand, and it would make somethings not so great as they would otherwise be, I couldn't think of anything else so I just chose that. Didn't think of the earlobes but we can go with that for now.
Hmmm, your friend, he likes to talk about his dick doesn't he? Handy for your argument. You've wasted an awful lot of words on this, I think you've made your point and you've swayed me. I'm so outraged at the blatant child abuse, that later today I will pay a visit to my elderly mother (Dad's gone to heaven, like a Nazi war criminal to South America) and will circumcise her face.
Q - you must have come across a band called the Four Skins?
I get that i didn't convince anyone with the "it gets dry", and no thats not what we talked about. I asked him a question about circumcision because it was relavent to this thread and wanted to confirm something someone asked. BTW, when it gets dry, it loses sensitivity, and that's how it doesn't feel good.
Well there needs to be a public debate about this in the House of Commons and invite cemb as guest speakers. Who's ready 2 rumble?
I will get a public debate going in the Senate, but i am not british so I dont think my voice would count there.