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You know the feeling. You get into an argument with someone, the two of you are going at each other back and forth, and they get you so riled up that you suddenly can't think of a good comeback until long after the fight is over.

There's actually a French term for this called l'esprit de l'escalier. It describes the feeling you get when you come up with the perfect reply after the fact.

We've all been there. It's devastating.

So let's take a moment and pay our respects to and celebrate the really good comebacks—the ultimate expressions of wit and cleverness. Taken from the appropriately titled subreddit r/MurderedByWords, here are some of the best ways people have ended their disagreements.

#2

Deutscher Patriotismus vs. American Patriotism

Deutscher Patriotismus vs. American Patriotism

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Jon Steensen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is it that really hard to understand? We have experienced what happens when Germany becomes very patriotic. That did not turn out very well for most of the world, Germany included. To me it makes very good sense that Germans are very carefull with patriotism these days and instead focuses on the coorporation with the rest of EU. National patriostism and egoism is very dangerous for a multicultural society in a globalished world.

johnc_1 avatar
John C
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So let's pay attention to history so as not to repeat it, eh? Let's see... where else in the world is patriotism getting out of hand... Let me think...

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Leo Domitrix
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This. Patriotism is about caring, effort, and standards. A flag is a piece of cloth. Waving it doesn't make you anything but a person waving a piece of cloth. Patriotism is about helping all in your nation, not only those you like and know personally and agree with politically. ----- child of miltiary family and two veterans.

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Karin Jansen
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think in Europe in general a lot of countries are more aware that "patriotism" can leads to "nationalism" which led, in Europese's case, to most westerns European countries starting colonies ("we'll save those poor, bewildered souls with our greatness by enslaving them. Rightfully so, because of our greatness"), which led to an arms race, which led to the first world War, which led to extreme punishment on Germany by other nations, which led to more nationalism and another world War. I think a lot of Europeans are more aware that feeling proud of your country is great, but also dangerous when it leads to the premiss that you're THE best country. Best case scenario, you stop learning from others (US now), which is horrible for yourself. Worst case, you start feeling entitled and like taking from others, which is horrible for everybody. Rant over, sorry everyone, thanks for coming to me TED talk.

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Katelyn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*claps in America* hear hear!! (I would love to go to the UK, I hear Brighton is beautiful, and get out of America)

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ChickyChicky
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The hard right is rising again in Germany, and in many other countries too. There is a disease that is creeping across the earth and we must be careful.

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Vicky Zar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes indeed. It's only a small group now, but Covid is not helping. Some people do not even know they are contributing to the rise of them. It is frightening

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Aurelia!
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

@Jihana, American here, and when I hear that somebody is proud to be American, I honestly do not think 'patriot'. I think 'trump supporter' because all the non-trump supporters I know are too ashamed of America's troubled history to celebrate this nation just yet.

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Nia Loves Art
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being patriotic is not limited to Trump, supporters, and that’s a really harmful narrative that I’d beg you not to feed into. Republicans are trying to monopolize patriotism and claim that they are the only ones who are proud to be Americans in order to disparage Democrats and paint us as traitorous, which could not be further from the truth.

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Duchess Raven Waves
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Germans are cool. And their language is super cool and the long ass phrase words are super cool.

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kjorn avatar
kjorn
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

american people really need to get better education

spellie08 avatar
Potato
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

All people need education. Don't limit it to America just because idiots are loud.

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François Carré
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Love it ! Please also remind it to French right-wing morons who believe Germany's success is all about anti-social policies. Thanks.

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Orange Juice
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm American, but most of my family was originally from Germany. It's nice seeing something like this, because as a kid, I could never find anything positive about Germany, and it made me sad.

spellie08 avatar
Potato
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same. I tell people my grandparents are German, they always say either "You don't look German" or they straight up call me a Nazi. Nice to see something positive for once.

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Random Anon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it's easier for the mouth-breathers to be patriotic that way. You just go to Walmart and buy a flag. You don't need to be concerned about the state of your country by actually looking at the performance metrics like education, economy, healthcare, social class mobility etc.

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Eileen Schaefer
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am german and I really don‘t like it when americans need to show how great they are by showing their flag everywhere. That is so self-loved and arrogant

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Rissie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pretty sure Germany is the only country that actually got the gist after both world wars. Tough on themselves, diligent. While neighboring countries feel like keeping a minute of silence each year or partying is a way to not forget the hardships and a certain country got stuck with the illusion of being the world's savior.

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sissy piny
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you! I've lived most of my life in Vienna but am originally German. Thank you everyone for not hating us for what our grandparents did!

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George-Florin Constantin
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an European (but not German) I respect the Germans and what they have accomplished as a nation since the 60s: strong economy, extraordinary infrastructure, top education.

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Emilycookie
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have German roots but have never been to Germany. glad to hear that it's better than here!

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Verena Abt
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Someone said: The more flag a country needs to put up, the bigger its identity crisis.

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TheBoredPanda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a middle-aged American, I am quite sure we will never see anything like this in my lifetime and that's terribly sad.

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Cursed quoter
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Germany Is a great place, People get mad for one f**k up, but when america starts gunfights about oli we don't give a s**t.

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okpkpkp
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I lived in Germany for 3 years and I can attest to the cleanliness. Everywhere.

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Noel Benavente
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and those "patriotic" americans, when it comes to increase taxes to do so, they call it socialism and reject it. Am i wrong?

backatya7 avatar
backatya
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

First what one country does doesn't have to happen in another. Nothing wrong with our patriotism flying our flags and singing the national anthem at games to honor our freedoms. Our service members don't join to later be told thank you for your service and it's said whether they're in a wheelchair or not. That actually started to happen since Americans neglected veterans from Vietnam, for many reasons. It would be nice if we all helped one another on medical and education, but some people here are greedy and want to hold on to every penny in their account and some say it's socialism. But forget it's good to help one another, it's the humane thing to do. Even though most of those greedy people might be Christians or other church goers.

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Linda HS
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

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Kelly Hartle
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Some people don't get that worshipping symbols is not the same as worshipping what they stand for.

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Gianni Sermon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Totally agree,as long as the 40 US military installations are kept inside Germany,you know,just in case

deetag123 avatar
Dee Tag
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The land was there before you were born. It will be there when you die. Fighting for it makes no sense.

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Bernardita Valdés
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aprende chile. Bah, de veras q todo parte de la educacion, y esa wea no va a cambiar nunca porque el dinero es lo mas importante en el dinero. Chile is the complete oposite of this :(

1lisa_hall avatar
Lisa Hall
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This isn't a savage comeback, it's just an explanation of how a German person defines patriotism. Come on Panda...up your game! =)

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David Brier
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. After two wars where you tried to dominate the world and killed millions you finally get it.

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Mikel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Educate yourself Jihana. Or maybe it's too late to.

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Nicole Weymann
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not sure if it was meant as offensive as it was taken. People from the US often say they're proud to be Americans. In Germany no one outside the right wing spectrum says that. The closest any non-nazi people come to saying anything like that is a cautious "Germany/we can be proud of that" followed by some kind of accomplishment (humanitarian for preference, or scientific). Personally I shy away from declaring to be "PROUD!!" of a mere geographical accident of birth.

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Cheri Aline Sydney
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, if America had all the money it used to help rebuld Germany after the war, and orher countries after their conflicts, along with rhe money the many countries short the UN while USA picks uo the Lion's share of the tab, it could definitely provide more education, health and benefits to its own Citizens.... To see your comments Jens, is just one more slap in the face.

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Barnabas Stinson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Keep living in your bubble, telling yourself stories how to blame others… lol

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Bonniebluebutler
Community Member
2 years ago

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Hello? Holocaust? Hitler had most Germans he was doing the REIGHT thing.

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Chris Zaydel
Community Member
2 years ago

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Another US Vs whatever country bit...German national patriotism (Nationalism) is usually associated with right wing groups. WW2 and the Holocaust made flag waving unpopular, and is still a contested issue. Local or regional pride is very popular.

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Tina Hugh
Community Member
2 years ago

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Germans try very, very hard to be morally superior

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Jihana
Community Member
2 years ago

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well...if you say you are proud to be American people will think you are a patriot, if you say you are proud to be German people will think you are a Nazi.

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KatHat
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hate to break it to you, but those things are getting very close together. American "patriotism" has always had an ugly edge and there's a nationalistic side to it that's becoming more obvious and very dangerous. "Patriots" don't try to overthrow the government or undermine democracy but that's what millions of Americans have decided they're for.

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#3

"Educate Your Self"

"Educate Your Self"

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#4

That’s A Stupid Reason To Ban Transgender People

That’s A Stupid Reason To Ban Transgender People

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#5

Anti Vaxxer Pretends To Be Educated

Anti Vaxxer Pretends To Be Educated

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And polio, measles, pneumonia, diptheria, influenza? Oh and that pesky Bubonic Plague. A healthy gut sure worked there.

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#6

Just Try Not Being Straight For Awhile

Just Try Not Being Straight For Awhile

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I remember this from a few weeks ago! After all, ii did say I wanted to, given its a brilliant comeback :D

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#8

This Comeback Belongs In The Hall Of Fame

This Comeback Belongs In The Hall Of Fame

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Jihana
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems like for some people the concept of consent is a pretty hard one to grasp...

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#9

In The Interests Of Public Safety

In The Interests Of Public Safety

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#11

Bye Bye Trash!!

Bye Bye Trash!!

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He himself is both a boob and an ass. If he can find a like minded friend they'd make an interesting pair 😂

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#13

Honestly, You're Not Important Enough To Be Microchipped

Honestly, You're Not Important Enough To Be Microchipped

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Monday
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I ask again...why would they give us FREE microchips with our vaccinations? If they wanted to microchip us you'd better believe they're going to make us pay for it too.

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#14

"I Don’t Understand Marches"

"I Don’t Understand Marches"

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Monday
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How does Tomi still have a job? I feel like I could write a bloody book about the moronic things I've seen from her on this website alone...Did she just never learn how to think...or at the very least google...before she speaks/posts?

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#15

Your Bigotry Is Showing

Your Bigotry Is Showing

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Toujin C'Thlu
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Stuff like this also shows how mentally stuck in the past conservatives are. They honestly think scenes like this will actually scare people as much it scares them.

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#16

America, F**k Yeah!

America, F**k Yeah!

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's sad that someone let alone a child needs to do this. This is a government and school funding issue.

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#17

Babies Are Not A Plaything

Babies Are Not A Plaything

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Scagsy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Regardless of context, I think the reply was justified. As someone who can't have kids, I am sick to the back teeth of people asking me when and why we don't have kids. Mind your own business.

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#20

$10 To Clean The Bathroom?!

$10 To Clean The Bathroom?!

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

7 out of ten dollars? Smh is that really what they think? I pay around 19-21% and get a lot of it back in tax credits. Do you think it's the 'ism' that makes ppl think socialism is communism? We could always try calling it socialocracy

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#21

Let's Blame Children's Knees For Making Men Uncomfortable

Let's Blame Children's Knees For Making Men Uncomfortable

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Do they not filter out the weirdos who apply to be teachers? Or are they just good at hiding it?

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#22

God Is A White Man

God Is A White Man

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Nikki Sevven
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny, I've read the Bible many times, and have yet to come across the chapter and verse where God mandates that white men be in the majority. Anyone?

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#23

America Was Not Started By Protestors!

America Was Not Started By Protestors!

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#24

Who Knows What They Put In "Food" Anyway?

Who Knows What They Put In "Food" Anyway?

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I heard he apparently was breathing air in those two weeks, so hold ur breath and I'll get back to u asap....

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#26

Jeepers Creepers

Jeepers Creepers

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Lauren Caswell
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This, right? Taking strangers pics is not very subtle! Especially this well framed, poor dude. Now I wonder about genders reversed: guy taking picture of young woman with such inference? Well if I find that creepy (which I do), then by all logic this is equally as creepy (which it is)

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#27

There's No Vaccination For That

There's No Vaccination For That

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#29

Gas Pump (Doesn't) Go Brrrrr

Gas Pump (Doesn't) Go Brrrrr

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Perry Sologia
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was a kid working at a gas station, if the power failed, you cranked it by hand. Lot of years ago, mind

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#33

“We Follow Biblical Rules”

“We Follow Biblical Rules”

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labaguette🥖️‍🥖️‍
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The word “homosexual” wasn’t added into the Bible until 1942. Can we not hide behind religion to excuse our homophobia, thank you.

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#37

Can't Say Much, Can We?

Can't Say Much, Can We?

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#40

Complete Slam Dunk From This Dude

Complete Slam Dunk From This Dude

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Note: this post originally had 76 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.

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