There is no truth to the idea that ants are being sent to prison. That was the snarkiness in the comment. One can understand and agree with a sentiment (that sending those scientists to jail was bad) without trying to turn everything into a dig or barb at something else.

A large number of people liked and lie HN because of an environment best categorized as earnest, inquisitive, and constructive. I got the reference, and the post you replied to probably did as well, but even if not, the point still stands.