# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=207 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 208 --- ## [Dopers francais---is the new Hebdo cartoon of Mohammed what I think it is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-francais-is-the-new-hebdo-cartoon-of-mohammed-what-i-think-it-is/709843)
**Author:** [@ccccalc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ccccalc)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2015, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dopers-francais-is-the-new-hebdo-cartoon-of-mohammed-what-i-think-it-is/709843 "2015-01-16T00:38:01Z")
In the new Hebdo newspaper, the cover features Mohammed. Now my interpretation per my broken high school French is that Mohammed is crying ‘crocodile tears’ while holding the “I am Charlie” sign----with the phrase “Al… --- ## [Would modern tactics have ended World War II quicker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-modern-tactics-have-ended-world-war-ii-quicker/709275)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2015, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-modern-tactics-have-ended-world-war-ii-quicker/709275 "2015-01-14T22:08:35Z")
A spin off from this thread, on the same question applied to the first installment of the Weltkrieg. Consensus was - no, modern strategy and tactics would have a hard time adapting to World War I conditions. So let’s tu… --- ## [Should witness testimony be disregarded if it conflicts with self-defense claim for a murder trial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-witness-testimony-be-disregarded-if-it-conflicts-with-self-defense-claim-for-a-murder-trial/709664)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 213\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2015, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-witness-testimony-be-disregarded-if-it-conflicts-with-self-defense-claim-for-a-murder-trial/709664 "2015-01-14T21:51:37Z")
In a Pit thread, we were discussing the shooting of Jordan Davis (in short, Michael Dunn admitted to shooting Davis in a car at a gas station, claiming that Davis pointed a shotgun at him – in contrast to testimony from … --- ## [Three "wise" men find Jesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-wise-men-find-jesus/708126)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2015, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/three-wise-men-find-jesus/708126 "2015-01-14T19:33:46Z")
1 Corinthians 3:18-19 Those people would have worldly wisdom but would be fools in God’s sight… Psalm 14:1 On the other hand, three “wise” men found Jesus. But they didn’t use the wisdom of science - instead they… --- ## [Is Al Sharpton as bad and as powerful as the right makes him out to be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-al-sharpton-as-bad-and-as-powerful-as-the-right-makes-him-out-to-be/708442)
**Author:** [@Donald\_Rump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donald_Rump)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [January 14, 2015, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-al-sharpton-as-bad-and-as-powerful-as-the-right-makes-him-out-to-be/708442 "2015-01-14T12:51:56Z")
Conservative commentators really, really don’t like Al Sharpton. For a recent example from Peter Wehner: And of course, no one is more prolific in Sharpton-bashing than the editors of the NY Post. Criticisms of Sharpt… --- ## [Scientific Evidence for God? (Odds Against Life)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-evidence-for-god-odds-against-life/708490)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2015, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-evidence-for-god-odds-against-life/708490 "2015-01-13T13:07:27Z")
From the WSJ: Science Increasingly Makes the Case for God Is this legit? (And/or new?) And if not, where is it wrong? --- ## [Steven Emerson (Fox News 'Terrorism Expert' is an idiot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steven-emerson-fox-news-terrorism-expert-is-an-idiot/709638)
**Author:** [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2015, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/steven-emerson-fox-news-terrorism-expert-is-an-idiot/709638 "2015-01-13T11:08:50Z")
Is David Cameron correct when he said that Steven Emerson is an idiot? Emerson said; “Birmingham is “a totally Muslim” city “where non-Muslims just simply don’t go”.” Cameron said; “When I heard this, frankly, I choked… --- ## [How exactly would an anti-christ 'conquer the world'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-would-an-anti-christ-conquer-the-world/706994)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2015, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-would-an-anti-christ-conquer-the-world/706994 "2015-01-13T08:56:54Z")
When a story about an evil incarnation in religion or entertainment media comes up they usually imply that a baby with the spirit of the anti-christ or some other evil entity in it will grow up and ‘conquer the world’. T… --- ## [Connecticut can now force a 17-year old to undergo chemotherapy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecticut-can-now-force-a-17-year-old-to-undergo-chemotherapy/709384)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2015, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/connecticut-can-now-force-a-17-year-old-to-undergo-chemotherapy/709384 "2015-01-13T01:56:13Z")
From the Washington Post: When someone wants to be an idiot with their own life, I think they should be allowed when they are an adult. I draw the line when someone wants to be an idiot with the life of a minor under … --- ## [Against Civil Liberties creep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/against-civil-liberties-creep/709180)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2015, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/against-civil-liberties-creep/709180 "2015-01-12T21:36:07Z")
Civil liberties are a great idea. Indeed, regardless of what Ken Burns may have told you, they are America’s best idea. However, for the concept of civil liberties (or civil rights) to have weight, there must be a defi… --- ## [The media should name all rape accusers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-media-should-name-all-rape-accusers/707686)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2015, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-media-should-name-all-rape-accusers/707686 "2015-01-12T20:06:20Z")
After the mess from the Rolling Stone/Virginia phony rape allegations, it is time for the media to end the absurd policy of not providing the full name of rape accusers. The pendulum has swung too far. For the crime to h… --- ## [As it stands, I object to some of the ways fellow athiest try to provoke others.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-it-stands-i-object-to-some-of-the-ways-fellow-athiest-try-to-provoke-others/708961)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 279\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2015, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-it-stands-i-object-to-some-of-the-ways-fellow-athiest-try-to-provoke-others/708961 "2015-01-12T16:51:28Z")
YES! I’m aware that we are generally using the same tactics as religious folks use. We make offensive billboards mocking other people’s beliefs. We erect atheist monuments on government property. I hear insults towar… --- ## [Off-duty actions of public figures in general/Shirvell/Armstrong case in particular](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/off-duty-actions-of-public-figures-in-general-shirvell-armstrong-case-in-particular/555505)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2015, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/off-duty-actions-of-public-figures-in-general-shirvell-armstrong-case-in-particular/555505 "2015-01-12T16:41:44Z")
Did anybody else watch Anderson Cooper last night? He profiled a case (not in the legal sense, yet- there’s possible litigation pending) of Andrew Shirvell, the Assistant Attorney General of Michigan, whose hobby is har… --- ## [The many benefits of keeping Muslims out of Europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-many-benefits-of-keeping-muslims-out-of-europe/682068)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 218\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2015, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-many-benefits-of-keeping-muslims-out-of-europe/682068 "2015-01-11T21:54:36Z")
It seems there is quite a cultural clash going on with Muslims & Europe. Is there a legitimate reason Europeans are concerned about Muslims immigrating in, or becoming part of the EU in the case of Turkey? Or this this m… --- ## [Is global warming falsifiable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-global-warming-falsifiable/687786)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 744\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2015, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-global-warming-falsifiable/687786 "2015-01-11T00:34:47Z")
And if not should it not become a religion rather than a scientific hypothesis? The signs are already there. Scientists are openly mocked and vilified if they challenge the science behind the theory. Global warming denia… --- ## [What are the odds an alien species would be similar to us physiologically](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-an-alien-species-would-be-similar-to-us-physiologically/708213)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2015, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-an-alien-species-would-be-similar-to-us-physiologically/708213 "2015-01-10T20:46:22Z")
I was watching fire in the sky, and while Travis Walton was on a spaceship my first thought was ‘why is the atmosphere breathable in there’. On earth I think the CO2 concentration is something like 0.04%. If it gets too … --- ## [Attack in Paris](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attack-in-paris/709233)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2015, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attack-in-paris/709233 "2015-01-10T16:45:30Z")
Still breaking news, but it appears that several gunmen have broken into a French satirical/cartoon magazine and killed at least 12, including what was basically the execution of a French police officer who was down with… --- ## [Bob McDonnell trial/conviction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-mcdonnell-trial-conviction/697583)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2015, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-mcdonnell-trial-conviction/697583 "2015-01-09T20:34:36Z")
For those who don’t know what this is about - here I don’t understand something. The gifts that McDonnell received were given legally. There was no law against giving or receiving of those gifts. As far as I can find in… --- ## [To what extent is conscience an illusion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-is-conscience-an-illusion/709068)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2015, 7:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-is-conscience-an-illusion/709068 "2015-01-09T19:01:51Z")
This possibility has just crossed my mind and the deeper I think about it the more I tend to believe there must be quite a few people who regard conscience as an illusion. The argument can be summarized as follows: Func… --- ## [World Overpopulation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-overpopulation/708597)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2015, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-overpopulation/708597 "2015-01-09T06:06:55Z")
About 20 years ago, I got this interesting book on trivia facts. And it had this equally interesting article, apparently by a respected scientist, on overpopulation. I think the book itself was written around the late 6… --- ## [What shoud be required of a gay family (gay parent raising children)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-shoud-be-required-of-a-gay-family-gay-parent-raising-children/709155)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2015, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-shoud-be-required-of-a-gay-family-gay-parent-raising-children/709155 "2015-01-09T03:24:41Z")
A gay couple, barring some technological advances or heterosexual help, can not have their own children. Yet a hetrosexual couple married-committed to each other or not, even on a ‘one night stand’, or even rape can. B… --- ## [Why do governments need taxes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-governments-need-taxes/709322)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2015, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-governments-need-taxes/709322 "2015-01-09T01:16:00Z")
Here’s what my brain was pondering: a scenario where we abolish all forms of taxation, and simply “run the printing presses” to pay the government’s bills. I realize from the history of places like Germany and Zimbabwe,… --- ## [Examining the Effect of Westminster decisions on Scotland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examining-the-effect-of-westminster-decisions-on-scotland/708524)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 223\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2015, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examining-the-effect-of-westminster-decisions-on-scotland/708524 "2015-01-08T07:39:48Z")
Over the next four months the Westminster Government will be pressed between a rock and a hard place. By Burns Night the posed legislation on further Scottish devolution will be published. According to current polls a ma… --- ## [Why is politics in the US more faith based.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-politics-in-the-us-more-faith-based/708076)
**Author:** [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2015, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-politics-in-the-us-more-faith-based/708076 "2015-01-08T01:36:26Z")
After traveling to other countries, I have notice politics in the US are very different than other countries. It is more you are a republican or democratic. I think other countries look at politics more scientific where … --- ## [What happened to "There is no such thing as objective morality or right and wrong?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-there-is-no-such-thing-as-objective-morality-or-right-and-wrong/707301)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2015, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-there-is-no-such-thing-as-objective-morality-or-right-and-wrong/707301 "2015-01-07T21:46:15Z")
Wasn’t there at some point a philosophy that claimed something to the effect of, “There is no such thing as fixed and certain morality, no such thing as right and wrong?” Nowadays, it seems like \*\*everyone \*\*- atheist, … --- ## [Does a pink package have to mean that the manufacture is giving money to cancer research?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-pink-package-have-to-mean-that-the-manufacture-is-giving-money-to-cancer-research/709220)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2015, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-pink-package-have-to-mean-that-the-manufacture-is-giving-money-to-cancer-research/709220 "2015-01-07T20:38:15Z")
I hear all the time about “pinkwashing” and how not every item that is sold in a pink package helps cancer victims. Does it really have to? Pink ribbons for breast cancer doesn’t mean that use of that entire color is ba… --- ## [Who has been worst - Bush or Obama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-been-worst-bush-or-obama/699979)
**Author:** [@mr.jp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mr.jp)\ **Replies:** 250\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2015, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-been-worst-bush-or-obama/699979 "2015-01-07T15:57:43Z")
Bush pluses: The PEPFAR program Bush minuses: He bungled Iraq (mitigating factor: He did get rid of Saddam, who was horrible) He bungled Katrina The patriot act Spying on citizens Torture Obama pluses: Through O… --- ## [If Saudi Arabia successfully undercuts US & Canada shale oil production, will that industry rebound](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-saudi-arabia-successfully-undercuts-us-canada-shale-oil-production-will-that-industry-rebound/708866)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2015, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-saudi-arabia-successfully-undercuts-us-canada-shale-oil-production-will-that-industry-rebound/708866 "2015-01-07T15:55:28Z")
My understanding of part of why gas prices are going down is Saudi Arabia wants to drive down oil prices in the hopes it will bankrupt the shale oil industry in the US & Canada, which I think need oil to be at $60 a barr… --- ## [Should dentistry students be expelled for 'sexually violent', 'misogynistic' posts on Facebook?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-dentistry-students-be-expelled-for-sexually-violent-misogynistic-posts-on-facebook/707454)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2015, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-dentistry-students-be-expelled-for-sexually-violent-misogynistic-posts-on-facebook/707454 "2015-01-07T12:31:55Z")
Here is the story. Other sites have a bit more (or less). In brief, some final year Dentistry students at Dalhousie University (in Halifax, Canada) are ‘alleged’ to have made a series of ongoing ‘hateful’ and ‘sexually … --- ## [Why don't Cubans buy new cars from other countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-cubans-buy-new-cars-from-other-countries/707874)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2015, 8:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-cubans-buy-new-cars-from-other-countries/707874 "2015-01-07T08:38:43Z")
Views of Cuba show 1950s Buicks, Fords, etc. Since they can’t buy American cars, why don’t they just buy VWs, Hyundais, Toyotas, or other non-USA cars? Other embargo questions: Lifting the embargo will make it easier … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=206) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=208)