# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=262 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 263 --- ## [Obama and Rick Warren. Does this bother you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-rick-warren-does-this-bother-you/477665)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2008, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-rick-warren-does-this-bother-you/477665 "2008-12-30T15:42:36Z")
Rick Warren has been picked to give the invocation at Obama’s inauguration. Many liberals are angry about it. They’re wrong. We’ve spent the last 8 years with, “You’re either with us or against us” type politics. Obama… --- ## [Did Dutch secular progressives expel their enemies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-dutch-secular-progressives-expel-their-enemies/668061)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2013, 9:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-dutch-secular-progressives-expel-their-enemies/668061 "2013-09-06T09:10:54Z")
I spent several months living in the Netherlands and can vouch for the Wikipedia description that it values “social tolerance and today is regarded as a liberal country”, “one of the most secular countries in Western Eur… --- ## [Why is Saudi Arabia supporting the Syrian rebels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-saudi-arabia-supporting-the-syrian-rebels/667929)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2013, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-saudi-arabia-supporting-the-syrian-rebels/667929 "2013-09-06T04:25:28Z")
What is in it for them? What about the motivation of Qatar being pro-rebel? Is it because the rebels are seen as pushing forward a Sunni friendly government if they win? What about Turkey? I’m under the impression Turke… --- ## [How offensive is the Mammy stereotype?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-offensive-is-the-mammy-stereotype/268723)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2013, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-offensive-is-the-mammy-stereotype/268723 "2013-09-06T02:06:33Z")
Mammy has always had a dual role in American society which I assume goes back to the children of Southern aristocrats being raised by nannies who were slaves: How could you keep in dehumanizing subjugation the woman who… --- ## [How does TX requiring State ID violate VRA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-tx-requiring-state-id-violate-vra/667657)
**Author:** [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2013, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-tx-requiring-state-id-violate-vra/667657 "2013-09-05T22:47:05Z")
They would want you to have a state ID to vote. If you’re a citizen, why is this hard to accomplish? How does it violate minorities? --- ## [UK Foreign Policy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-foreign-policy/667648)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2013, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-foreign-policy/667648 "2013-09-05T20:10:17Z")
Bliss was it in that dawn to be alive- that was yesterday’s dawn. Now that Parliament has to be consulted on any war matter, we are changed. No more adventurism by Prime Ministers Using (misusing) the Royal Prerogative. … --- ## [I don't see how you can leave God out of this conflict in Syria](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-see-how-you-can-leave-god-out-of-this-conflict-in-syria/668091)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Quatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Quatro)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2013, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-see-how-you-can-leave-god-out-of-this-conflict-in-syria/668091 "2013-09-05T18:43:33Z")
I don’t see how you can leave God out of this conflict in Syria … if this is a red flag to bring up God then excuse me …! Syria has a God, each warring faction in the rebel war against the preset regime in Syria has a G… --- ## [Is Evolution Really Science-Based?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-evolution-really-science-based/667780)
**Author:** [@Phil\_CostaMesa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phil_CostaMesa)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2013, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-evolution-really-science-based/667780 "2013-09-05T14:03:37Z")
I’m asking because I came across this statement: The spontaneous creation of new genetic information required for Darwinian evolution has not been observed, and is therefore not scientifically credible. Can anyone conf… --- ## [God vs. Satan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-vs-satan/667939)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2013, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-vs-satan/667939 "2013-09-05T05:37:55Z")
Can anyone clear up the relationship between these two? There are more than a few questions I have with this symbiotic relationship. Let’s make some parameters before heading into this, as I know different religions ha… --- ## [What if Franz Ferdinand had not been assassinated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-franz-ferdinand-had-not-been-assassinated/667613)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2013, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-franz-ferdinand-had-not-been-assassinated/667613 "2013-09-04T16:32:20Z")
Is it possible to speculate on how the 20th Century would have been different if Franz Ferdinand had not been assassinated? Was WWI inevitable? I can believe that the great powers were on a collision course, but I coul… --- ## [How do voter ID laws suppress minority votes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-voter-id-laws-suppress-minority-votes/665968)
**Author:** [@historicprops](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/historicprops)\ **Replies:** 208\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2013, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-voter-id-laws-suppress-minority-votes/665968 "2013-09-04T15:56:04Z")
All through my voting life, I’ve found it odd that I can walk into a polling place and cast a vote without actually demonstrating that I am the person I claim to be. It occurred to me early on, that if i felt strongly ab… --- ## [To what extent is the welfare state promulgated by Democrats in exchange for votes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-is-the-welfare-state-promulgated-by-democrats-in-exchange-for-votes/667786)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2013, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-is-the-welfare-state-promulgated-by-democrats-in-exchange-for-votes/667786 "2013-09-04T14:47:25Z")
Did the welfare state polarize American politics among racial lines and secure numerous votes for the Democratic Party? --- ## [What really hit the Pentagon on 9/11/01?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-hit-the-pentagon-on-9-11-01/667729)
**Author:** [@georgewk10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/georgewk10)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2013, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-hit-the-pentagon-on-9-11-01/667729 "2013-09-04T03:29:41Z")
An aluminum plane could not have done that damage. http://www.truthweather.com/images/pentagon/ --- ## [Missile hitting the Pentagon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missile-hitting-the-pentagon/268130)
**Author:** [@Splanky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Splanky)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2013, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missile-hitting-the-pentagon/268130 "2013-09-04T03:21:30Z")
My brother’s convinced that a plane never actually hit the pentagon, but it was a missile instead. He got this from a wonderful piece of Flash: http://www.freedomunderground.org/memoryhole/pentagon.php#Main I know that… --- ## [What do the active military generals think about Syria involvement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-active-military-generals-think-about-syria-involvement/667868)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2013, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-the-active-military-generals-think-about-syria-involvement/667868 "2013-09-04T01:26:06Z")
In an assessment … on July 19, Dempsey outlined possible scenarios and the risks they bring. Dempsey said U.S. involvement, even if it’s limited in nature, would probably lead to an extended stay. “Once we take action… --- ## [Is your dentist a "Mad Hatter"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-dentist-a-mad-hatter/667893)
**Author:** [@georgewk10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/georgewk10)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2013, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-your-dentist-a-mad-hatter/667893 "2013-09-03T21:57:25Z")
for the longest time the American Dental ass. has claimed mercury is harmless. they didn’t even regulate the disposal into the ocean. The Q. is ;has your dentist been brain damaged by all this exposure to this heavy m… --- ## [Could the French Empire have lasted? (what if)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-french-empire-have-lasted-what-if/667493)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2013, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-french-empire-have-lasted-what-if/667493 "2013-09-03T19:29:04Z")
I’m sure this question has been asked a bunch of times on the board, but as I’m re-reading the Hornblower and Sharp’s series atm I thought I’d ask a what if. Let’s say that history played out exactly as it did until Nap… --- ## [Does the US lose anything when caught red handed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-us-lose-anything-when-caught-red-handed/667862)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2013, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-us-lose-anything-when-caught-red-handed/667862 "2013-09-03T10:36:11Z")
When the international community catches wind of the USA doing something it shouldn’t, such as the revelations from the Snowden incident, supplying guerillas with weapons, economic manipulation, etc – does it lose power… --- ## [USA to Syria - another Iraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-to-syria-another-iraq/667072)
**Author:** [@komolono](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/komolono)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2013, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-to-syria-another-iraq/667072 "2013-09-03T01:55:24Z")
Why would NOT CIA use gas on the innocent Syrians to get involved (again)? --- ## [Death penalty opponents; how would you reform prisons and criminal justice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-penalty-opponents-how-would-you-reform-prisons-and-criminal-justice/666879)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2013, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-penalty-opponents-how-would-you-reform-prisons-and-criminal-justice/666879 "2013-09-03T00:32:42Z")
I ask death penalty opponents specifically since for us life in prison is the maximum punishment a civilised society should inflict on its criminals, so what life is like inside the prison is of supreme importance. Insp… --- ## [Marijuana Cures Cancer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marijuana-cures-cancer/667486)
**Author:** [@jsutter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsutter)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2013, 12:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marijuana-cures-cancer/667486 "2013-09-03T00:14:25Z")
It does, and I speak from experience. Been toking steady since '65. In 2007, I had a squamous invader excised from my left ankle. Two weeks ago, I had another removed from my right. I cruised for a week on beer, weed an… --- ## [Fighting Ignorance since 1973](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorance-since-1973/667809)
**Author:** [@georgewk10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/georgewk10)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2013, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorance-since-1973/667809 "2013-09-02T16:12:11Z")
One thing about Ignorance. it’s curable. Knowledge is the cure. Now, asking questions , that’s good. even truther questions. --- ## [Why is SOS John Kerry beating the war drum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-sos-john-kerry-beating-the-war-drum/667740)
**Author:** [@harmonicamoon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/harmonicamoon)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2013, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-sos-john-kerry-beating-the-war-drum/667740 "2013-09-02T16:07:36Z")
Is he just reading from a script provided by his boss Obama? We have no proof of anything Kerry asserts. --- ## [So, this is it (Syria)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113)
**Author:** [@Werekoala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Werekoala)\ **Replies:** 340\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2013, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-this-is-it-syria/667113 "2013-09-02T13:31:22Z")
The drums have been beaten for months now, and the US and Britain are moving warships into the region in response to reported chemical weapon attacks on rebels/militants/terrorists/civilians. IMHO it’s only a matter of d… --- ## [God and Mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-and-mind/666654)
**Author:** [@SC2Maar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SC2Maar)\ **Replies:** 224\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2013, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-and-mind/666654 "2013-09-02T13:21:33Z")
Please don’t get angry at me for this question. I have to ask because I am curious. We can’t hear mind. We can’t see it. We can’t taste it. We can’t feel it by touching. We can’t smell it. But we know mind exists. So,… --- ## [My Pet Goat reading](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-pet-goat-reading/667279)
**Author:** [@georgewk10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/georgewk10)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2013, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-pet-goat-reading/667279 "2013-09-02T08:35:31Z")
did “W” really read? while his country burned. and did Cheney sit on his hands , keeping NORAD down 45 minutes after the WTC was hit? --- ## [Why is using Sarin gas worse than using high explosives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-using-sarin-gas-worse-than-using-high-explosives/667591)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2013, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-using-sarin-gas-worse-than-using-high-explosives/667591 "2013-09-02T04:25:43Z")
The statements on NPR are that the victims of last week’s bombing of a civilian neighborhood with sarin gas rounds from a rocket suffered, and in some cases died horribly. The UN of course states that using such weapons… --- ## [The Kirkpatrick Doctrine Today.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kirkpatrick-doctrine-today/667384)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2013, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kirkpatrick-doctrine-today/667384 "2013-09-02T03:31:07Z")
How is relevant is the Kirkpatrick Doctrine today? The reasons why I ask, is because the doctrine probably came long before Ms. Kirkpatrick. And it was used by Democrats too. IIRC, Democrat President Jimmy Carter used … --- ## [Is life nothing more than a dream?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-life-nothing-more-than-a-dream/667641)
**Author:** [@lankyBlonde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lankyBlonde)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2013, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-life-nothing-more-than-a-dream/667641 "2013-09-01T20:49:58Z")
Observe your life for a split second and let’s discuss what it is objectively. Your “life” is composed, more or less, of 5 dominant senses: vision, audio, smell, taste, and touch. Your brain attributes certain kinds of d… --- ## [Does the DEA/NSA collaboration prove that mass conspiracy theories are possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-dea-nsa-collaboration-prove-that-mass-conspiracy-theories-are-possible/666786)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2013, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-dea-nsa-collaboration-prove-that-mass-conspiracy-theories-are-possible/666786 "2013-09-01T15:46:48Z")
One of the common criticisms of conspiracy theories is that it would require hundreds of people spread over many different interest groups to all simultaneously uphold overly elaborate lies and to maintain perfect secrec… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=261) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=263)