# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=402 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 403 --- ## [World War III?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-war-iii/573320)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2011, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-war-iii/573320 "2011-03-04T00:23:28Z")
I have often wondered, how likely is a World War III? I know it have been over 65 years since the last world war. And that amount of time alone would make it seem less likely. Also, the threat of nuclear weapons being us… --- ## [Bible question: Why did god create humans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-question-why-did-god-create-humans/573130)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2011, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-question-why-did-god-create-humans/573130 "2011-03-03T22:28:45Z")
Instead of more angels? What’s the point of making us? Is this question answered in the Bible? Angels are pretty much better than humans in every way. They can love god just as they can hate him. They can be punishe… --- ## [Algeria next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/algeria-next/571321)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2011, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/algeria-next/571321 "2011-03-03T17:40:08Z")
Protests already have been going on since January. The foreign minister just announced Algeria’s 20-year-old emergency law “will be lifted shortly.” Will that be enough to assuage the protesters? President Abdelaziz B… --- ## [Is it time to bring the Fairness Doctrine back?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-to-bring-the-fairness-doctrine-back/573236)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2011, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-to-bring-the-fairness-doctrine-back/573236 "2011-03-03T17:23:14Z")
The Fairness Doctrine basically says, “…required the holders of broadcast licenses to both present controversial issues of public importance and to do so in a manner that was, in the Commission’s view, honest, equitable … --- ## [EU High Court Bans Gender-based Insurance Pricing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-high-court-bans-gender-based-insurance-pricing/573350)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2011, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eu-high-court-bans-gender-based-insurance-pricing/573350 "2011-03-03T15:03:22Z")
The actual case brought involved some men challenging their auto insurance rates, but the ruling would apply to all areas of insurance, including life insurance and pensions. The effect of the ruling for auto and lif… --- ## [Should the U.S./NATO establish a no-fly zone over Libya?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-nato-establish-a-no-fly-zone-over-libya/572815)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2011, 12:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-nato-establish-a-no-fly-zone-over-libya/572815 "2011-03-03T12:39:49Z")
The other night on CNN I heard a young Libyan on the phone begging for the U.S. to establish a no-fly zone. (However, he emphatically wanted no foreign military intervention beyond that – he said, “We want to do it ours… --- ## [Why The Great Recovery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-great-recovery/573153)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2011, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-great-recovery/573153 "2011-03-03T02:38:41Z")
Only twenty years ago America was at its nadir in many social trends. Drug use was heavy among teenagers, the inner cities were decaying, crime rates were hitting the roof, and the number of abortions were appalingly hig… --- ## [Federal Judge moves towards overturning DOMA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-judge-moves-towards-overturning-doma/568294)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2011, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-judge-moves-towards-overturning-doma/568294 "2011-03-02T23:34:49Z")
Story here. Although a Mass. federal judge has already ruled DOMA unconstitutional (which the Justice Dept. is appealing), another judge in Oakland, CA has ruled that The argument in this case is that DOMA has DOMA … --- ## [A Question: The rich and the middle class](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-the-rich-and-the-middle-class/572431)
**Author:** [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2011, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-the-rich-and-the-middle-class/572431 "2011-03-02T22:17:55Z")
I saw a headline about the possible cutting of teachers salaries around here by 10%. We know that many state workers salaries have been cut all over. This leads to the following question: If making the rich pay a bit mo… --- ## [What about Iran?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-iran/572349)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2011, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-iran/572349 "2011-03-02T21:44:20Z")
News coming out of Iran or about Iran has been strangely quiet (or I’m missing it in all furor about Libya and the other countries with toppling governments or heated protests). I know there are protests going on there,… --- ## [Are We Fallen Angels? again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-fallen-angels-again/573004)
**Author:** [@Brian\_o](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brian_o)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2011, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-fallen-angels-again/573004 "2011-03-02T13:13:32Z")
Sorry to offend. Maybe I was just too lazy to describe the whole ordeal after just reading it. But I do find it an interesting premise and haven’t really heard many people talk about it. The premise is that humans are… --- ## [Why didn't Jesus write anything down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-jesus-write-anything-down/572712)
**Author:** [@trabajabamos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/trabajabamos)\ **Replies:** 185\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2011, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-jesus-write-anything-down/572712 "2011-03-02T12:28:01Z")
I’m not trying to be cute and this isn’t a gotcha. I’ve poked around the internet a little looking for an answer and the three most popular options seem to be:\[ol\]\[li\]He didn’t need to because herds of scribes followed … --- ## [How would a Palin presidency be worse/better than the Bush one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-palin-presidency-be-worse-better-than-the-bush-one/572648)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2011, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-palin-presidency-be-worse-better-than-the-bush-one/572648 "2011-03-02T01:03:24Z")
Ok, nightmare scenario - it’s 2012, and Palin is elected, under the campaign slogan “You betcha!”. We know she has presidential aspirations and has popular support in some quarters, so don’t fight the hypothetical - Bush… --- ## [Gospel Reliability and Embellishment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gospel-reliability-and-embellishment/572962)
**Author:** [@Meatros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meatros)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2011, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gospel-reliability-and-embellishment/572962 "2011-03-02T00:07:54Z")
I’m currently listening to a podcast (“Unbelievable” - on the reliability of the gospels) and a question occurred to me. There have been several debates around similar issues, so none of this is really new ground. The … --- ## [Man, Oman! The Nice Revolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-oman-the-nice-revolution/573127)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/man-oman-the-nice-revolution/573127 "2011-03-01T23:53:20Z")
Protests are happening in Oman too – that’s the one east of Yemen – but, they’re really respectful. It’s like they’re only doing this so as not to feel left out. Well, sometimes respectfully requesting concessions fro… --- ## [What would the Libyan people choose, if they could?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-libyan-people-choose-if-they-could/572776)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-libyan-people-choose-if-they-could/572776 "2011-03-01T19:09:04Z")
As with the recent Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions, the Libyan people are nearly united against their current ruler but have expressed no consensus as to what they want instead, beyond “democracy.” As Gaddafi systemat… --- ## [Lenient attitudes towards Sheen: WTF?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lenient-attitudes-towards-sheen-wtf/572599)
**Author:** [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lenient-attitudes-towards-sheen-wtf/572599 "2011-03-01T14:49:02Z")
I was hanging out with a close guy friend last week and while we were watching news about Sheen’s latest exploits on the radio, I was kind of taken aback by the “Why don’t they leave ole Charlie alone!” attitude my frien… --- ## [What if Satan said... "I'm Sorry"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-satan-said-im-sorry/570929)
**Author:** [@K-MAN](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/K-MAN)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-satan-said-im-sorry/570929 "2011-03-01T14:04:27Z")
It’s a simple question, do you have a simple answer? I’m interested in other peoples thoughts on this subject. I’ve heard many responses before, but never from people that I don’t know… --- ## [The lost art of Modern Dance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lost-art-of-modern-dance/573040)
**Author:** [@Assi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Assi)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 11:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lost-art-of-modern-dance/573040 "2011-03-01T11:51:09Z")
A lot of people think that the arts are slipping away in our currect society. There are varying theories as to why, and those that argue we are as rich as ever. I say that the following proves the arts are here in ful… --- ## [Preservation of the Individual or the Advancement of Society?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preservation-of-the-individual-or-the-advancement-of-society/572871)
**Author:** [@superslug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/superslug)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 10:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preservation-of-the-individual-or-the-advancement-of-society/572871 "2011-03-01T10:44:18Z")
Which is more important? Can both be realistically achieved? --- ## [Fraud/scam versus "aggressive sale". What's your take on this situation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraud-scam-versus-aggressive-sale-whats-your-take-on-this-situation/570841)
**Author:** [@mhendo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mhendo)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fraud-scam-versus-aggressive-sale-whats-your-take-on-this-situation/570841 "2011-03-01T04:44:37Z")
There was currently in the news in the Boston area where an old man hired a three-man team to clear snow from the roof of his house, garage, walkways, and porches, as well as de-icing his gutters. This apparently took a… --- ## [Are we Fallen Angels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-fallen-angels/573001)
**Author:** [@Brian\_o](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brian_o)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2011, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-fallen-angels/573001 "2011-03-01T01:32:54Z")
Found this interesting site and thought, Do others feel this could be true? After reading and digesting. I believe there are a lot of valid points. Check it out and see what you think. \[\[removed link\]\] --- ## [What will the first interstellar probe be like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-first-interstellar-probe-be-like/570830)
**Author:** [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-first-interstellar-probe-be-like/570830 "2011-02-28T19:07:46Z")
(I’m putting this here instead of GQ because it seems like a speculative question that’s open to debate.) If we wanted to send a probe to another star, what would be the best way to do it? It seems like there are a num… --- ## [Is STUXNET just a flash in the pan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stuxnet-just-a-flash-in-the-pan/571867)
**Author:** [@Le\_Jacquelope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Le_Jacquelope)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-stuxnet-just-a-flash-in-the-pan/571867 "2011-02-28T14:38:44Z")
Are American industries, particularly heavily automated systems, immune or highly vulnerable to major shutdowns from STUXNET-type viruses? I’m thinking they are vulnerable. I’ve never seen anything that a virus can’t be… --- ## [Chris Rock: A good starting point for race discussion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chris-rock-a-good-starting-point-for-race-discussion/571864)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 1:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chris-rock-a-good-starting-point-for-race-discussion/571864 "2011-02-28T13:36:36Z")
I’m talking about his famous “Niggaz v. Black People” routine which is here: Race is a taboo subject in politics. The mere mention of it is enough to stop a conversation. In fact, if you describe someone… --- ## [The Arab Uprisings Have Gone Too Far](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-arab-uprisings-have-gone-too-far/572373)
**Author:** [@Commissar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Commissar)\ **Replies:** 275\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-arab-uprisings-have-gone-too-far/572373 "2011-02-28T13:08:52Z")
I watched the Tunisian uprising with some small measure of excitement. I cheered when the Egyptians toppled their brutal pro-American dictatorship. I happily daydreamed about further revolutions in American lapdog nation… --- ## [Best Possible Reconstruction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-possible-reconstruction/572576)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2011, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/best-possible-reconstruction/572576 "2011-02-28T02:39:02Z")
In my never-ending quest to be prepared in the event I am ever spat like a watermelon seed back into American history … So what would have been the best possible policy toward (post-US Civil War) Reconstruction? I was … --- ## [How will our era be misremembered 2000 years from now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-our-era-be-misremembered-2000-years-from-now/570954)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2011, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-our-era-be-misremembered-2000-years-from-now/570954 "2011-02-27T19:27:27Z")
Inspired by the thread about what Hollywood and bad novels teach us about history, I wonder how our current world will be misremembered 2000 years from now. Even with the revolution in digitized data storage and retrieva… --- ## [Missouri state senate moving bill that would effectively eliminate child labor laws in that state?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-state-senate-moving-bill-that-would-effectively-eliminate-child-labor-laws-in-that-state/572150)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2011, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/missouri-state-senate-moving-bill-that-would-effectively-eliminate-child-labor-laws-in-that-state/572150 "2011-02-27T16:08:16Z")
Apparently a MO state senator name Jane Cunningham (R) has introduced a bill that would alter child labor laws to the point of practically eliminating them in MO. Link to the bill’s summary. Apparently it received it’s… --- ## [After Khartoum: Why did the British attack the Dervish Empire in Sudan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-khartoum-why-did-the-british-attack-the-dervish-empire-in-sudan/572449)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2011, 10:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-khartoum-why-did-the-british-attack-the-dervish-empire-in-sudan/572449 "2011-02-27T10:02:42Z")
After the Mahdi drove out Egyptian rule and took over Sudan, he created a Dervish empire. This lasted almost 20 years, until the British-lead (and supplemented) Egyptian forces reconquered the Sudan. But why did they bo… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=401) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=403)