# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=436 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 437 --- ## [What is the scientific perspective on the omnimax god?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-scientific-perspective-on-the-omnimax-god/552630)
**Author:** [@Blut\_Aus\_Nord](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blut_Aus_Nord)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2010, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-scientific-perspective-on-the-omnimax-god/552630 "2010-09-10T05:10:21Z")
I am very uneducated on this subject. Is God, the omnimax God as commonly defined by mainstream Christianity, physically possible? If so, how exactly would it be possible for such a being to exist? If not, how exactly is… --- ## [9/11 & foreign policy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-foreign-policy/553237)
**Author:** [@yokan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yokan)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2010, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-foreign-policy/553237 "2010-09-10T02:08:55Z")
Were the tragedies perpetrated on 9/11 a result (partially or fully) of erroneous American foreign policy, particularly in the Middle East? If so, how much was said policy a role and what was so problematic about it? --- ## [How Much is the UAW To Blame for the GM Meltdown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-the-uaw-to-blame-for-the-gm-meltdown/552912)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2010, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-the-uaw-to-blame-for-the-gm-meltdown/552912 "2010-09-09T03:23:43Z")
I was reading a book about the wreck of the US auto industry, and it seems that the UAW had acquired tremendous power over the firm. The union was (essentially) dictating the work environment to management-telling them : … --- ## [Why have drugs not destroyed society?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-drugs-not-destroyed-society/552767)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2010, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-drugs-not-destroyed-society/552767 "2010-09-09T02:12:00Z")
If you took a reasonably intelligent layperson who had no knowledge of the existence of narcotics and told them that there was a substance that was chemically designed to target the evolutionarily built in pleasure cente… --- ## ["Jesus Died For Your Sins". Please explain.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-died-for-your-sins-please-explain/552768)
**Author:** [@Girl\_Next\_Door](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Girl_Next_Door)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2010, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-died-for-your-sins-please-explain/552768 "2010-09-08T23:13:41Z")
Having grown up with exposure to various Christian denominations (Methodist, Baptist, Catholic) I can safely say I admire the teachings of Jesus Christ and have a great deal of respect for people who try to live Christ-l… --- ## [Rethinking LBJ...Was He That Bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rethinking-lbj-was-he-that-bad/529429)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2010, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rethinking-lbj-was-he-that-bad/529429 "2010-09-08T22:54:20Z")
Since there is a thread on whether or not Bush was as bad as he’s popularly thought to have been (consensus seems to indicate that ‘yes’ is the answer), I thought maybe we could have a discussion about another president … --- ## [What are alternatives to the mediocrity principle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-alternatives-to-the-mediocrity-principle/552661)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2010, 10:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-alternatives-to-the-mediocrity-principle/552661 "2010-09-08T10:58:23Z")
The mediocrity principle seems to imply that humans are another form of animal with no special talents or role in the universe. So what is the name of the philosophy where you believe humans have a special role or speci… --- ## [Would Jesus have owned a gun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-jesus-have-owned-a-gun/551974)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2010, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-jesus-have-owned-a-gun/551974 "2010-09-08T02:34:08Z")
If guns existed in his time, or if he lived in the modern era. Either premise is fine. Thread is open to theological arguments, biblical arguments, and personal opinions. --- ## [Should society start having something like affirmative action for men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-society-start-having-something-like-affirmative-action-for-men/552590)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2010, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-society-start-having-something-like-affirmative-action-for-men/552590 "2010-09-07T19:57:09Z")
Inspired by this thread and this article Now that women go to college in larger numbers than men, and single childfree women make more than their male counterparts, is it time to acknowledge that something is wrong in t… --- ## [The argument of "pro-choice" is bullsh\*t.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-argument-of-pro-choice-is-bullsh-t/549037)
**Author:** [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Replies:** 665\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2010, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-argument-of-pro-choice-is-bullsh-t/549037 "2010-09-07T18:17:37Z")
It’s bullshit. There is almost no physiological difference between a child one day before birth and one day after. To argue there is a difference is bullshit. To kill the child is infanticide. However, human life doe… --- ## [The Democratic Party's Biggest Problem is Messaging](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-democratic-partys-biggest-problem-is-messaging/552599)
**Author:** [@progrimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/progrimm)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2010, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-democratic-partys-biggest-problem-is-messaging/552599 "2010-09-07T14:19:34Z")
Or better said, it’s failure in messaging. From a progressives perspective. For the last several decades the Democratic Party has completely failed to effectively express it’s positions, and more importantly, properly … --- ## [The "other party" response](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-other-party-response/552687)
**Author:** [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2010, 4:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-other-party-response/552687 "2010-09-07T04:57:08Z")
Seems like most times the president addresses the nation, there is a response from the opposition. I’ve never been a fan of this for several reasons. The president is the president; he was elected by the populace, an… --- ## [Non-consensual sex due to alcohol consumption](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-consensual-sex-due-to-alcohol-consumption/552497)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2010, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-consensual-sex-due-to-alcohol-consumption/552497 "2010-09-07T04:14:41Z")
First off, I understand that two lines need to be drawn. One line is when someone goes from just buzzed to “Too drunk to legally consent.” The other line is when someone is so beyond drunk that they’re essentially unco… --- ## [The 21st Century needs more Government Control and less Free Market](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-21st-century-needs-more-government-control-and-less-free-market/552769)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2010, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-21st-century-needs-more-government-control-and-less-free-market/552769 "2010-09-07T02:41:58Z")
I’m pretty sure that I’m going to get my ass handed to me on this one; but here goes. So, some of the Big Challenges for the 21st Century are: Climate Change Peak Oil Religious Extremism Nuclear Proliferation Can a… --- ## [Jan 1, 1930: You are Chairman of the US Communist Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jan-1-1930-you-are-chairman-of-the-us-communist-party/552336)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2010, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jan-1-1930-you-are-chairman-of-the-us-communist-party/552336 "2010-09-06T21:25:03Z")
I was wondered whether it was ever possible for the communist party to take over the US like it did the Russian Empire. So, it just became 1930, and you are chairman, newly ‘elected’ (or secretary? whatevs). What could… --- ## [How much will Nanotech change the future?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-nanotech-change-the-future/552476)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2010, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-nanotech-change-the-future/552476 "2010-09-06T18:24:44Z")
I’ve been readin a few articles about the wonders of Nanotech, and how we’re fast approaching a new industrial revoultion in terms of manufacturing with its widespread application, however I’m wonder as to whether the im… --- ## [Obama vs obstructionism.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-vs-obstructionism/552702)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2010, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-vs-obstructionism/552702 "2010-09-06T17:03:46Z")
Is Obama subject to more obstructionism, especially this early, than Bush was? More than the “average” president? It seems to me that he surely is, but I’m biased. I have no cites. I’m here to learn. So I pose the ques… --- ## [Let Me Help, Mr. Bernanke.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-help-mr-bernanke/551792)
**Author:** [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2010, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-me-help-mr-bernanke/551792 "2010-09-06T03:11:06Z")
Fed chairman in the NYT. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/28/business/economy/28fed.html?partner=MYWAY&ei=5065 (bolding mine) I have a suggestion based on the following observations. Much private debt is the result of … --- ## [Bush's failed Liberation Theology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-failed-liberation-theology/552542)
**Author:** [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2010, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-failed-liberation-theology/552542 "2010-09-06T00:29:30Z")
I love good irony. While searching for information on “collective salvation” and liberation theology in general I stumbled on this article titled; Bush’s Failed Liberation Theology from November 2006. Long before Rev W… --- ## [Scandal in Manitoba: Should this Judge Resign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scandal-in-manitoba-should-this-judge-resign/552281)
**Author:** [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2010, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scandal-in-manitoba-should-this-judge-resign/552281 "2010-09-05T21:13:44Z")
Facts: the Associate Chief Justice of Manitoba is involved in a scandal, in which her husband posted bondage sex pics of her on an internet site devoted to attracting Black men for sex (they are both White). This racial… --- ## [GOP should let small business bill through](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-should-let-small-business-bill-through/552049)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2010, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gop-should-let-small-business-bill-through/552049 "2010-09-05T15:54:40Z")
Or so says President Obama, anyway. cite I admit that I don’t know anything about this bill except what I read in this article (i.e. nothing), so I don’t know what’s in it or why or why any of those things might be good… --- ## [Another will probate question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-will-probate-question/552318)
**Author:** [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2010, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-will-probate-question/552318 "2010-09-05T04:48:03Z")
I don’t THINK this is asking for legal advice, again, but rather a general question. If you, as executor of someone’s will, live in a different county from where the decedent lived, is it better (or required, for that m… --- ## [Any Truth to This Story about John Kerry and Pres Bush?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-truth-to-this-story-about-john-kerry-and-pres-bush/552516)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2010, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-truth-to-this-story-about-john-kerry-and-pres-bush/552516 "2010-09-05T04:01:15Z")
I just read this little story and was curious if there was any truth to it: Thanks --- ## [Oil rig explosion in the gulf](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-rig-explosion-in-the-gulf/552392)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2010, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-rig-explosion-in-the-gulf/552392 "2010-09-04T21:47:18Z")
An oil rig owned by Vermillion, 90 miles off the shore exploded . There were 12 workers all jumped into the water and were saved. There is no info on whether oil is leaking or not. Yes I know it is not a debate but it i… --- ## [Am I bigoted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-bigoted/551721)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2010, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-i-bigoted/551721 "2010-09-04T21:20:18Z")
I watched a Jon Stewart clip about the gay marriage ban being lifted in California. It had the message that the people who thought the judge was biased, because the judge was gay, were bigoted. The problem is that I am o… --- ## [Lou Dobbs for President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lou-dobbs-for-president/551595)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2010, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lou-dobbs-for-president/551595 "2010-09-04T14:53:49Z")
I just watched an interview with Lou Dobbs. I had no real prior knowledge of him, but somehow had a vague opinion/prejudice that he was a far right guy who wasn’t quite a nutjob but not really completely sensible either.… --- ## [What would be the best strategy for the GOP to win against Obama in 2012?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-strategy-for-the-gop-to-win-against-obama-in-2012/552193)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2010, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-best-strategy-for-the-gop-to-win-against-obama-in-2012/552193 "2010-09-04T08:17:26Z")
My sleep deprived theory… You need to get centrist voters who voted for Obama to switch, just energizing the conservative base is not enough, especially since the stuff that energizes the conservatives tends to scare of… --- ## [JFK conspiracy... yes or no?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jfk-conspiracy-yes-or-no/503978)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 411\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2010, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jfk-conspiracy-yes-or-no/503978 "2010-09-04T02:27:38Z")
Based on this thread in GD, I decided to open up a JFK only thread, mainly because I’m truly against the current thinking in that thread and potentially the board. Given the number of intelligent people who post here, I… --- ## [Why kill the well???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-kill-the-well/548836)
**Author:** [@rwjefferson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rwjefferson)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2010, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-kill-the-well/548836 "2010-09-03T21:35:56Z")
The well is under control. Reconnect the pipes and give the oil it produces to the people of the Gulf States. Let them use any and all profits to restore the economy and ecology of the Gulf States. Is there time to st… --- ## [Are foreign business people more moral/socially responsible than Americans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-foreign-business-people-more-moral-socially-responsible-than-americans/552379)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2010, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-foreign-business-people-more-moral-socially-responsible-than-americans/552379 "2010-09-03T19:59:05Z")
I remember seeing a report at the height of the financial crisis about a Japanese businessman (the CEO of a Japanese airline) who only made, say, 60 times more than his average employees (as opposed to 400 times more for… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=435) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=437)