# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=453 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 454 --- ## [Why do many people seem to think that the world will end on May 21, 2011?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-people-seem-to-think-that-the-world-will-end-on-may-21-2011/540621)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 217\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-many-people-seem-to-think-that-the-world-will-end-on-may-21-2011/540621 "2010-06-02T22:53:55Z")
While walking through a parking lot yesterday, I saw a car with a placard stuck to one of the windows. It advertised a local AM Christian radio station and also boldly stated that on May 21, 2011 the world would end. Be… --- ## [Immigration: go after the businesses! (Unless that's preempted, too)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-go-after-the-businesses-unless-thats-preempted-too/541623)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-go-after-the-businesses-unless-thats-preempted-too/541623 "2010-06-02T20:30:05Z")
In the several threads about anti-illegal-immigration laws, both in Massachusetts and in Arizona, several people have opined that one flaw in Arizona’s law is that it is preempted by federal law. In other words, they say… --- ## [US oil consumers - aftermath of the Gulf spill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-oil-consumers-aftermath-of-the-gulf-spill/541456)
**Author:** [@penultima\_thule](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/penultima_thule)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-oil-consumers-aftermath-of-the-gulf-spill/541456 "2010-06-02T17:18:17Z")
Time has advanced, the oil well is capped. The Gulf is free of oil save the natural seeps. The clean-up was largely completed before any hurricane could blow the sludge kilometres inland. Environmental damage is contro… --- ## [The correlation between being homosexual and stereotypically "gay" behaviors.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-correlation-between-being-homosexual-and-stereotypically-gay-behaviors/541494)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-correlation-between-being-homosexual-and-stereotypically-gay-behaviors/541494 "2010-06-02T03:43:00Z")
I think we all understand that in our culture, certain behaviors and attitudes are considered indicative of homosexuality. For example, a man with a lisp who loves Judy Garland and interior decorating and is perpetually … --- ## [Why no Atheists on the Supreme Court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-atheists-on-the-supreme-court/538915)
**Author:** [@Clu-Me-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clu-Me-In)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-atheists-on-the-supreme-court/538915 "2010-06-02T02:48:35Z")
Has there ever been a known Atheist on the Supreme Court? If not why not? Many Americans are Atheists even though some would never admit it. Is it just cos they would never be confirmed or that no Presdient has been cora… --- ## [How likely are sex workers to be exploited?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-likely-are-sex-workers-to-be-exploited/540968)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2010, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-likely-are-sex-workers-to-be-exploited/540968 "2010-06-02T00:34:53Z")
Purely hypothetical I assure you, but if I were to patronize prostitutes of various types, how likely would it be that I would be participating in the exploitation of the women involved? I do NOT mean presuming that all … --- ## [If We Could Make Dogs As Smart As Humans, Should We?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-could-make-dogs-as-smart-as-humans-should-we/540857)
**Author:** [@A.Selene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.Selene)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2010, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-could-make-dogs-as-smart-as-humans-should-we/540857 "2010-06-01T21:30:46Z")
First: I am accepting the position (which I feel is correct) that the only difference between animals and humans is a complexity of the brain. So that sentience, self-awareness, consciousness, and all that other cool st… --- ## [Israel stations nuclear-armed subs off Iranian coastline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-stations-nuclear-armed-subs-off-iranian-coastline/541314)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2010, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-stations-nuclear-armed-subs-off-iranian-coastline/541314 "2010-06-01T19:00:39Z")
From Timesonline: Waitaminnit – how does anybody know this? I thought Israel had never yet admitted having a nuclear capability. Anyway, what’s the point? Does Iran exercise such direct control over Hezbollah, that … --- ## [Turning a developing country into a developed one.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-a-developing-country-into-a-developed-one/540023)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2010, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turning-a-developing-country-into-a-developed-one/540023 "2010-06-01T18:11:13Z")
You’re an insanely, mindbogglingly rich, eccentric philantropist with a huge amount of political clout. You don’t own whole countries but you possibly could. You decide to take a country like say the Central African Repu… --- ## [On Asking Smokers Not To](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-asking-smokers-not-to/540709)
**Author:** [@minlokwat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/minlokwat)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2010, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-asking-smokers-not-to/540709 "2010-06-01T14:40:52Z")
Does anyone have any success in asking / directing a smoker in a public space to refrain from smoking? I’m soliciting real-life experience or practical advice rather than running this in the pit with yet another slam ag… --- ## [US Foreign Policy v. Domestic Policy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-foreign-policy-v-domestic-policy/540905)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2010, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-foreign-policy-v-domestic-policy/540905 "2010-06-01T14:21:45Z")
I was recently watching a little bit of a program on PBS where they said Muslims worldwide view the US as a beacon of freedom, but hate our foreign policy. And this got me to thinking: Why is US foreign policy so differe… --- ## [Catholic abortion to save Mom's life, after rape, double effect . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catholic-abortion-to-save-moms-life-after-rape-double-effect/540454)
**Author:** [@coffeecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coffeecat)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2010, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catholic-abortion-to-save-moms-life-after-rape-double-effect/540454 "2010-06-01T14:11:02Z")
Continued from here: I think there’s some wiggle room there, because the fetus is in a sense aggressing against the woman. Suppose you’re being threatened by an armed madman who thinks killing you will stop the Romulan… --- ## [A world without Lenin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-world-without-lenin/540384)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2010, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-world-without-lenin/540384 "2010-06-01T13:14:54Z")
That is, without Lenin triumphant. Inspired by this thread (though I ran a thread on the same question back in 2005). What if, in Russia in 1917, the February Revolution had happened but the October Revolution had not?… --- ## [Would privately owned businesses thrive or fail if they were allowed to racially discriminate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-privately-owned-businesses-thrive-or-fail-if-they-were-allowed-to-racially-discriminate/541255)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2010, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-privately-owned-businesses-thrive-or-fail-if-they-were-allowed-to-racially-discriminate/541255 "2010-06-01T11:44:44Z")
In reading some of the Libertarian oriented GD threads I’m amazed at how some bright (mostly young) dopers making otherwise logical and pointed arguments get all googly eyed and disbelieving when when you tell them that … --- ## [Video footage of Mavi Marmara Passengers Attacking IDF Soldiers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/video-footage-of-mavi-marmara-passengers-attacking-idf-soldiers/541431)
**Author:** [@toofs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toofs)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/video-footage-of-mavi-marmara-passengers-attacking-idf-soldiers/541431 "2010-05-31T23:09:40Z")
Mods, I am unsure if this is the correct forum for this thread. This video posted on youtube is purported to be of IDF forces fast roping onto a Turkish flagged vessel. Israel and the blockade against Gaza have created … --- ## [Are we fear mongering, or is the world going to swallow us alive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-fear-mongering-or-is-the-world-going-to-swallow-us-alive/541277)
**Author:** [@Swarog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Swarog)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-fear-mongering-or-is-the-world-going-to-swallow-us-alive/541277 "2010-05-31T22:01:13Z")
People are talking about global warming, volcanoes are erupting, we are warring in the middle east, etc…etc…etc…etc… Are we living in a tumultuous world that is about to erupt and swallow the human race alive, or is thi… --- ## [Tragedy of the weak!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tragedy-of-the-weak/541404)
**Author:** [@Abisafyan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Abisafyan)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tragedy-of-the-weak/541404 "2010-05-31T19:43:21Z")
Tragedy of the weak! The tiny but the powerful as well as the power-backed Jewish state can survive in the heart of hatred of the sworn enemies: and the trillionaire but the powerless as well as the power-lacked Muslim … --- ## [What are the effects of Colonialism and the Cold War upon Africa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-effects-of-colonialism-and-the-cold-war-upon-africa/541184)
**Author:** [@Sri\_Theo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sri_Theo)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-effects-of-colonialism-and-the-cold-war-upon-africa/541184 "2010-05-31T19:31:45Z")
I’d like to examine what effect Colonialism and and interference by Cold War powers have had upon Africa in the present day. The topic came up in another thread where someone was very dismissive about the effects of colo… --- ## [Arizona's immigration law - genius](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arizonas-immigration-law-genius/540248)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 325\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arizonas-immigration-law-genius/540248 "2010-05-31T18:20:59Z")
I am amazed at the left-wing rhetoric surrounding the recently passed Arizona law regarding illegal immigrants. After all, they are \*\*\*illegal \*\*\*immigrants. In this country illegally. If they enter the country throug… --- ## [Israel offered nukes to SA](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-offered-nukes-to-sa/540547)
**Author:** [@Marmite\_Lover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marmite_Lover)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-offered-nukes-to-sa/540547 "2010-05-31T14:54:14Z")
Secret South African documents reveal that Israel offered to sell nuclear warheads to the apartheid regime, providing the first official documentary evidence of the state’s possession of nuclear weapons. The “top secr… --- ## [Proximate cause of Islamic terrorism today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proximate-cause-of-islamic-terrorism-today/540753)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proximate-cause-of-islamic-terrorism-today/540753 "2010-05-31T13:27:19Z")
Would the arab countries have produced terrorists in any event or is the radicalization of Islamic terrorists a direct result of the creation of the state of Israel and the resulting Palestinian refugees? Would we be kn… --- ## [Supporters of Draw Mohammed Day=Free-Speech Fundamentalists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supporters-of-draw-mohammed-day-free-speech-fundamentalists/541337)
**Author:** [@carl\_johnson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carl_johnson)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supporters-of-draw-mohammed-day-free-speech-fundamentalists/541337 "2010-05-31T11:13:57Z")
I was just reading the syllabus for a Media, Religion and Globalization course here in Paris and one sentence really rubbed me the wrong way. I’ll post the whole thing below for context, but the sentence then I believe … --- ## [Responsibility to not perpetuate stereotypes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responsibility-to-not-perpetuate-stereotypes/541222)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Poster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Poster)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2010, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responsibility-to-not-perpetuate-stereotypes/541222 "2010-05-31T01:41:12Z")
I’ve had some thoughtful private correspondence with a lovely lady doper, and she made me think a bit. In effect she thought (amongst other things :o) that by careless statements such as “Most women think XYZ” or “Most … --- ## [Isn't this the right time for a third party to emerge in America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isnt-this-the-right-time-for-a-third-party-to-emerge-in-america/541197)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2010, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isnt-this-the-right-time-for-a-third-party-to-emerge-in-america/541197 "2010-05-30T21:42:21Z")
Political bickering along party lines is reaching new heights (or lows, if you will) and even within the two parties this is the case: Lefty Dems accuse Obama of not pushing things through fast or hard enough while the s… --- ## [How important a role does "group polarization" play in sociopolitical dynamics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-a-role-does-group-polarization-play-in-sociopolitical-dynamics/541067)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2010, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-a-role-does-group-polarization-play-in-sociopolitical-dynamics/541067 "2010-05-30T18:57:42Z")
I recently read Voodoo Histories: The Role of Conspiracy Theory in Shaping Modern History, by David Aaronovitch. Aaronovitch attributes at least some of the power of conspiracy theories to group polarization, i.e., the … --- ## [Kids are sometimes adults when they commit a heinous crime but never can have consensual sex?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-are-sometimes-adults-when-they-commit-a-heinous-crime-but-never-can-have-consensual-sex/540347)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2010, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-are-sometimes-adults-when-they-commit-a-heinous-crime-but-never-can-have-consensual-sex/540347 "2010-05-30T15:43:16Z")
It is not uncommon to have a minor who commited a crime tried as an adult. It is quite uncommon - if not impossible (I have not heard of a case, at any rate) - for a minor to have consensual sex, even if it’s with peopl… --- ## [Can you really be 'humbled' by winning an award?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-really-be-humbled-by-winning-an-award/541070)
**Author:** [@Pashnish\_Ewing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pashnish_Ewing)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2010, 12:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-you-really-be-humbled-by-winning-an-award/541070 "2010-05-30T12:21:44Z")
This is something that has always bothered me, but maybe I’m just missing something. I usually see this phenomenon at award shows like the Oscars, Emmys, Grammys and such. The winner gets on stage, and before going into… --- ## [So did Lee Oswald act alone or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-did-lee-oswald-act-alone-or-not/538185)
**Author:** [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2010, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-did-lee-oswald-act-alone-or-not/538185 "2010-05-30T01:18:51Z")
I know this has been done dozens of times but I have a few questions. I just read an article from Salon (not sure if it is trustworthy or not) Saying Congress Admits Lee didn’t act alone http://open.salon.com/blog/rw005… --- ## [Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Goes to a Senate Vote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal-goes-to-a-senate-vote/541182)
**Author:** [@Justin\_Bailey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Justin_Bailey)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2010, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-ask-dont-tell-repeal-goes-to-a-senate-vote/541182 "2010-05-29T22:25:28Z")
I just got this message from the Obama Email Info service (I assume government communications aren’t copyrighted): Do the Republicans even have the numbers to block a DADT repeal? And if they don’t, doesn’t opposing so… --- ## [Rand Paul's interview on Rachel Maddow - A real Libertarian meets the real world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-pauls-interview-on-rachel-maddow-a-real-libertarian-meets-the-real-world/540157)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 427\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2010, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rand-pauls-interview-on-rachel-maddow-a-real-libertarian-meets-the-real-world/540157 "2010-05-29T20:54:35Z")
Not a debate as such, but more suited for this forum than elsewhere. Mods move if you must. It’ll be interesting to see how the state GOP handles this. This is his core belief, and (to give him some credit for candor) h… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=452) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=454)