# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=460 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 461 --- ## [Rachel Maddow v. Dan Stein of FAIR (4-29-10)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rachel-maddow-v-dan-stein-of-fair-4-29-10/537895)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2010, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rachel-maddow-v-dan-stein-of-fair-4-29-10/537895 "2010-05-02T14:32:38Z")
Did anybody else see this last night? Maddow’s guest was Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) which wrote most of the controversial Arizona bill. Transcript Video Part 1 Video… --- ## [Christian Evolutionists. When did man acquire a soul ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christian-evolutionists-when-did-man-acquire-a-soul/536344)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2010, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christian-evolutionists-when-did-man-acquire-a-soul/536344 "2010-05-02T12:14:35Z")
It wasn’t that hard for me to accept evolution and apply a non-literal view to Genesis to maintain faith in a special role for me and fellow humans in an afterlife. But what’s messing me up is the question I’ve recently… --- ## [Confederate flag neither anti-American nor racist, necessarily](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-flag-neither-anti-american-nor-racist-necessarily/537668)
**Author:** [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2010, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-flag-neither-anti-american-nor-racist-necessarily/537668 "2010-05-02T06:13:00Z")
The following arose out of a thread about a license plate (which apparently did add a cryptically racist message to a vehicle which also displayed a Confederate flag), but the flag part, which wasn’t really the issue, wa… --- ## [We have too many representatives!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-have-too-many-representatives/537248)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2010, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-have-too-many-representatives/537248 "2010-05-02T03:21:46Z")
In response to a post in another thread, I posted something that I’ve been thinking for a while, & have decided to just come out & say. And it’s really it’s own debate. Good in theory, but in practice, most Americans a… --- ## [Iran Prepares for Asymetrical Warfare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-prepares-for-asymetrical-warfare/537748)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2010, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-prepares-for-asymetrical-warfare/537748 "2010-05-02T03:00:07Z")
Iran’s Mosaic Doctrine - An Unrestricted Army To boil it all down, Iran is well aware that it is no match for a conventional war against the US or Israel. So on one hand they are working hard towards deterrents such as… --- ## [Another look at national ID cards](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-look-at-national-id-cards/537872)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-look-at-national-id-cards/537872 "2010-05-01T17:57:58Z")
During the health care debates, much hay was made from the claimed success stories of other first-world countries that have universal health care. “Why,” the proponents thundered, “does America think it’s so different? U… --- ## [Is Fred Phelps a Plant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fred-phelps-a-plant/537700)
**Author:** [@Tethered\_Kite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tethered_Kite)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-fred-phelps-a-plant/537700 "2010-05-01T16:19:38Z")
In an effort to keep on top of the multitude of disinformation available as political parties continue to fight dirty I have this question. Recently I was checking on progress of some local issues and bumped into this i… --- ## [Bishop Convicted of Holocaust Denial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bishop-convicted-of-holocaust-denial/536355)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bishop-convicted-of-holocaust-denial/536355 "2010-05-01T13:51:12Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100416/ap\_on\_re\_eu/eu\_germany\_holocaust\_denial Note that he did not make these statements in Germany, but that a YouTube video of these comments (like all YouTube videos) could be viewed in … --- ## [Oklahoma law: doctors can't be sued for hiding birth defects from parents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oklahoma-law-doctors-cant-be-sued-for-hiding-birth-defects-from-parents/537572)
**Author:** [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Replies:** 246\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oklahoma-law-doctors-cant-be-sued-for-hiding-birth-defects-from-parents/537572 "2010-05-01T12:43:09Z")
This may belong in the Pit. I’ve never started a GD thread before, so apologies in advance. According to a veto override by the Oklahoma Legislature, not only must women seeking an abortion – and this includes rape/ince… --- ## [Biblically sophisticated Christians: how many are there in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biblically-sophisticated-christians-how-many-are-there-in-the-us/537564)
**Author:** [@Cyningablod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyningablod)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biblically-sophisticated-christians-how-many-are-there-in-the-us/537564 "2010-05-01T12:35:57Z")
Mods: If this needs to be moved into GD, move away! We’re accustomed to hearing statistics that state that x% of Americans (where x is a pretty high number, usually 70+) are Christians. My question is: How many people… --- ## [Add another Supreme Court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/add-another-supreme-court/537236)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 7:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/add-another-supreme-court/537236 "2010-05-01T07:47:05Z")
This thread in GQ, particularly Elendil’s Heir’s comment that the justices are phenomenally busy made me think. With an ever-growing body of law and an ever-growing population count, it’s conceivable that at some point 9… --- ## [How does illegal immigration affect you personally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-illegal-immigration-affect-you-personally/537263)
**Author:** [@cuauhtemoc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuauhtemoc)\ **Replies:** 212\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-illegal-immigration-affect-you-personally/537263 "2010-05-01T03:00:40Z")
With all the talk about this new law in Arizona, I started thinking about how illegal immigration affects me personally. I can’t think of one single way. I know lots of people are really up in arms about this, and I as… --- ## [What is the Evolutionary Significance of Homosexuality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-significance-of-homosexuality/537702)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 1, 2010, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-significance-of-homosexuality/537702 "2010-05-01T02:40:07Z")
Okay, right off I have to tell you, for the sake of this thread, you have to assume homosexuality came about because of evolution (I realize not everybody believes that–even those who support gays). That having been sai… --- ## [Gordon Brown "bigot" remarks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gordon-brown-bigot-remarks/537698)
**Author:** [@Mijin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mijin)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gordon-brown-bigot-remarks/537698 "2010-04-30T22:31:36Z")
For the benefit of non-Brits: In just a few days there is to be a general election in the UK. The current Prime Minister, and leader of the Labour Party, has made a hilarious gaffe during an election stop: after meetin… --- ## [Is Tom DeLay Going to Jail?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-tom-delay-going-to-jail/239533)
**Author:** [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-tom-delay-going-to-jail/239533 "2010-04-30T21:31:14Z")
I’ve been halfheartedly following the travails of Tom deLay and the grand jury investigation of his Texas PAC activities. The case being in Texas, most of the reporting on it appears to be written in Texan, which does no… --- ## [Next up: Immigration reform (one more time)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-up-immigration-reform-one-more-time/533353)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-up-immigration-reform-one-more-time/533353 "2010-04-30T21:04:18Z")
Even before we’ve all caught our breath from the health-care reform fight, Latinos marched in Washington demanding Obama keep his promise on immigration reform. Michael Lind writes: He suggests: After amnesty, real… --- ## [Limit the amount of laws?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/limit-the-amount-of-laws/537845)
**Author:** [@I\_know\_nothing\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_know_nothing_1)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/limit-the-amount-of-laws/537845 "2010-04-30T20:48:46Z")
Would a system of government succeed if there was a cap placed on the amount of laws controlling personal behavior? This would be laws covering abortion, gun control, theft, etc., but not building codes, tax code, etc… I… --- ## [Why do so many parents still believe sugar makes children hyperactive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-parents-still-believe-sugar-makes-children-hyperactive/536747)
**Author:** [@blinkingblinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blinkingblinking)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-parents-still-believe-sugar-makes-children-hyperactive/536747 "2010-04-30T20:11:42Z")
Why do so many parents still believe sugar makes children hyperactive? --- ## [No Such Thing as Voter Fraud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-such-thing-as-voter-fraud/514613)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-such-thing-as-voter-fraud/514613 "2010-04-30T18:50:53Z")
From this article: So what does the argument shift to now? “OK, there’s been only one case of voting fraud ever, and this was it!” --- ## [Another Puerto Rico statehood referendum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-puerto-rico-statehood-referendum/537749)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-puerto-rico-statehood-referendum/537749 "2010-04-30T18:28:37Z")
The political status of Puerto Rico already has come before the Puerto Ricans in plebescites in 1967, 1993 and 1998. The plurality position, but never the majority position, has always been for indefinitely maintaining … --- ## [what many creationists think of science and the public education system](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-many-creationists-think-of-science-and-the-public-education-system/536394)
**Author:** [@Cyningablod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cyningablod)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-many-creationists-think-of-science-and-the-public-education-system/536394 "2010-04-30T16:24:08Z")
The story of my metamorphosis from a Bible-believing youngster growing up in a fundamentalist-creationist home to a science-loving skeptical rationalist is long and tortuous (and torturous), and I won’t repeat it here. … --- ## ["If I only had a gun": 20/20 on ABC Fri](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-only-had-a-gun-20-20-on-abc-fri/492645)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 297\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-i-only-had-a-gun-20-20-on-abc-fri/492645 "2010-04-30T04:46:25Z")
Put here instead of Cafe Society because of the inevitable debate that will follow. Tonight (Friday 4-10-09 10:00 pm Eastern 9:00 pm Central) ABC’s 20/20 will air a show addressing the subject of armed self-defense. Fro… --- ## [14CV88 banned as racially offensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/14cv88-banned-as-racially-offensive/537422)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [April 30, 2010, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/14cv88-banned-as-racially-offensive/537422 "2010-04-30T01:03:09Z")
So this Washington Post story relates that the owner of a truck sought and obtained a personalized license plate from Virginia. The plate had the Confederate flag on it; Virginia issues such plates for an additional fee … --- ## [Lawyers: Would you defend Osama bin Laden?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawyers-would-you-defend-osama-bin-laden/537050)
**Author:** [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2010, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawyers-would-you-defend-osama-bin-laden/537050 "2010-04-29T23:36:49Z")
Non-lawyers are welcome to participate, but please try to do so from the point of view of a lawyer, with the ethical obligations thereof. Given: Captain America, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Kara Thrace, Batman, and Cowbo… --- ## [Uh Wait -- Cal. P.D. Executes Search Warrant Over New iPhone/Gizmodo Scoop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uh-wait-cal-p-d-executes-search-warrant-over-new-iphone-gizmodo-scoop/537453)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2010, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uh-wait-cal-p-d-executes-search-warrant-over-new-iphone-gizmodo-scoop/537453 "2010-04-29T22:21:01Z")
Technically I guess Gizmodo may have received stolen property, though it isn’t clear whether the guy who found the phone could have contacted the Apple guy who lost it. As the story goes, he claims he tried to call Ap… --- ## [What is the difference between traditional Republicans and Tea Partiers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-traditional-republicans-and-tea-partiers/535884)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2010, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-difference-between-traditional-republicans-and-tea-partiers/535884 "2010-04-29T10:29:45Z")
This isn’t a trick question, I’ve just want a clear explanation as to how traditional Republicans differ from the new style Tea Partiers. What are the main areas of difference? What issues to they disagree on? Is the … --- ## [Explain to an Englishman: why is the Arizona immigration law so controversial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-to-an-englishman-why-is-the-arizona-immigration-law-so-controversial/537185)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2010, 7:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-to-an-englishman-why-is-the-arizona-immigration-law-so-controversial/537185 "2010-04-29T07:04:38Z")
According to the Washington Post these are the basic provisions of the new law: Here’s what confuses me. Surely it’s always been a crime to be in the US illegally? Don’t the police routinely question people about their… --- ## [Did the Wright Brothers Really Have the First Flight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-wright-brothers-really-have-the-first-flight/537489)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 29, 2010, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-wright-brothers-really-have-the-first-flight/537489 "2010-04-29T02:42:53Z")
Reading this thread, I was reminded by something I’d heard as a kid: that airplane technology was being worked upon in numerous countries, and that it’s dubious that Orville and Wilbur were indeed the first humans to ach… --- ## [Women earn 70 cents on the dollar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-earn-70-cents-on-the-dollar/536882)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2010, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/women-earn-70-cents-on-the-dollar/536882 "2010-04-28T22:41:12Z")
We’ve all heard the stat that women are still payed 70 (or some such number) of cents on the dollar for equivalent work. It was mentioned in last night’s episode of Glee, which brought it back to my mind. How true is it… --- ## [Are we going to have a strong financial reform law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-going-to-have-a-strong-financial-reform-law/536173)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 28, 2010, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-going-to-have-a-strong-financial-reform-law/536173 "2010-04-28T22:29:28Z")
Looks like Obama has learned something from heath care reform. He’s not trying to reach a bipartisan compromise with this one. Instead he’s proposing a liberal bill and is daring the Republicans to vote against it. From… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=459) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=461)