# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=463 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 464 --- ## [Lekatt's Thread: The \*only\* place to find out about Lekatt's beliefs!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lekatts-thread-the-only-place-to-find-out-about-lekatts-beliefs/535273)
**Author:** [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Replies:** 415\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2010, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lekatts-thread-the-only-place-to-find-out-about-lekatts-beliefs/535273 "2010-04-18T22:24:56Z")
To avoid derailing the Terry Schiavo thread any further, here it is: a place to take any attempts at discussion that spiral too close to the singularity that is this particular subject. To start: Lekatt, as you can s… --- ## [Is humanity really going to go through a "Technological Singularity"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-humanity-really-going-to-go-through-a-technological-singularity/536131)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2010, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-humanity-really-going-to-go-through-a-technological-singularity/536131 "2010-04-18T20:13:22Z")
Technological Singularity is the idea that in the near future there will be technological developments with such a profound transformative effects on human life that what comes after is completely imponderable. From the… --- ## [Would this stop suicide bombers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-stop-suicide-bombers/535964)
**Author:** [@Dragline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dragline)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2010, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-stop-suicide-bombers/535964 "2010-04-18T16:09:07Z")
Suicide bombers, for the most part, appear to have one thing in common – they seem to be religious nuts of one stripe or another. This suggests, to me at least, that there is a way to get inside their warped little mind… --- ## [Why does Europe have better/more exciting/imaginative festivals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-europe-have-better-more-exciting-imaginative-festivals/535759)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2010, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-europe-have-better-more-exciting-imaginative-festivals/535759 "2010-04-18T02:21:12Z")
I’m not sure if this is true or not, so that’s part of the question, but I find myself really missing festivals and other public events that I experienced living in Europe (mostly France). What really struck me is that … --- ## [1st steps toward Minority Report?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-steps-toward-minority-report/536427)
**Author:** [@enomaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enomaj)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2010, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1st-steps-toward-minority-report/536427 "2010-04-18T01:22:25Z")
The facts: http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Florida-Department-of-bw-1587995596.html?x=0&.v=1 Commentary: Crime Prediction Software Is Here and It's a Very Bad Idea The quote is from the 2nd article. The 1st article does… --- ## [Is there any benefit of shipping IT jobs to India?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-benefit-of-shipping-it-jobs-to-india/533976)
**Author:** [@bugme](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bugme)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2010, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-benefit-of-shipping-it-jobs-to-india/533976 "2010-04-17T23:21:39Z")
My entire IT organization is being outsourced. We’ve gone to school, gained experience in the work place practicing our trade and now we’re finding ourselves out of a job. India has people that will do our jobs for half … --- ## [Why don't we just build more prisons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-just-build-more-prisons/535231)
**Author:** [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2010, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-just-build-more-prisons/535231 "2010-04-17T15:59:46Z")
I know it sounds naive and simplistic, but it seems to me to be a good idea. The problems creating more prisons would address are significant, out of control, and (I would hope) a high priority to most thinking persons. … --- ## [False equivalences: RL vs. SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/false-equivalences-rl-vs-sdmb/534501)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2010, 2:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/false-equivalences-rl-vs-sdmb/534501 "2010-04-17T14:41:07Z")
So in this post, Bricker (who I usually have a good deal of respect for) engages in what I claim is a preposterously false equivalence… (1) some public figure (in this case, Sarah Palin) says something in a public forum … --- ## [Will the map or flag of the USA ever change again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-map-or-flag-of-the-usa-ever-change-again/535478)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2010, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-map-or-flag-of-the-usa-ever-change-again/535478 "2010-04-17T06:39:24Z")
The last real change to the map of the continental US was the admission of New Mexico and Arizona as states in 1912. Alaska and Hawaii’s admissions in 1959 changed the flag a bit, but for my lifetime (I’m 43) and the … --- ## [Help Me Debunk This E-mail About Congress, Please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-debunk-this-e-mail-about-congress-please/536316)
**Author:** [@DocCathode](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DocCathode)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2010, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-debunk-this-e-mail-about-congress-please/536316 "2010-04-17T01:53:45Z")
I got this gem from my sainted mother Since when is a member of Congress exempt from prosecution for sexual harrassment? My gut tells me this e-mail is filled with nonsense. But, I want specific facts and cites to come… --- ## [The political discourse could drop to new lows this year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-political-discourse-could-drop-to-new-lows-this-year/536375)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2010, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-political-discourse-could-drop-to-new-lows-this-year/536375 "2010-04-17T00:00:11Z")
I was talking to a \[del\]friend\[/del\] (too strong a word) acquaintance of mine yesterday who is a graduate student in political science. Despite claiming to be a registered Democrat, I sat and listened, mostly quietly, to… --- ## [Sensitivity to Ads: Burger King Edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensitivity-to-ads-burger-king-edition/536123)
**Author:** [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2010, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sensitivity-to-ads-burger-king-edition/536123 "2010-04-16T15:45:09Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ynews/20100414/ts\_ynews/ynews\_ts1615 I’ve seen the ads, you’ve probably seen the ads. The Burger King surprises people, giving them burgers. Well, in the most recent one, he’s being chased by att… --- ## [There's no such thing as unconditional love.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-no-such-thing-as-unconditional-love/535899)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2010, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-no-such-thing-as-unconditional-love/535899 "2010-04-16T13:24:16Z")
Except and unless the definition you use is love that encompasses every single human being on earth, without any exceptions. Because anything else, by definition, includes conditions. Even if the condition is as simple… --- ## [Can the dollar hyperinflate and lose its value](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-dollar-hyperinflate-and-lose-its-value/536304)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2010, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-dollar-hyperinflate-and-lose-its-value/536304 "2010-04-16T09:55:02Z")
Is this a realistic threat? There is another round of foreclosures coming as option ARMs reset, which will cause millions more foreclosures. The commercial real estate market may start to collapse soon to… --- ## [A Brief History of The United States.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-brief-history-of-the-united-states/535521)
**Author:** [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2010, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-brief-history-of-the-united-states/535521 "2010-04-16T08:22:07Z")
To intelligently discuss any aspect of this country’s history or make sense of US foreign and domestic policies today requires that one take into account the sheer power that centralized wealth (money and property) wield… --- ## [Pelosi: "we have to pass the bill so you can find out what's in it" context?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosi-we-have-to-pass-the-bill-so-you-can-find-out-whats-in-it-context/535577)
**Author:** [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2010, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosi-we-have-to-pass-the-bill-so-you-can-find-out-whats-in-it-context/535577 "2010-04-16T02:59:52Z")
Can someone please explain the context of thissoundbyte? I don’t know when she said it, so I’m having trouble finding the rest of the speech. I’m not even sure it was about the health care bill, but my conservative grand… --- ## [VA Gov. wants a literacy test for voting rights \[for ex-felons ed. title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/va-gov-wants-a-literacy-test-for-voting-rights-for-ex-felons-ed-title/535774)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2010, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/va-gov-wants-a-literacy-test-for-voting-rights-for-ex-felons-ed-title/535774 "2010-04-15T23:47:37Z")
Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell is back in the news today after the kerfluffle over honoring the Confederacy. He plans to require ex-felons to compose an essay about their contributions to society in order to get their voti… --- ## [What Do You Think of This Tea Party Video?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-tea-party-video/536174)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2010, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-this-tea-party-video/536174 "2010-04-15T18:28:03Z")
I just wondered what other people think of this Tea Party video on You Tube. As you can see, they mock an apparent Parkinson’s victim. My question for GD is simply this, were they justified in taunting him? I know my an… --- ## [What is the GWB legacy among Republicans/conservatives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-gwb-legacy-among-republicans-conservatives/534980)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2010, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-gwb-legacy-among-republicans-conservatives/534980 "2010-04-15T18:14:23Z")
'Cuz we all know what Democrats/liberals think it is. On one hand, most of them approve of the way he handled the Global War on Terror and Iraq. That’s a huge plus for Bush. On the other hand, I know for a fact that a… --- ## [The Christian Right and Democracy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christian-right-and-democracy/535334)
**Author:** [@elbows](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elbows)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2010, 11:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-christian-right-and-democracy/535334 "2010-04-15T11:43:16Z")
It seems to me you could make a very strong argument that fundamentalist Christian Right wingers (anti abortionists and their ilk) are anti democratic, in a most unpatriotic sort of way. What I mean is, they were all ab… --- ## [Most Tea Party Supporters Say Their Taxes Are Fair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-tea-party-supporters-say-their-taxes-are-fair/536112)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2010, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-tea-party-supporters-say-their-taxes-are-fair/536112 "2010-04-15T02:48:30Z")
A CBS poll of those who support the Tea Party movement reveals that 52% of respondents feel their taxes are fair. So who is the “cut taxes” theme at their rallies appealing to? Are they out of touch? Does this bode poor… --- ## [Sarah Palin's Intelligence Level](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-palins-intelligence-level/535667)
**Author:** [@AClockworkMelon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AClockworkMelon)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2010, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sarah-palins-intelligence-level/535667 "2010-04-14T19:12:58Z")
Brought from this thread. What stupid shit has she said/done? What is just hype? --- ## [The REAL truth about 9/11](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-real-truth-about-9-11/536068)
**Author:** [@put\_down\_the\_sabre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/put_down_the_sabre)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2010, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-real-truth-about-9-11/536068 "2010-04-14T15:36:10Z")
Just kidding. pdts --- ## [Climate engineering](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-engineering/535961)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2010, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-engineering/535961 "2010-04-14T14:25:49Z")
I was reading (full disclosure: I read it in Superfreakonomics) about a research firm in Washington which proposed pumping SO2 into the upper atmosphere to counter global warming. As an aside, when the proposal was men… --- ## [US ranks only eighth in the world in "Economic Freedom"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-ranks-only-eighth-in-the-world-in-economic-freedom/535900)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2010, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-ranks-only-eighth-in-the-world-in-economic-freedom/535900 "2010-04-14T13:04:04Z")
And this is according to the Heritage Foundation, a right-wing think tank (oxymoron, anyone?). The have devised a scale of Economic Freedom, which they define thusly: So, after all the data is tabulated, the US has fal… --- ## [Would the human race die out if we only "did it" like the bible says you're supposed to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-human-race-die-out-if-we-only-did-it-like-the-bible-says-youre-supposed-to/535434)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2010, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-human-race-die-out-if-we-only-did-it-like-the-bible-says-youre-supposed-to/535434 "2010-04-14T12:08:13Z")
Pure speculation, I know, but my guess would be yes. So as a shameless sinner: YOU’RE WELCOME Christians. Enjoy living in a society. :smiley: --- ## [Slam Dunk Argument Against An Omnimax God?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slam-dunk-argument-against-an-omnimax-god/535212)
**Author:** [@Cort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cort)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2010, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slam-dunk-argument-against-an-omnimax-god/535212 "2010-04-14T02:12:53Z")
I don’t remember where I heard this but it seems pretty watertight. God is Omnimax. That is, he is all powerful, all loving, and knows absolutely everything without exception. If God knows everything, this means he mu… --- ## [Fighting nuclear proliferation, long term, while it keeps getting easier.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-nuclear-proliferation-long-term-while-it-keeps-getting-easier/536004)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2010, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-nuclear-proliferation-long-term-while-it-keeps-getting-easier/536004 "2010-04-14T02:01:19Z")
What I hear in the news about avoiding the proliferation of nuclear arms and the spread of other things that could encourage their development seems to have a long term goal of putting a genie back in the bottle. That ma… --- ## [Charity and Solutions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-and-solutions/535653)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2010, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charity-and-solutions/535653 "2010-04-14T01:44:11Z")
So as not to hijack the Plumpy’nut thread, I thought I’d post my response as its own topic. Personally, I see there as being a difference between disaster relief and on-going charity. It’s like the difference between g… --- ## [The Golden Age of the West](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-golden-age-of-the-west/533575)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 265\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2010, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-golden-age-of-the-west/533575 "2010-04-13T22:26:45Z")
When do you think the Golden Age of Western Civilization was? Personally I believe it’s very pinnacle, epitomie was the La Belle Epoque between the years 1871 and 1914. That age saw the West produce the greatest flowerin… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=462) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=464)