# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=473 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 474 --- ## [Anti-war folks...thoughts on Afghanistan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-war-folks-thoughts-on-afghanistan/529310)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2010, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-war-folks-thoughts-on-afghanistan/529310 "2010-03-03T15:06:14Z")
I haven’t seen a thread on the offensive going on by NATO in southern Afghanistan, and thought I’d frame the debate in terms of how the anti-war 'dopers feel about it. Recently I’ve heard a couple of references (to para… --- ## [Term limits for voters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-limits-for-voters/530688)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2010, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-limits-for-voters/530688 "2010-03-03T12:43:24Z")
There was another recent thread discussing the idea of term limits for elected officials. As I have in the past, I raised the point that we shouldn’t blame politicians for our problems - we’re the ones who elected them. … --- ## [Universal Health Care](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-health-care/530091)
**Author:** [@pyrrhios](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pyrrhios)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2010, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-health-care/530091 "2010-03-03T00:23:22Z")
Sorry, I know this is old, but I’ve trolled the MBs trying to find a place to put this question, or an answer to it, and finally gave up. I read or heard somewhere that we pay twice as much for half the care in the coun… --- ## [Low mortgage rates = Good time to buy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-mortgage-rates-good-time-to-buy/530901)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/low-mortgage-rates-good-time-to-buy/530901 "2010-03-02T21:57:16Z")
I keep seeing this claim in discussion of real estate, but it doesn’t seem like it holds water. Here’s a recent example thread: On its face, low mortgage rates seem like they would make a good time to buy. Lower borro… --- ## [The case against Mother Theresa](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-against-mother-theresa/530194)
**Author:** [@Superfluous\_Parentheses](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superfluous_Parentheses)\ **Replies:** 216\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-against-mother-theresa/530194 "2010-03-02T16:53:50Z")
There’s a boring discussion going on about Cheney in the Pit, but one post stood out to me: I won’t post any responses from that thread, because they’re not helpful in GD, but I’ve heard some anecdotes that put her in … --- ## [Does the word "belief", when used in a religious context, always refer to objective thought?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-belief-when-used-in-a-religious-context-always-refer-to-objective-thought/530843)
**Author:** [@The\_Bith\_Shuffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bith_Shuffle)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-word-belief-when-used-in-a-religious-context-always-refer-to-objective-thought/530843 "2010-03-02T14:35:18Z")
The contemporary atheist author Sam Harris is frequently identified as one of the “new atheists”; the other three are generally considered to be Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett, and Christopher Hitchens. Having read just… --- ## [Mac computers - is it mostly just image and status?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-computers-is-it-mostly-just-image-and-status/529748)
**Author:** [@The\_Bith\_Shuffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bith_Shuffle)\ **Replies:** 345\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-computers-is-it-mostly-just-image-and-status/529748 "2010-03-02T06:08:38Z")
I am shopping for a laptop, so I went into my local Mac store and asked a couple of employees some questions and looked around at the PCs. I noticed a few things: as a remembered, Mac computers cost a ton of money. The… --- ## [What, if any, is the practical reach of the private charity in solving societal problems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-any-is-the-practical-reach-of-the-private-charity-in-solving-societal-problems/530846)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-any-is-the-practical-reach-of-the-private-charity-in-solving-societal-problems/530846 "2010-03-02T04:58:15Z")
Rand Rover made an interesting statement in another thread; I wanted to bring it up here because it’s key behind many conservative/libertarian arguments against government involvement in a wide range of problems: (Emph… --- ## [Are "the Canadians" Right to Laugh At Us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-canadians-right-to-laugh-at-us/530826)
**Author:** [@Hooveroid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hooveroid)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-canadians-right-to-laugh-at-us/530826 "2010-03-02T03:10:47Z")
Are “the Canadian” Right to Laugh At U.S.? Here’s an email making the rounds I just got: It seems to me that it’s just some guy names Howard Galganov who is laughing. This is all I could find on Galganov = Howard Gal… --- ## [Is Anthropogenic Global Warming Falsifiable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anthropogenic-global-warming-falsifiable/499911)
**Author:** [@Blake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blake)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-anthropogenic-global-warming-falsifiable/499911 "2010-03-02T02:42:41Z")
Not sure whether to put this here or in GQ, but I figure it’ll end up here anyway, so I’ll phrase it as debate. So, for background I’ll refer you to Popper’s essay on falsifiability. Basically the Popperian standad of s… --- ## [Did hippies cause the US financial meltdown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-hippies-cause-the-us-financial-meltdown/530698)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-hippies-cause-the-us-financial-meltdown/530698 "2010-03-02T02:16:26Z")
Story here. The folks at Citizens United have another offering, Generation Zero, which seeks to link the hippies with the financial woes the US is currently experiencing. Is there anything to this notion? Can we tra… --- ## [The human-centricism of morals. Any good justification beyond "a gut feeling"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-human-centricism-of-morals-any-good-justification-beyond-a-gut-feeling/528903)
**Author:** [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2010, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-human-centricism-of-morals-any-good-justification-beyond-a-gut-feeling/528903 "2010-03-02T02:04:49Z")
If dine on a hamburger, you’d pass for an average American, but dine on a American and you’re Hannibal Lector. If you experiment on lab rats, that can not give consent, you’re a scientist, but if you experiment on scient… --- ## [When did infantrymen with firearms become more effective than horse-mounted archers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-infantrymen-with-firearms-become-more-effective-than-horse-mounted-archers/530538)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2010, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-infantrymen-with-firearms-become-more-effective-than-horse-mounted-archers/530538 "2010-03-01T18:51:46Z")
As I understand it, the reason that early personal firearms were popular for infantry use was not so much that they were more effective on the battlefield than well-trained horse archers, but that it was far easier to tr… --- ## [Obama Smoking in the White House](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-smoking-in-the-white-house/472314)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2010, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-smoking-in-the-white-house/472314 "2010-03-01T17:30:29Z")
I recall Schwartznegger had a tent set up near his office when he became governor of California so he could smoke. The White House is a public building. Air Force I is owned by the public as well. Will Obama be allowed… --- ## [Why do you suppose the god of the Bible shows disdain for people with physical defects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-suppose-the-god-of-the-bible-shows-disdain-for-people-with-physical-defects/530253)
**Author:** [@Frank\_apisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank_apisa)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2010, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-you-suppose-the-god-of-the-bible-shows-disdain-for-people-with-physical-defects/530253 "2010-03-01T13:54:24Z")
In Leviticus, at Chapter 21, the god of the Bible says to Aaron: 21:17…Whosoever \*he be \*of thy seed in their generations that hath any blemish, let him not approach to offer the bread of his God. 21:18 For whatsoever … --- ## [Science in Schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-in-schools/530393)
**Author:** [@Jake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2010, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-in-schools/530393 "2010-03-01T13:10:29Z")
Government in Action! In January, the Berkeley (Calif.) School Board began consideration of a near-unanimous recommendation of Berkeley High School’s Governance Council to eliminate science labs from its curriculum, rea… --- ## [The Health Care Summit: What did you think?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-health-care-summit-what-did-you-think/530452)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2010, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-health-care-summit-what-did-you-think/530452 "2010-03-01T12:37:38Z")
Especially if you actually watched it, as opposed to seeing soundbites on YouTube or reading about what other people thought of it on blogs. --- ## [Maryland v Shatzer: Legislating from the Bench?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maryland-v-shatzer-legislating-from-the-bench/530388)
**Author:** [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2010, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maryland-v-shatzer-legislating-from-the-bench/530388 "2010-03-01T04:13:32Z")
From the opinion: Bolding mine. Full text here: http://supremecourtus.gov/opinions/09pdf/08-680.pdf Back in the election season of 2008, there was much fanfare from the Right on “Judicial Activist Judges” and “legis… --- ## [Why the idea that fiscal conservatives hate poor people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-idea-that-fiscal-conservatives-hate-poor-people/527872)
**Author:** [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Replies:** 323\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2010, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-idea-that-fiscal-conservatives-hate-poor-people/527872 "2010-03-01T04:13:04Z")
I’m a fiscal conservative, meaning that I favor a very limited role for the government. Often when fiscal conservatives express the view that the government shouldn’t do a particular program (such as something to help po… --- ## [Toyota: A Poll](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toyota-a-poll/530155)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2010, 7:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toyota-a-poll/530155 "2010-02-28T19:17:17Z")
Do you think that Mr. Toyoda will be indicted on federal charges of voluntary vehicular homicide while he is in the United States this week to testify before Congress ? I do. --- ## [Writing on photographs (museum)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-on-photographs-museum/530596)
**Author:** [@Obeseus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Obeseus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2010, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/writing-on-photographs-museum/530596 "2010-02-28T16:33:09Z")
I tried searching the archives and Google, but I couldn’t find anything. I am a member of a small-town museum. The museum also has a ‘guess who’ or ‘guess where’ photo in our weekly newspaper. All the photos in the paper… --- ## [Seaworld Worker Killed By Killer Whale?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seaworld-worker-killed-by-killer-whale/530318)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2010, 6:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seaworld-worker-killed-by-killer-whale/530318 "2010-02-28T06:58:45Z")
I just heard this on the news. I hope this will spark a debate about the wisdom of keeping large cetaceans in captivity. Is this safe and humane? I don’t think do-what do you think? I don’t see operations like Seaworld… --- ## [For all those people who wanted a real fillibuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-all-those-people-who-wanted-a-real-fillibuster/530534)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2010, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-all-those-people-who-wanted-a-real-fillibuster/530534 "2010-02-28T05:58:48Z")
I’ve heard the complaint about the “procedural filibuster” in the Senate; that the Senate leadership should require actual filibusters…that they should make the filibustering senators actually get up there and talk. Wel… --- ## [Why not abolish the Senatorial filibuster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-abolish-the-senatorial-filibuster/530535)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2010, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-abolish-the-senatorial-filibuster/530535 "2010-02-28T05:57:25Z")
The filibuster is not in the Constitution. The Constitution, Article One, Section 5, lays down a few rules like the number of members necessary to form a quorum, but otherwise leaves it to each house of Congress to make… --- ## [Why live life if Revelation is true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-live-life-if-revelation-is-true/136520)
**Author:** [@halfliquid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/halfliquid)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2010, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-live-life-if-revelation-is-true/136520 "2010-02-28T04:02:20Z")
If the course of mankind has been predetermined by God, according to Revelation, then what is the reason for people to get out of bed and live life? --- ## [Utah law to criminalize miscarriages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/utah-law-to-criminalize-miscarriages/530298)
**Author:** [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2010, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/utah-law-to-criminalize-miscarriages/530298 "2010-02-28T03:56:04Z")
A bill passed through the Utah state legislature’s House and Senate, awaiting signing by the governor, allows punishment up to life in prison for an “intentional, knowing, or reckless act” that leads to a miscarriage or … --- ## [What is it with our obsession for tears?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-our-obsession-for-tears/530003)
**Author:** [@Frank\_apisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank_apisa)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2010, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-it-with-our-obsession-for-tears/530003 "2010-02-27T23:23:27Z")
In today’s New York Times, there is an articleabout Olympic skaters crying. One of the coaches, Frank Carroll, a highly respected skating coach, thinks it is way overdone. Evan Lysacek, one of the American figure skater… --- ## [Overreact much, UCSD?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overreact-much-ucsd/530645)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2010, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overreact-much-ucsd/530645 "2010-02-27T18:27:49Z")
Here’s a link to the story about a student at UCSD that was suspended for hanging a noose in the library. I agree with the suspension of the student. Even without knowing the student code of conduct at UCSD, hanging a n… --- ## [What would Jesus do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-jesus-do/529953)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2010, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-jesus-do/529953 "2010-02-27T17:54:36Z")
In the Old Testament, there are numerous instances where the Faithful Few are Delivered and ther rest face oblivion: Noah and the Flood, Sodom and Gomorrah, Jericho. Jesus Christ preached a life peace and compassion to … --- ## [Term limits for legislators?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-limits-for-legislators/530617)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2010, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-limits-for-legislators/530617 "2010-02-27T17:37:13Z")
I was listening to the radio today, and in discussion about the health care summit, some commentator or caller-in mentioned, roughly, that no one is willing to risk their seat by really advocating anything that isn’t vet… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=472) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=474)