# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=492 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 493 --- ## [Great historical blunders that were actually good decisions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-historical-blunders-that-were-actually-good-decisions/518468)
**Author:** [@VarlosZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VarlosZ)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/great-historical-blunders-that-were-actually-good-decisions/518468 "2009-12-08T02:20:16Z")
The recent controversy over coach Bill Belichick’s unconventional, disastrous decision in last Sunday’s game got me thinking about analogous historical situations. Basically, we’re looking for decisions which had terrib… --- ## [How do people get so fat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-get-so-fat/513763)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 800\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2009, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-people-get-so-fat/513763 "2009-12-08T00:58:13Z")
Inspired by this thread. I mean, you are gaining weight, say, but at some point don’t people realize that enough is enough? Maybe some don’t care about their appearance, or even their health, but you see these people who… --- ## [Evolution: why are there still monkeys, apes, chimps, etc.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-why-are-there-still-monkeys-apes-chimps-etc/520069)
**Author:** [@dnooman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dnooman)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2009, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-why-are-there-still-monkeys-apes-chimps-etc/520069 "2009-12-07T19:53:23Z")
I can see species evolving, and would never deny that it’s a natural process. I guess the question is “If we evolved from monkeys, why are monkeys still around?” These are not terms I would use, but ones I have seen use… --- ## [Why don't people consider the Catholic Church a hate group?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-consider-the-catholic-church-a-hate-group/519558)
**Author:** [@The\_Cleveland\_Steamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Cleveland_Steamer)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2009, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-people-consider-the-catholic-church-a-hate-group/519558 "2009-12-07T17:30:47Z")
They have a disgusting view of homosexuals (unless the homosexuals repress their desires). Shouldn’t someone like John Kerry be shunned by fellow liberals for being a member of a hate group? --- ## [President Chavez Praises Carlos "the Jackal"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-chavez-praises-carlos-the-jackal/518476)
**Author:** [@kitemaker\_chuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kitemaker_chuck)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2009, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-chavez-praises-carlos-the-jackal/518476 "2009-12-07T16:10:38Z")
I saw in a New York Times report (along with about four or five others) all in Yahoo News, that President Hugo Chavez was heaping praise on Carlos “the Jackal” for being a great revolutionary fighter, and that he’s just … --- ## [America's School System has Brought Back De-facto Segregation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-school-system-has-brought-back-de-facto-segregation/519309)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2009, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-school-system-has-brought-back-de-facto-segregation/519309 "2009-12-07T15:29:40Z")
This thread continues a discussion from the recent thread about the ACLU, which unfortunately got buried under posts about the school prayer issue. The discussion in question was the claim, which I advanced, that forcin… --- ## [Alternatives to miracles performed by Jesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-miracles-performed-by-jesus/519342)
**Author:** [@Kkrose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kkrose)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2009, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternatives-to-miracles-performed-by-jesus/519342 "2009-12-07T15:10:03Z")
I’m thinking that you are probably familiar with the story of Jesus feeding the crowd with only a loaf of bread and a fish. Apparently, Jesus blessed the food,and when it was passed around the crowd it fed everyone who r… --- ## [Obama to announce Afghanistan policy in speech Tuesday 12/01/09](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-to-announce-afghanistan-policy-in-speech-tuesday-12-01-09/519552)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2009, 1:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-to-announce-afghanistan-policy-in-speech-tuesday-12-01-09/519552 "2009-12-07T13:54:19Z")
The New York Times says: sigh Well, he didn’t run on a promise to pull out . . . :frowning: But will there be any surprises? --- ## [Judge sanctions bank on foreclosure proceeding, cancels mortgage.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judge-sanctions-bank-on-foreclosure-proceeding-cancels-mortgage/519134)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2009, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judge-sanctions-bank-on-foreclosure-proceeding-cancels-mortgage/519134 "2009-12-06T23:23:12Z")
Judge Blasts Bank’s Foreclosure Conduct and Cancels Mortgage Is this a precedent that will force banks to negotiate settlements with delinquent homeowners, or will it cause the further weakening of the banking system? … --- ## [Please explain Climategate.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-climategate/519899)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2009, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-climategate/519899 "2009-12-06T02:33:29Z")
I have been reading about this lately but I haven’t been having a lot of success cutting through the religion on both sides. Please explain what the implications are for the Global Warming debate. Pithy dismissals wher… --- ## [Comcast acquiring NBC Universal from GE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comcast-acquiring-nbc-universal-from-ge/519848)
**Author:** [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2009, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/comcast-acquiring-nbc-universal-from-ge/519848 "2009-12-05T17:49:14Z")
It’s been announced that GE will be divesting itself of NBC Universal and selling controlling ownership to Comcast for 40 bajillion dollars (I might have misheard that last part). The deal gives Comcast: – television p… --- ## [What's all this talk about "Global Warming?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-all-this-talk-about-global-warming/519859)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2009, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-all-this-talk-about-global-warming/519859 "2009-12-05T03:01:54Z")
Ok, I get it in principle. My real question is what’s the debate? I’ve seen firsthand disappearing glaciers, so I can easily buy into the assertion that things are heating up. Is the debate about the mechanism and our… --- ## [Will DNA evidence be worth anything in the near future/soon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-dna-evidence-be-worth-anything-in-the-near-future-soon/519965)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2009, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-dna-evidence-be-worth-anything-in-the-near-future-soon/519965 "2009-12-05T02:35:33Z")
Poking into one of the central plot points of a recent Law and Order: SVU episode led me to this New York Times article about easy it is to fake DNA evidence. Is this cornerstone of modern criminal justice going to tumb… --- ## [Absurd parallel? Living a lie in homosexuality vs urge to cheat one's spouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absurd-parallel-living-a-lie-in-homosexuality-vs-urge-to-cheat-ones-spouse/519969)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2009, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absurd-parallel-living-a-lie-in-homosexuality-vs-urge-to-cheat-ones-spouse/519969 "2009-12-04T21:58:17Z")
Bear with me here as I put on my asbestos suit. \[shuffle shuffle shuffle\] OK: Here’s the thing I’ve been wondering for a while. I am happily married, and yet once in a while I can’t help thinking to myself, “whoa, Nell… --- ## [The Commerce Clause Wars--continued from GQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-commerce-clause-wars-continued-from-gq/519730)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2009, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-commerce-clause-wars-continued-from-gq/519730 "2009-12-04T20:06:25Z")
I think that this is an excellent debate which was stuck in GQ, but I would like to explore it further. I really would like posters’ thoughts on these following ideas: First, I don’t really care what the Supreme Court … --- ## [Huckabee Pardoned Suspected Seattle Shooter.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huckabee-pardoned-suspected-seattle-shooter/519577)
**Author:** [@adhay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adhay)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2009, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huckabee-pardoned-suspected-seattle-shooter/519577 "2009-12-04T13:42:27Z")
From the NYT. --- ## [Whodunnit, a murder mystery (who killed EV1?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whodunnit-a-murder-mystery-who-killed-ev1/519960)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2009, 7:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whodunnit-a-murder-mystery-who-killed-ev1/519960 "2009-12-04T07:24:04Z")
I was watching Planet Green tonight, and they were doing a 2 hour special on who killed the electric vehicle (EV1), so I thought I’d pose the question here as a debate to educate myself on this. From memory, the Suspect… --- ## ["The Great Global Warming Swindle" on Sundance Channel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-global-warming-swindle-on-sundance-channel/519673)
**Author:** [@chappy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappy)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2009, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-global-warming-swindle-on-sundance-channel/519673 "2009-12-04T05:33:25Z")
Anyone see the documentary "The Great Global Warming Swindle on the Sundance Channel or at any other time? It only served to reinforce my belief that the CO2 causation is completely inacurate Sure, I think the planet’s … --- ## [25th anniversary of Bhopal incident](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25th-anniversary-of-bhopal-incident/519918)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2009, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/25th-anniversary-of-bhopal-incident/519918 "2009-12-04T03:50:51Z")
Happy anniversary to you Happy anniversary to you Yep it has been 25 years since this http://blog.buzzflash.com/analysis/950 Union Carbide set up a plant in Bhopal, India to manufacture chemicals. They went there for… --- ## [Is every Chicago police officer corrupt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-every-chicago-police-officer-corrupt/519417)
**Author:** [@The\_Cleveland\_Steamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Cleveland_Steamer)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2009, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-every-chicago-police-officer-corrupt/519417 "2009-12-04T01:46:46Z")
I have had more than one Chicago police officer say police officers do not write traffic tickets on other officers. They say every officer knows about this practice. Is this true? Should a massive sting operation be ins… --- ## [Dead spelunker to be left in cave](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-spelunker-to-be-left-in-cave/519441)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 218\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2009, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-spelunker-to-be-left-in-cave/519441 "2009-12-03T22:34:36Z")
There’s a news story today about howa spelunker who got trapped and died will be left in the cave (which will then be sealed up), instead of his body being recovered. This strikes me as an… unusual course of action. I m… --- ## [Northrop-Grumman may drop tanker bid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northrop-grumman-may-drop-tanker-bid/519791)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2009, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/northrop-grumman-may-drop-tanker-bid/519791 "2009-12-03T01:19:08Z")
Link. Personally, I hope Boeing gets the contract. I’m a Washingtonian now, and the state has already taken a hit because Boeing decided to move a second production line for the 787 to South Carolina. It will be bett… --- ## [Huckabee's defense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huckabees-defense/519742)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huckabees-defense/519742 "2009-12-02T19:58:54Z")
Huckabee communted the sentence of a convicted felon and yet lays the blame on the Arkansas and Washington justice system. What is going on? --- ## [CIA prison in Lithuania: were laws broken and who should be held responsible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cia-prison-in-lithuania-were-laws-broken-and-who-should-be-held-responsible/518150)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2009, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cia-prison-in-lithuania-were-laws-broken-and-who-should-be-held-responsible/518150 "2009-12-02T19:58:20Z")
Story here. So apparently it was in use for a year or more. So, what laws, if any, were broken? And who should be held responsible? Should criminal charges be filed? Why or why not? --- ## ["Reconciling" Science and Relgion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reconciling-science-and-relgion/518134)
**Author:** [@joshreeves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/joshreeves)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2009, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reconciling-science-and-relgion/518134 "2009-12-02T17:39:20Z")
What is the motivation to reconcile science with religion? Cognitive dissonance? If science happens upon a proposition already “answered” by religion, that proposition will receive no special treatment and will eventual… --- ## [Could Acorn Be Prosecuted Under the RICO Act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-acorn-be-prosecuted-under-the-rico-act/519235)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2009, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-acorn-be-prosecuted-under-the-rico-act/519235 "2009-12-02T14:58:30Z")
Just in from California: Acorn has been dumping and destroyig internal memos (which expose the corrupt and dishonest practices of Acorn). Calfornia AG Jerry Brown thinks that evidence found in the trash is not admissable… --- ## [Atomic Bombings of Japan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-bombings-of-japan/518803)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 445\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2009, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atomic-bombings-of-japan/518803 "2009-12-02T05:58:25Z")
Was it correct for the United States of America to drop atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? My personal opinion is yes since the two other strategies were blockading and bombing Japan or invading it both of which wo… --- ## [Beavers are perfectly harmless creatures.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beavers-are-perfectly-harmless-creatures/519380)
**Author:** [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2009, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beavers-are-perfectly-harmless-creatures/519380 "2009-12-02T05:40:42Z")
independentminded made these statements in the recent gun thread. In my experience beavers are far from harmless when it comes to peoples properties. The damage from flooding due to beaver dams can cause thousands of … --- ## [Gods sabbath day SAVED!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gods-sabbath-day-saved/518937)
**Author:** [@FlyingDoDo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlyingDoDo)\ **Replies:** 220\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2009, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gods-sabbath-day-saved/518937 "2009-12-02T03:11:21Z")
Do you believe that Christians must observe to keep Gods sabbath day (friday sundown till saturday sundown) in order to be saved to the kingdom? The scriptures say yes you do. What have you been taught? --- ## [The team-building paradox](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-team-building-paradox/519116)
**Author:** [@Random\_Design](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Random_Design)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2009, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-team-building-paradox/519116 "2009-12-01T20:56:26Z")
The company I recently I started working for is doing quite well and from next year we’re doing the team-building thing. I’ve done it before at previous companies and I just don’t see the point. Take paint-ball for exam… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=491) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=493)