# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=497 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 498 --- ## [Sci-Fi: Probability of Guilt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sci-fi-probability-of-guilt/517090)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sci-fi-probability-of-guilt/517090 "2009-11-10T22:07:53Z")
Modern law seems to (generally) fall under two headings, proof beyond reasonable doubt (criminal) or the preponderance of the evidence (civil). Basically, these are statements of probability. But they’re not actually ca… --- ## [Dinosaurs, and non-Christian religions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinosaurs-and-non-christian-religions/515970)
**Author:** [@ExTank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ExTank)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dinosaurs-and-non-christian-religions/515970 "2009-11-10T19:18:10Z")
While I’m sure that this has a factual answer, I’m also sure it wil engender some debate, so I’m going to open this up here in GD. Mods, feel free to move as you think best depending on answers/tone. Basically, my quest… --- ## [What (exactly) is supposed to happen in 2012?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-supposed-to-happen-in-2012/516404)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-supposed-to-happen-in-2012/516404 "2009-11-10T18:37:40Z")
I was at the movies recently and I saw the previews to the new movie coming out some time this month called 2012. It’s another apocalypse type movies about the end of the world or something like that. It got me to thin… --- ## [How Much does the "Underclass" (USA) Reduce the GNP? \[Edited title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-the-underclass-usa-reduce-the-gnp-edited-title/515950)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-the-underclass-usa-reduce-the-gnp-edited-title/515950 "2009-11-10T15:16:17Z")
Has such an analysis ever been conducted? My question is basically: there is a an economic underclass in America-comprised of people who are on life-long welfare programs. These people work rarely, and many of this class… --- ## [Is American/Western culture "better" than other world cultures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-american-western-culture-better-than-other-world-cultures/515966)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-american-western-culture-better-than-other-world-cultures/515966 "2009-11-10T15:13:28Z")
I was just reading a transcribed excerpt from a podcast; while the podcast episode is primarily about Wal-mart, the excerpt is specifically about the issues an Indian immigrant (and Wal-mart employee) has with integratin… --- ## [Do British vs American collective nouns affect Thought?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-british-vs-american-collective-nouns-affect-thought/517005)
**Author:** [@Alex\_Dubinsky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alex_Dubinsky)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-british-vs-american-collective-nouns-affect-thought/517005 "2009-11-10T14:42:57Z")
What an American says IBM does something, he says “it” does it–the amorphous hive mind of the corporation. When a Briton says IBM does something, he says “they” do it–the group of mortal humans that gather under the IBM … --- ## [Let's talk about the Republic of China](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-the-republic-of-china/516705)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-the-republic-of-china/516705 "2009-11-10T14:36:22Z")
I went to see The Founding of a Republic other week in the full knowledge that it was largely propaganda for the PRC and an excuse to show Chairman Mao Tse-tung being heroic and fatherly and, well, Founding A Republic. I… --- ## [Well, I got "locked" in "General Questions"'''](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-i-got-locked-in-general-questions/517024)
**Author:** [@lurking\_guest](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lurking_guest)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-i-got-locked-in-general-questions/517024 "2009-11-10T14:13:53Z")
‘’’ by Miller. Who couldn’t figure out what I was talking about. PLEASE!.. Just call your Congessman/woman… Freekin’ BURN UP their lines with your objections to the FED and Timothy Geitner and Larry Summers and Hank … --- ## [Consumers are responsible for consumerism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consumers-are-responsible-for-consumerism/515695)
**Author:** [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consumers-are-responsible-for-consumerism/515695 "2009-11-10T12:55:30Z")
I’ve found, much to my shock, that this is a controversial statement. Most rebuttals I’ve heard are-- in my view-- ahistorical, ideologically driven, and the result of knee-jerk reactions against corporations. Someone ex… --- ## ["Obama Deception"--point-by-point debunking please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-deception-point-by-point-debunking-please/492842)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-deception-point-by-point-debunking-please/492842 "2009-11-10T12:49:38Z")
I’ve really tried to watch that drivel but I have a very low tolerance for paranoid raving. I then turned to the Internet and tried to find a point-by-point debunking of it, alas, to no avail. I was inundated with more… --- ## [Heath care: explain 'the mandate' to me.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heath-care-explain-the-mandate-to-me/516797)
**Author:** [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 11:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heath-care-explain-the-mandate-to-me/516797 "2009-11-10T11:39:12Z")
So it looks like most versions of the health care bill have some sort of “mandate” clause that requires people to buy health insurance or pay a penalty (except for those who can’t afford it). I thought the whole point o… --- ## [Why did Jesus appear on the scene when he did?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-jesus-appear-on-the-scene-when-he-did/516512)
**Author:** [@ivan\_astikov](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivan_astikov)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-jesus-appear-on-the-scene-when-he-did/516512 "2009-11-10T06:11:56Z")
Is this explained anywhere, because I certainly don’t remember seeing it mentioned in the bible? --- ## [Could a BNP style party gain a degree of support in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-bnp-style-party-gain-a-degree-of-support-in-the-us/516684)
**Author:** [@mrpayday](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrpayday)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-bnp-style-party-gain-a-degree-of-support-in-the-us/516684 "2009-11-10T05:40:41Z")
Could they get 1% of the vote and have their party leaders taken seriously by the media? Which is more than the BNP get. With a kick out the Muslims and Mexicans, American jobs for Americans, wave the flag about platfor… --- ## [Do extreme or provocative stances in support of X cause really tend to hurt that cause?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-extreme-or-provocative-stances-in-support-of-x-cause-really-tend-to-hurt-that-cause/516594)
**Author:** [@The\_Bith\_Shuffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Bith_Shuffle)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-extreme-or-provocative-stances-in-support-of-x-cause-really-tend-to-hurt-that-cause/516594 "2009-11-10T05:14:50Z")
I realize that this is a very broad discussion, because it addresses multiple types of causes. I often hear people say things like this: “I’m an atheist, but I think abrasive and extreme atheists like Richard Dawkins d… --- ## [How long is the universe capable of supporting intelligent life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-is-the-universe-capable-of-supporting-intelligent-life/516874)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-is-the-universe-capable-of-supporting-intelligent-life/516874 "2009-11-10T03:24:41Z")
In my view, you need at minimum a second generation star (and possibly a 3rd generation) in order to have the chemistry necessary to create intelligent life because fusion reactions would create the elements necessary fo… --- ## ["Our Kids!" (Ft. Hood Shootings - ed. title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-kids-ft-hood-shootings-ed-title/516680)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2009, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/our-kids-ft-hood-shootings-ed-title/516680 "2009-11-10T02:01:23Z")
Not only are they in harm’s way over there, now they are in harm’s way over here! Time to bring 'em back home, Mr. President! It’s another Viet Nam, it really IS! Jesus, we can’t win this one, I swear it.:frowning: Q … --- ## [How can I tell if I am smart and/or educated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-tell-if-i-am-smart-and-or-educated/516449)
**Author:** [@kevlaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kevlaw)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2009, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-i-tell-if-i-am-smart-and-or-educated/516449 "2009-11-09T18:47:06Z")
In this thread, a number of posters suggested that attending college imparts a certain something into the student that is not available via other routes to knowledge. Read the thread for the full story. I include a samp… --- ## [To those against UHC, what would you do in this hypothetical?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-against-uhc-what-would-you-do-in-this-hypothetical/516630)
**Author:** [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2009, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-those-against-uhc-what-would-you-do-in-this-hypothetical/516630 "2009-11-09T18:21:09Z")
In this Pit thread http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=538568, I presented a hypothetical to someone who is against government supported healthcare apparently because he doesn’t believe money from strang… --- ## [Here are my problems with reincarnation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/here-are-my-problems-with-reincarnation/515818)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2009, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/here-are-my-problems-with-reincarnation/515818 "2009-11-09T17:36:18Z")
There is a religious belief that souls reincarnate and that there is a purpose of life, to learn lessons and grow as spirits. However, I have some criticisms of that theory and if anyone has any rebuttals I’d be interest… --- ## [Conservative activist plan to challenge MORE moderate Republicans in 2010. Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-activist-plan-to-challenge-more-moderate-republicans-in-2010-why/516396)
**Author:** [@cn8of10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cn8of10)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2009, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-activist-plan-to-challenge-more-moderate-republicans-in-2010-why/516396 "2009-11-09T15:58:18Z")
Cite Conservative activist apparently see the Hoffman loss in NY 23 district as a mandate to bring more pain to the GOP. This is either an empty threat by the far-Right or a political murder-suicide: Murder because, if… --- ## [Nate Silver is systematically building a case for declaring pollster Strategic Vision, LLC a fraud](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nate-silver-is-systematically-building-a-case-for-declaring-pollster-strategic-vision-llc-a-fraud/511728)
**Author:** [@GameHat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GameHat)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2009, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nate-silver-is-systematically-building-a-case-for-declaring-pollster-strategic-vision-llc-a-fraud/511728 "2009-11-09T14:39:16Z")
Does anyone else find this fascinating? It started 9.24 - the American Association for Public Opinion Research reprimanded SVLLC for “failing to disclose even basic information about their political polls” (quote from S… --- ## [Diplomat resigns over war in Afghanistan. Is the analysis in his resignation letter correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diplomat-resigns-over-war-in-afghanistan-is-the-analysis-in-his-resignation-letter-correct/515538)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2009, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diplomat-resigns-over-war-in-afghanistan-is-the-analysis-in-his-resignation-letter-correct/515538 "2009-11-09T02:57:15Z")
New story here Letter here - The 4 page letter is very powerful and makes several analytical claims. Does it accurately describe the situation in Afghanistan or not? A Q&A with Washington Post readersas to why he resi… --- ## [Tings Were Better In the Fifties, Vol. I: Teen Pregnancy (the SA debate series)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tings-were-better-in-the-fifties-vol-i-teen-pregnancy-the-sa-debate-series/515996)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 243\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2009, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tings-were-better-in-the-fifties-vol-i-teen-pregnancy-the-sa-debate-series/515996 "2009-11-08T21:58:42Z")
I am going to try to explore several propositions that Starving Artist is known for. This effort was largely inspired by a recent Pit thread. However, we’re in GD here, and I see no reason the subjects cannot be explore… --- ## [Anyone watch the BNP on Question Time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-watch-the-bnp-on-question-time/514817)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2009, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-watch-the-bnp-on-question-time/514817 "2009-11-08T18:44:01Z")
The much-debated event occurred last night - it’s up on iPlayer, I’m sure bits will be up on YouTube shortly. For those unfamiliar, the BNP are an extreme right-wing party, of the National Front/BUF variety who have rece… --- ## [Hanna Reitsch was a Nazi test pilot, yet I admire her.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hanna-reitsch-was-a-nazi-test-pilot-yet-i-admire-her/516386)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2009, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hanna-reitsch-was-a-nazi-test-pilot-yet-i-admire-her/516386 "2009-11-08T05:53:32Z")
And kinda cute, in a dwarfish manner. Through her work considerable effort was made to kill not only many Allies and Allied civilians, but also my own father. Can you explain this for me? ETA: No Freudi… --- ## [Did Michael Moore and Hugo Chavez drink a bottle of tequila together?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-michael-moore-and-hugo-chavez-drink-a-bottle-of-tequila-together/515330)
**Author:** [@lalenin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lalenin)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2009, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-michael-moore-and-hugo-chavez-drink-a-bottle-of-tequila-together/515330 "2009-11-08T03:48:52Z")
Well, technically the claim by Michael Moore is that they drank a bottle and a half of tequila. The short version of what happened is that Michael Moore appeared in some TV show and claimed that at the Venice Film festi… --- ## [For believers with sacred texts: Anything you wish wasn't mentioned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-believers-with-sacred-texts-anything-you-wish-wasnt-mentioned/516738)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2009, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-believers-with-sacred-texts-anything-you-wish-wasnt-mentioned/516738 "2009-11-08T02:42:48Z")
This question is for any believer who has a sacred text. Is there anything that is contained in any part of your sacred text that you wish had never been included? This can range from things where the inclusion was pol… --- ## [Should Medicare be cancelled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-medicare-be-cancelled/516258)
**Author:** [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2009, 1:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-medicare-be-cancelled/516258 "2009-11-08T01:02:00Z")
During the recent debate on Universal Health Care, the strongest block of opposition seems to have come from Senior Citizens. In the recent elections in New Jersey and Virginia, the strongest support for the Republican … --- ## [Technology Vs. Collective memory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-vs-collective-memory/516702)
**Author:** [@frootle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/frootle)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-vs-collective-memory/516702 "2009-11-07T16:26:38Z")
What happens to the concept of collective memory en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collective\_memory when confronted with the 'net? Twitter, Facebook, photobucket et al. have an immediate and direct impact which would never entere… --- ## [God as a Spirit - a question for theists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-as-a-spirit-a-question-for-theists/513256)
**Author:** [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Replies:** 243\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2009, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-as-a-spirit-a-question-for-theists/513256 "2009-11-07T15:44:32Z")
I’ve read a few reviews of books pushing back at the new atheism lately (like the latest by Karen Armstrong) and from the reviews they seem to be saying that it is invalid for Dawkins etc. to be attacking religion by add… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=496) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=498)