# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=526 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 527 --- ## [Last Nazi War Criminal To be Tried](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-nazi-war-criminal-to-be-tried/501817)
**Author:** [@Cicero](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cicero)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2009, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-nazi-war-criminal-to-be-tried/501817 "2009-07-12T02:49:02Z")
Link As much as I have empathy with the victims, is anything much going to be achieved now? If he is imprisoned for ten years it will be meaningless. Why is it pursued?? --- ## [Hypnagogia = Voices of the Dead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnagogia-voices-of-the-dead/500818)
**Author:** [@KGS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KGS)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2009, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypnagogia-voices-of-the-dead/500818 "2009-07-11T14:52:19Z")
Okay, time for another paranormal-related thread. (Heh, these are always so much fun…) Could auditory hypnagogia be actual voices from the recently deceased? I know, science believes it’s just your own brain talking to… --- ## [Principles for a better GD](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/principles-for-a-better-gd/502486)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2009, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/principles-for-a-better-gd/502486 "2009-07-11T14:47:27Z")
Great Debates can be–and at rare times is–a forum that enlightens issues and tests ideas through careful, reasoned debate. I realize that this is not everyone’s vision of GD. Many see it as a forum to engage other peop… --- ## [The Electric Universe Theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-electric-universe-theory/502513)
**Author:** [@smurfslappa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smurfslappa)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2009, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-electric-universe-theory/502513 "2009-07-11T06:26:13Z")
I’m wondering how many Dopers have heard of this theory. It takes a little while to explain but I’ll try to give you guys the gist of it. Basically in mainstream physics there are four fundamental forces (or interactio… --- ## [Blumenthal's “Feeling The Hate In Jerusalem” (pls no censorship disc. here)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blumenthals-feeling-the-hate-in-jerusalem-pls-no-censorship-disc-here/500804)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2009, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blumenthals-feeling-the-hate-in-jerusalem-pls-no-censorship-disc-here/500804 "2009-07-11T03:13:12Z")
Max Blumenthal, a leftist putative “investigative journalist and documentary filmmaker”, has recently edited and published a hit-piece video entitled “Feeling The Hate In Jerusalem”. Blumenthal apparently contradicts hi… --- ## [Blacks overwhelmingly against gay marriage - Why such hypocrisy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-overwhelmingly-against-gay-marriage-why-such-hypocrisy/501658)
**Author:** [@Green\_Cymbeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Cymbeline)\ **Replies:** 308\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2009, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-overwhelmingly-against-gay-marriage-why-such-hypocrisy/501658 "2009-07-10T21:12:53Z")
Inspired by this segment on today’s “All Things Considered,” on NPR: Black Ministers In D.C. Divided Over Gay Marriage It’s about how D.C. is about to approve a proposal to recognize gay couples married in other states,… --- ## [What are "Warning Notices" for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-warning-notices-for/502281)
**Author:** [@kevlaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kevlaw)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2009, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-warning-notices-for/502281 "2009-07-10T20:43:26Z")
(I don’t think this is IMHO…) I assume that, in the distant past, warning notices on products served some real function to warn the consumer about the dangers of using said products. But, with the possible exception of W… --- ## [Should Steve Jobs' liver transplant have been reported to Apple shareholders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-steve-jobs-liver-transplant-have-been-reported-to-apple-shareholders/501525)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2009, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-steve-jobs-liver-transplant-have-been-reported-to-apple-shareholders/501525 "2009-07-10T20:32:37Z")
It’s been a point of argument on Slashdot for quite a while now, ever since it was confirmed that Jobs had a liver transplant. Side A: This information was materially relevant to Apple’s stock price, and Apple withheld … --- ## [Energy Bill has it wrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-bill-has-it-wrong/502236)
**Author:** [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2009, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-bill-has-it-wrong/502236 "2009-07-10T14:56:21Z")
If the real goal of the administration and congress is to reduce green house gases and other pollutants, then the American Clean Energy and Security Act is utterly faulty. The most efficient way to significantly reduce … --- ## [Total War VS Civilized Warfare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/total-war-vs-civilized-warfare/502001)
**Author:** [@SmashTheState](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmashTheState)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2009, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/total-war-vs-civilized-warfare/502001 "2009-07-10T11:55:03Z")
Until relatively recently, war was considered a game, to be engaged in by gentlemen and fought for what was seen as honour or glory. The gentlemen would round up the peasants on their side, the opposing gentlemen would … --- ## [Was Jesus dying on the cross a meaningful act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-jesus-dying-on-the-cross-a-meaningful-act/500309)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 338\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2009, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-jesus-dying-on-the-cross-a-meaningful-act/500309 "2009-07-10T11:01:51Z")
I am curious as to what Jesus understood of his own divinity. Speaking with my GF the other day we discussed how Jesus dying on the cross could be meaningful if Jesus knew full well he was God. It is one thing to go to… --- ## [Should cities have to absorb the costs of huge spectacles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-cities-have-to-absorb-the-costs-of-huge-spectacles/502259)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2009, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-cities-have-to-absorb-the-costs-of-huge-spectacles/502259 "2009-07-10T04:09:57Z")
LA sets up Web site for Jackson memorial donations LA has set up a Paypal site, hoping that people with donate money to offset the $1.5-4million they expect to pay, to provide services (police, fire, emergancy, etc) for… --- ## [How should near c velocities affect pay rate.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-near-c-velocities-affect-pay-rate/502411)
**Author:** [@kidchameleon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kidchameleon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2009, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-near-c-velocities-affect-pay-rate/502411 "2009-07-10T03:27:35Z")
So I was watching the rather…interesting…Dark Star when one of the characters made a comment about aging only three years despite being out in space for twenty (due to the time dilation from their near light speed veloci… --- ## [Do you think Russia might be right about some things Obama will discuss?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-russia-might-be-right-about-some-things-obama-will-discuss/502102)
**Author:** [@TheMadHun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheMadHun)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2009, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-russia-might-be-right-about-some-things-obama-will-discuss/502102 "2009-07-09T16:10:29Z")
Russia said that anti-missile defenses in Poland should be tied to offensive arms limits. I don’t see why not. Bush always maintained it was not to protect Poland from Russia but Poland and Russia from Iran. A transparen… --- ## [Are all people equal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-people-equal/502169)
**Author:** [@panaccione](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panaccione)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2009, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-people-equal/502169 "2009-07-09T14:50:32Z")
Before I begin, sorry if this has been done before. I searched the forum and came up with nothing. The question I wonder is are all people on this earth equal and/or created equal? One part of me tells me yes, they ar… --- ## [Is a National Security Court the Answer? Or A Special Court for Special People](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-national-security-court-the-answer-or-a-special-court-for-special-people/502328)
**Author:** [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2009, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-national-security-court-the-answer-or-a-special-court-for-special-people/502328 "2009-07-09T02:55:54Z")
What is the best method for trying detainees/terrorists? Below are four methods (two are currently being used), but if you feel one just doesn’t apply or have an entirely new solution, feel free to provide that. Be sur… --- ## [How's Al Franken's Senate bid going?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 1211\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hows-al-frankens-senate-bid-going/437239 "2009-07-08T22:58:44Z")
Haven’t heard much about it since a year ago. When and how will the Dem nominee be chosen? Franken’s website doesn’t seem to say. --- ## [Big Deal, MJ overdosed. No big surprise!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-deal-mj-overdosed-no-big-surprise/502121)
**Author:** [@MichaelsJisDeadSoWhat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelsJisDeadSoWhat)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/big-deal-mj-overdosed-no-big-surprise/502121 "2009-07-08T21:31:38Z")
Why is he getting more media coverage than our failing economy, failing healthcare, North Korea aiming missiles at us, global warming, pollution, AIDS, starving children, etc.? This world needs to wake up and realize th… --- ## [DOOMSDAY 2035: Choose between climate catastrophe or anthrocidal massacre](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doomsday-2035-choose-between-climate-catastrophe-or-anthrocidal-massacre/501677)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doomsday-2035-choose-between-climate-catastrophe-or-anthrocidal-massacre/501677 "2009-07-08T19:56:52Z")
For the sake of this thread, assume: It is 2035. You are in charge. As President of the New World Order (a position only available to you because you’re also Supreme Chancellor of the Illuminati), you have a decision to… --- ## [Is every action self serving and biased?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-every-action-self-serving-and-biased/501179)
**Author:** [@TheScogg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheScogg)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-every-action-self-serving-and-biased/501179 "2009-07-08T16:11:21Z")
After giving a sizable amount of my money to a charity the other day, I walked away grinning from ear to ear. Then it hit me. For the first time in my life, I realized that I only give to reaffirm my usefullness in the… --- ## [Resolved: A Statute of Limitations on Historical Grievance is a Good Idea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-a-statute-of-limitations-on-historical-grievance-is-a-good-idea/502127)
**Author:** [@Malthus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malthus)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-a-statute-of-limitations-on-historical-grievance-is-a-good-idea/502127 "2009-07-08T16:11:15Z")
I was reading this pit thread http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=523486&page=2 and by coincidence I had just read this article: http://www.nationalinterest.org/Article.aspx?id=21676 Which argues tha… --- ## [Plastic surgery to look white--always self-hating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plastic-surgery-to-look-white-always-self-hating/502292)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plastic-surgery-to-look-white-always-self-hating/502292 "2009-07-08T14:49:05Z")
I read this article about plastic surgery, inspired by MJ. My first thought is that surgery to intentionally look more white does indicate some self-hatred. But to a degree doesn’t all plastic surgery indicate some sel… --- ## [The Great American Bubble Machine - Matt Taibbi](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-american-bubble-machine-matt-taibbi/501785)
**Author:** [@flickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flickster)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 11:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-great-american-bubble-machine-matt-taibbi/501785 "2009-07-08T11:09:14Z")
I’m a little surprised that this article in Rolling Stone has not received a mention, much less debate. While my knee jerk reaction to articles in Rolling Stone is to automatically pooh pooh them, this one could change … --- ## [Free Markets and Gouging](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-markets-and-gouging/500307)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 182\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-markets-and-gouging/500307 "2009-07-08T05:07:28Z")
The heads of major cell phone service providers recently testified before congress regarding their fees for text messaging service. My own service provider charges ten cents per text message. If you think about it, thi… --- ## [Would it be racist to call](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-racist-to-call/501994)
**Author:** [@Nation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nation)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-racist-to-call/501994 "2009-07-08T04:23:09Z")
the Miss USA Pageant the Miss White USA Pageant? I mean, we already have Miss Black USA, so why not Miss White USA? And why when blacks complain about equality do they have a pageant where only blacks can compete, and ye… --- ## [Why hasn't Obama repealed "Don't Ask Don't Tell"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-obama-repealed-dont-ask-dont-tell/502178)
**Author:** [@otorophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/otorophile)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 2:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-obama-repealed-dont-ask-dont-tell/502178 "2009-07-08T02:27:06Z")
I’m not a huge news junkie, so apologies if there’s an obvious answer to this, but why hasn’t Obama repealed that odious law? If I recall correctly, he made it a campaign issue and has the power to do so. The armed for… --- ## [So...wait--what defines a Christian?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-wait-what-defines-a-christian/501973)
**Author:** [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2009, 1:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-wait-what-defines-a-christian/501973 "2009-07-08T01:28:05Z")
Here and in other threads, I’m reading that my understanding of what a Christian is, is apparently flawed. While I know there’s a lot of debate about the topic over the centuries, I thought the bottom-line, absolute min… --- ## [Positions you support which are worst argued on the SDMB](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/positions-you-support-which-are-worst-argued-on-the-sdmb/501390)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2009, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/positions-you-support-which-are-worst-argued-on-the-sdmb/501390 "2009-07-07T23:43:46Z")
Of positions you generally agree with/side with/support, which do you think people generally do the worst job of supporting in SDMB debates? For me, there are two: (1) Anti-Torture. On any reasonable scale, I’m anti to… --- ## [Shouldn't we stop using the term "Caucasian"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldnt-we-stop-using-the-term-caucasian/502170)
**Author:** [@Aelita\_Daystar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aelita_Daystar)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2009, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldnt-we-stop-using-the-term-caucasian/502170 "2009-07-07T18:59:31Z")
It used to be that people used to inaccurately use the term Aryan to describe light skinned people. After the Nazi’s used the term so heavily we’ve dropped the term because it’s “racist” because the Nazi’s used it. I can… --- ## [Wgen did you discover that "reality" is inconsistent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wgen-did-you-discover-that-reality-is-inconsistent/501738)
**Author:** [@SmashTheState](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmashTheState)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2009, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wgen-did-you-discover-that-reality-is-inconsistent/501738 "2009-07-07T18:00:14Z")
I remember the specific instant when I realized that the representational Universe in which we live is inconsistent, and that all the adults in the world were lying about it. I was in grade 2 and I laid my big pencil do… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=525) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=527)