# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=531 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 532 --- ## ["California's day of reckoning is here."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-day-of-reckoning-is-here/498785)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-day-of-reckoning-is-here/498785 "2009-06-14T16:35:11Z")
“Our wallet is empty. Our bank is closed. Our credit is dried up. California’s day of reckoning is here.” That’s how Governor Schwarzenegger describes the current financial situation in California. It’s a rare instanc… --- ## [The US often accuses other countries of using revisionist history books. How accurate are our own?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-often-accuses-other-countries-of-using-revisionist-history-books-how-accurate-are-our-own/498977)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-often-accuses-other-countries-of-using-revisionist-history-books-how-accurate-are-our-own/498977 "2009-06-14T16:08:46Z")
The US sometimes makes a point of accusing other countries of promoting revisionist history by using history books in their primary and secondary schools that scrubs out their misdeeds. It seems the older I get the more … --- ## [Is the "GOP coup" in NY a good thing for marriage equality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-gop-coup-in-ny-a-good-thing-for-marriage-equality/499377)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-gop-coup-in-ny-a-good-thing-for-marriage-equality/499377 "2009-06-14T13:06:22Z")
Republicans in the New York State Senate have managed to flip 2 Democratic senators; Hiram Monserrate of Queens, and Pedro Espada Jr. of Bronx (they also made Espada President pro term). Both remain registered Democrat… --- ## [Pro-choicers: should killing the fetus of a pregant woman, against her will, be murder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-choicers-should-killing-the-fetus-of-a-pregant-woman-against-her-will-be-murder/499371)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-choicers-should-killing-the-fetus-of-a-pregant-woman-against-her-will-be-murder/499371 "2009-06-14T12:58:13Z")
I phrase the thread title thus because the position of anti-abortion persons seems obvious. That said, I don’t wish to debate the morality, ethics, or legality of abortion in this thread. And now I’ll reiterate with a … --- ## [Mars and Venus trade places](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-and-venus-trade-places/499420)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2009, 10:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mars-and-venus-trade-places/499420 "2009-06-14T10:56:42Z")
This is one of those ‘what if’ type questions. It might actually have a definitive answer, but in case it doesn’t I figured I’d put it here. My question is, what if (for reasons unknown) the original placement of the p… --- ## [What is the purpose of the death penalty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-death-penalty/498036)
**Author:** [@silvermist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silvermist)\ **Replies:** 155\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-the-death-penalty/498036 "2009-06-13T20:18:19Z")
What is the purpose of the death penalty? --- ## [Do Recessions End When Demand Reappears?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-recessions-end-when-demand-reappears/499324)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-recessions-end-when-demand-reappears/499324 "2009-06-13T17:51:19Z")
My question: the current recession is about 18 months old. People are cutting back on their purchases…especially of durable gods like cars, appliances, clothing. Yet, you can only nurse an old car so long-eventually the … --- ## [If we went with socialized medicine, would abortion remain available?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-went-with-socialized-medicine-would-abortion-remain-available/499591)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-went-with-socialized-medicine-would-abortion-remain-available/499591 "2009-06-13T15:46:03Z")
First, a little background: Back in the Old Days, the Feds wanted the speed limit to be 55 mph on all highways across the country. Now, the Feds couldn’t make a law to do that directly, because states have some rights in… --- ## [Affirmative action in the schools?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/affirmative-action-in-the-schools/498529)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/affirmative-action-in-the-schools/498529 "2009-06-13T13:49:49Z")
When I was hired as a teacher, they called me aside after the contract signing to tell me that, as a male teaching at a school receiving Title I funds (i.e., a school serving a large number of kids on the free/reduced lu… --- ## [First Step To Delegitimizing Any Opposition -- DHS Fabricates "Radical Right" Threat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-step-to-delegitimizing-any-opposition-dhs-fabricates-radical-right-threat/493212)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-step-to-delegitimizing-any-opposition-dhs-fabricates-radical-right-threat/493212 "2009-06-13T12:44:16Z")
I will note that “high volume of purchases and stockpiling of weapons and ammunition” are not illegitimate and in fact the right to make them is guaranteed in the Constitution. And, that much of any high-volume buying… --- ## [The Myth of Recovery...is it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-myth-of-recovery-is-it/498427)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2009, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-myth-of-recovery-is-it/498427 "2009-06-13T02:33:07Z")
I read this piece and then more from the same author. I found myself getting both depressed and alarmed. From this piece: Which isn’t too say I was imagining that this was a temporary bump in the road to crazy-ass h… --- ## [Where is the GOP going?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-gop-going/494019)
**Author:** [@nameless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nameless)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2009, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-is-the-gop-going/494019 "2009-06-12T21:46:52Z")
Well, it’s been an interesting couple of months, hasn’t it? I mean we had this whole Rush Limbaugh thing, and then the bailout snafu, and then the budget crisis, and the piracy thing, and then Hugo Chavez. Entertaining! … --- ## [A question for opponents of gay marriage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-opponents-of-gay-marriage/497645)
**Author:** [@Trepa\_Mayfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trepa_Mayfield)\ **Replies:** 757\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2009, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-opponents-of-gay-marriage/497645 "2009-06-12T17:49:20Z")
What, specifically, would be the negative consequences of allowing gays to marry? --- ## [Contestant loses Miss USA for not being liberal enough.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contestant-loses-miss-usa-for-not-being-liberal-enough/493798)
**Author:** [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Replies:** 292\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2009, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/contestant-loses-miss-usa-for-not-being-liberal-enough/493798 "2009-06-12T17:48:27Z")
I didn’t see this anywhere, so I think I’m the first. I put this in Great debates because it will probably get quite heated. Basically, the Miss California contestant was asked her views on gay marraige (http://www.you… --- ## [Satirical skit depicting children with a terminal illness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satirical-skit-depicting-children-with-a-terminal-illness/499189)
**Author:** [@rhysf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rhysf)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2009, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/satirical-skit-depicting-children-with-a-terminal-illness/499189 "2009-06-12T14:26:56Z")
This segment appeared on Australian TV six days ago and has resulted in a huge amount of negative feedback from the public and media here. In summary, it shows a spokesman for a fictional children’s’ charity, the ‘Make a… --- ## [New and improved nuclear plants may cost more than expected.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-and-improved-nuclear-plants-may-cost-more-than-expected/498880)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2009, 9:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-and-improved-nuclear-plants-may-cost-more-than-expected/498880 "2009-06-12T09:27:00Z")
A cautionary tale. --- ## [What is the reasoning behind the headscarves worn by Muslim women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-reasoning-behind-the-headscarves-worn-by-muslim-women/498769)
**Author:** [@starryspice](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/starryspice)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2009, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-reasoning-behind-the-headscarves-worn-by-muslim-women/498769 "2009-06-12T01:54:37Z")
I am posting in IMHO because I don’t really want a debate, I just want opinions. I probably won’t post again, but I will read all the posts because I really am curious about people’s answers to this question. I really … --- ## [Do you believe a sting to be a legitimate way of catching potential law breakers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-a-sting-to-be-a-legitimate-way-of-catching-potential-law-breakers/499148)
**Author:** [@Frustrated\_Wonderer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frustrated_Wonderer)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-a-sting-to-be-a-legitimate-way-of-catching-potential-law-breakers/499148 "2009-06-11T23:58:18Z")
I can see the how it is convenient for cops to use such techniques to catch people who do things that are against the law. However, laws are not necessarily right or correct, in the moral sense. This argument aside, do … --- ## [Obama proposes "pay as you go" law to Congress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-proposes-pay-as-you-go-law-to-congress/499239)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-proposes-pay-as-you-go-law-to-congress/499239 "2009-06-11T21:41:54Z")
From here: I’m all for this. The only thing I hate more than massive irresponsible government spending is massive irresponsible government spending on credit. The current Republican notion that you can increase spendin… --- ## [Why would Obama make such a preposterous claim? \[US one of the largest Muslim countries\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-obama-make-such-a-preposterous-claim-us-one-of-the-largest-muslim-countries/498567)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-obama-make-such-a-preposterous-claim-us-one-of-the-largest-muslim-countries/498567 "2009-06-11T17:40:11Z")
From the text of Obama’s speech in Cairo. Link The true figures for Muslim population in the US aren’t known with any accuracy, some estimates put it as low as 1 or 2 million, some as high as 6, but few would suggest … --- ## [Responsible Journalism? (Press names hotel reserved by Favre's family)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responsible-journalism-press-names-hotel-reserved-by-favres-family/499263)
**Author:** [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responsible-journalism-press-names-hotel-reserved-by-favres-family/499263 "2009-06-11T13:18:14Z")
This isn’t really a sports thread, even though it does involve Brett Favre and the Vikings/Packers game on November 1 at Lambeau Field. GREEN BAY, Wis. — Brett Favre’s family is ready for his return to Green Bay if… --- ## [Why NOT bow to King Abdullah?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-bow-to-king-abdullah/498581)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 214\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-bow-to-king-abdullah/498581 "2009-06-11T03:26:04Z")
So the President was at the G-20 meeting and bowed to King Abdullah, he bowed toward the king when they were setting up the class photo. The White House made an excuse, but it was a bow. I saw it on YouTube. Presume it … --- ## [Is it cowardly to use pseudonymns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-cowardly-to-use-pseudonymns/499157)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2009, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-cowardly-to-use-pseudonymns/499157 "2009-06-11T00:56:54Z")
There has been a recent small controversy among bloggers in which a blogger who posts regularly under a pseudonym was “outed” by a blogger that he critiqued who posts under his real name. In a related vein we recently … --- ## [Explain the LaRouche Movement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-larouche-movement/498967)
**Author:** [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-larouche-movement/498967 "2009-06-10T23:44:07Z")
I’m not sure if this is in the right thread, and if a mod wishes to do so, I have no objection to it being moved to IMHO or the Pit. Anyway, while reading about the 1986 assassination of Swedish PM Olof Palme, I noticed… --- ## [What if Karl Marx had died in June 1844?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-karl-marx-had-died-in-june-1844/499065)
**Author:** [@JohnT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnT)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-karl-marx-had-died-in-june-1844/499065 "2009-06-10T20:56:58Z")
Tragically, two months before he met Engels, Karl Marx was killed when he was kicked by a spooked horse on a busy Paris street. This of course resulted in no Communist Manifesto, no Das Kapital, and the loss of the princ… --- ## [Overhaul needed in DWI law & enforcement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overhaul-needed-in-dwi-law-enforcement/498435)
**Author:** [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/overhaul-needed-in-dwi-law-enforcement/498435 "2009-06-10T15:22:37Z")
I’m starting to think that there’s some revision needed in DWI laws and the enforcement of those laws. Within the past 3 years, I’ve had two friends pulled over for DWI in Collin County, TX. One got some inordinate amo… --- ## [Obama's speech in the ME: will it make a difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-speech-in-the-me-will-it-make-a-difference/498741)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-speech-in-the-me-will-it-make-a-difference/498741 "2009-06-10T14:17:03Z")
Excerpts from CNN Transcript (warning: PDF) While I endorse the text of the speech, it seems like it was nothing that everyone doesn’t already know. Is there anything new here? Now that he has said it, will it make a… --- ## [Consensus on Bush v. Gore](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consensus-on-bush-v-gore/498756)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 1:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/consensus-on-bush-v-gore/498756 "2009-06-10T13:39:08Z")
Does there exist today a consensus among legal scholars regarding the decision in Bush v. Gore or do such scholars break down along party lines? Hopefully that is GQ enough to keep this from turning into a debate. Than… --- ## [Airline re-regulation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airline-re-regulation/498943)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airline-re-regulation/498943 "2009-06-10T13:29:09Z")
It’s been 30 years since airlines were de-regulated. This has been a boon to consumers, as ticket prices have fallen. But how cheap is too cheap? Before de-regulation, fares were regulated such that carriers would (pr… --- ## [Swedish Pirate to EU Parliament!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swedish-pirate-to-eu-parliament/499050)
**Author:** [@Henrichek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henrichek)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2009, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swedish-pirate-to-eu-parliament/499050 "2009-06-10T02:33:57Z")
YARRRR! The Swedish Pirate Party has won 7.1% of the Swedish EU Parliament vote, receiving one mandate! After a letdown in the election to the Swedish Parliament in 2006, the Pirate Party is back. Next task is to win a … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=530) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=532)