# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=532 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 533 --- ## [Is it curtains for Gordon Brown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-curtains-for-gordon-brown/498647)
**Author:** [@Ximenean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ximenean)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2009, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-curtains-for-gordon-brown/498647 "2009-06-09T00:59:44Z")
Things are looking grim for the British Prime Minister. With opinion polls in the toilet and a drubbing expected at mid-term elections tomorrow, a cabinet reshuffle was expected. But a number of cabinet ministers have ch… --- ## [Guilty pleas in capital case for GITMO detainees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guilty-pleas-in-capital-case-for-gitmo-detainees/498912)
**Author:** [@Oakminster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oakminster)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2009, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guilty-pleas-in-capital-case-for-gitmo-detainees/498912 "2009-06-08T23:28:02Z")
I’d really prefer this not go to the pit. Then again, I’m prolly gonna cuss a lot, and other folks might too. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/31132901 \*The Obama administration is considering a change in the law for the m… --- ## [Vehicle Insurance Law Proposal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vehicle-insurance-law-proposal/498898)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2009, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vehicle-insurance-law-proposal/498898 "2009-06-08T21:21:52Z")
Prompted by thispost I need a heavy pickup for pulling boats and carrying my camper, but otherwise I’d be comfortable with a small size economy vehicle. The problem is that to insure the second vehicle which I would dr… --- ## [they were not insaults](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-were-not-insaults/499031)
**Author:** [@the\_Blindbowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_Blindbowman)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2009, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-were-not-insaults/499031 "2009-06-07T20:31:17Z")
QUOTE=Bryan Ekers;11219567\]Shouldn’t “Awareness” be factored in? \[/QUOTE\] true ,if the equation was correct to stat with … Albert made one misteak . he rewrote his Special Theory of Relativity 3 times .and knew there … --- ## [Sexual Orientation Rights and International Diplomacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-orientation-rights-and-international-diplomacy/498925)
**Author:** [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2009, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-orientation-rights-and-international-diplomacy/498925 "2009-06-07T19:16:56Z")
In the late 1940’s many western countries had policies regarding segregation and official discrimination on the books. By the 1970’s most of these were gone and S Africas apharthied policies made it a pariah. Over the … --- ## [a question beyond the normal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-beyond-the-normal/499021)
**Author:** [@the\_Blindbowman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_Blindbowman)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2009, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-beyond-the-normal/499021 "2009-06-07T19:07:26Z")
a little back ground frist i am 49 years of age ,a creative artistic with autistic tendences ,a boarderline savant. avg IQ 83 , machinical aptitude equal to a Iq of 223… i am a being frist and a human secound … i live … --- ## [Driving is Only a Privilege, but Bearing a Gun is a Right.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-is-only-a-privilege-but-bearing-a-gun-is-a-right/498760)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2009, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/driving-is-only-a-privilege-but-bearing-a-gun-is-a-right/498760 "2009-06-07T15:40:34Z")
Seems rather odd doesn’t it ? For most of us in today’s society, driving is essential for the pusuit of happiness while owning and/or bearing a gun is merely an option that most people don’t even bother exercise. If… --- ## [Military using animals for training](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-using-animals-for-training/498875)
**Author:** [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2009, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-using-animals-for-training/498875 "2009-06-07T09:55:15Z")
The military says that the training exercises are a necessary part of saving the lives of service personnel (some of them involve injecting animals with nerve agents and then military personnel revive them, with eviden… --- ## [Toward a Prosody of Living Latin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toward-a-prosody-of-living-latin/498530)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Angel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Angel)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2009, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/toward-a-prosody-of-living-latin/498530 "2009-06-07T00:09:06Z")
I’ve been working on this Living Latin, not as part of the movement that is apparently going on out there, but taking advantage of their efforts in any case. As interesting as Latin is as a language, very few of the peo… --- ## [Chrysler, GM - can Ford be far behind?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chrysler-gm-can-ford-be-far-behind/498645)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2009, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chrysler-gm-can-ford-be-far-behind/498645 "2009-06-06T20:43:31Z")
Can Ford afford not to declare chapter 11? Can they compete when the other two have had a significant portion of their debt wiped? I know that they have not had to accept the government bailout money, and are in genera… --- ## [Do you want an electric vehicle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-want-an-electric-vehicle/498780)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2009, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-want-an-electric-vehicle/498780 "2009-06-06T17:41:09Z")
The title pretty much says it all. Ok, let’s add some suppositions. If they’re unrealistic, discuss that instead: An ev with close to or even greater than the performance you’re already used to is possible in a new c… --- ## [Pro-Lifers cannot think a fetus is a "person"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-lifers-cannot-think-a-fetus-is-a-person/498391)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 294\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2009, 4:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-lifers-cannot-think-a-fetus-is-a-person/498391 "2009-06-06T04:25:31Z")
I am taking my cue from this article at The New Republic. It is best if all concerned go there to read it and the first response to the article as it is not long and I cannot copy enough here to make sense without viola… --- ## [The bravery of criminals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bravery-of-criminals/498574)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2009, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bravery-of-criminals/498574 "2009-06-06T00:41:24Z")
In this threadon the man who shot an unconscious robber, a hijack about the bravery of criminals developed. There was a really good post by someone, but I can’t find it now. Basically, ivan said he thought that not all … --- ## [CEOs Talking Up Their Companies - Fraud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceos-talking-up-their-companies-fraud/498836)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2009, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceos-talking-up-their-companies-fraud/498836 "2009-06-05T23:43:29Z")
That’s the impression I get from trials like Ken Lay’s and now Angelo Mozilo’s indictment. I could be wrong - and I’d prefer if I was - and if so I apologize. But it seems to me that any time a company goes BK, optimisti… --- ## [How has legal abortion harmed society?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-has-legal-abortion-harmed-society/498359)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2009, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-has-legal-abortion-harmed-society/498359 "2009-06-05T16:11:19Z")
With all the brouhaha over Dr. Tiller’s death and the subject in general, other than totally dividing the country (and making abortion illegal again is not going to solve that problem, nosiree) how has it harmed society? … --- ## [Pleasant Grove City, UT v. Summum decision](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleasant-grove-city-ut-v-summum-decision/498005)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2009, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleasant-grove-city-ut-v-summum-decision/498005 "2009-06-05T04:23:40Z")
I started a thread on this back in November 2008, when the arguments were made before the SCOTUS. My apologies for bringing this up so long after the decision was handed down. Last November, the decision was expected b… --- ## [Would Judge Judy make a good president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-judge-judy-make-a-good-president/498717)
**Author:** [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-judge-judy-make-a-good-president/498717 "2009-06-04T23:25:19Z")
I’m curious as to what the politicos here think. In my opinion, she’s very strong-willed and no-nonsense, and no doubt she would probably ‘get things done’ by bullying tactics and intimidation alone. But what are your th… --- ## [Is the Banana Doomed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-banana-doomed/498258)
**Author:** [@Alka\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alka_Seltzer)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-banana-doomed/498258 "2009-06-04T22:20:10Z")
I came across this interesting article: http://www.conservationmagazine.org/articles/v9n4/the-sterile-banana/ Is there any viable long-term solution to the problem of commercially produced banana sterility? (Because th… --- ## ["The Court of Appeals is where policy is made"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-court-of-appeals-is-where-policy-is-made/498503)
**Author:** [@Rucksinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rucksinator)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-court-of-appeals-is-where-policy-is-made/498503 "2009-06-04T21:38:13Z")
Note: This is not about Sotomayor’s opinions, qualifications, or intentions. Pretend that it was somebody else who said it. I’m in a debate with my brother, and he posted this: My interpretation of this was that the… --- ## [Why the fuss about Michael Vick?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-fuss-about-michael-vick/497262)
**Author:** [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-fuss-about-michael-vick/497262 "2009-06-04T21:01:46Z")
I have been hearing deeply rooted arguments (sports radio, TV) against Michael Vick being allowed to return to the NFL. Ray Lewis accepted a plea bargain, thus dismissing murder charges, and didn’t even get suspended… A… --- ## [Tank Man and his impact on history](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tank-man-and-his-impact-on-history/498618)
**Author:** [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tank-man-and-his-impact-on-history/498618 "2009-06-04T18:12:31Z")
Today is the 20th anniversary of the crackdown on the Tianamen Square protests. Tank Man is of course the man who tried to stop a column of tanks by standing in front of them; perhaps the single most famous act of passi… --- ## [From Ignatieff to Prime Minister Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-ignatieff-to-prime-minister-obama/498237)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-ignatieff-to-prime-minister-obama/498237 "2009-06-04T00:22:48Z")
I expect most of the Canadians here have been bombarded with the negative tv ads reporting on the length of time Michael Ignatieff(leader of the Liberal Party) has spent out of Canada. Thirty -four years they say. He doe… --- ## ["Supreme Court just took away your right to \[a lawyer for\] your interrogation"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-just-took-away-your-right-to-a-lawyer-for-your-interrogation/497753)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-just-took-away-your-right-to-a-lawyer-for-your-interrogation/497753 "2009-06-04T00:19:45Z")
Or so some libertarian blogger’s commenter claims about this ruling. Frankly, I’m a little confused by what this ruling “really” means. How big a sea change is it for the legal system? Will Law and Order and all those… --- ## [Why this straight, Christian, married male supports gay marriage.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-this-straight-christian-married-male-supports-gay-marriage/498230)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2009, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-this-straight-christian-married-male-supports-gay-marriage/498230 "2009-06-04T00:11:01Z")
I posted this on my churches Facebook page. The discussion has been lively. … I am a heterosexual male. The vast majority of people who may read this (the number of which could possibly run literaly into the TENS!) ar… --- ## [Will Cheney tip the SSM scale?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-cheney-tip-the-ssm-scale/498463)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2009, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-cheney-tip-the-ssm-scale/498463 "2009-06-03T23:23:33Z")
Cheney comes out in favor of same-sex marriage (while our liberal POTUS remains opposed). Will this have any effect on Conservatives? --- ## [Legal Ethics Questions (Scenarios)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-ethics-questions-scenarios/496852)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2009, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-ethics-questions-scenarios/496852 "2009-06-03T21:42:06Z")
Some questions about legal ethics (or personal policy) arising from a discussion I had with a lawyer last night. You are asked to defend an accused criminal who you personally believe to be guilty (in that he most lik… --- ## [Five Down, Forty-Five To Go](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-down-forty-five-to-go/495563)
**Author:** [@Meltdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meltdown)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2009, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/five-down-forty-five-to-go/495563 "2009-06-03T21:35:20Z")
Maine Approves Gay Marriage Yay Maine! I don’t really have anything to debate here, just wanted to spread the word. --- ## [Will/should Israel ever give up the land between the Green Line and the Wall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-should-israel-ever-give-up-the-land-between-the-green-line-and-the-wall/498376)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2009, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-should-israel-ever-give-up-the-land-between-the-green-line-and-the-wall/498376 "2009-06-03T21:20:23Z")
More narrowly focused followup to this thread. The Israeli West Bank Barrier purportedly was built/is being built for purely military/defensive purposes, to protect the settlements west of it from Palestinian attacks. … --- ## [Edward and Mrs Simpson](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/edward-and-mrs-simpson/497781)
**Author:** [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2009, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/edward-and-mrs-simpson/497781 "2009-06-03T19:23:04Z")
There was a programme on UK TV last night covering this remarkable story. What I fail to understand is why “The Establishment” refused to allow King Edward to marry the woman he loved. he had suggested a morgantic marri… --- ## [The US under communism or fascism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-under-communism-or-fascism/498277)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2009, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-us-under-communism-or-fascism/498277 "2009-06-03T19:16:41Z")
In political rhetoric, there are often charges that society is “creeping” towards either communism or fascism. (with both sides often using the same evidence!) But what changes need to occur to bring us to either state a… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=531) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=533)