# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=543 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 544 --- ## [Could the Republicans' "Obama is a Socialist" Strategy Backfire?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-republicans-obama-is-a-socialist-strategy-backfire/493257)
**Author:** [@sleeping](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleeping)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2009, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-republicans-obama-is-a-socialist-strategy-backfire/493257 "2009-04-17T15:43:12Z")
Many Republicans and conservatives have labeled Obama a “socialist”, including some on this board. While the use of hyperbole is hardly new in politics, it seems to me to be particularly precarious on the issue of the e… --- ## [Can Obama at least be honest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-obama-at-least-be-honest/493102)
**Author:** [@Cardinal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cardinal)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2009, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-obama-at-least-be-honest/493102 "2009-04-17T04:02:15Z")
I know many of you came charging in here to rake me over the coals with attacks on my presumed advocacy of Bush policy. You’ll not find that here. Just to preempt the rage, I used to drive around with a “Republican Aga… --- ## [Obama to Seek New Assault Weapons Ban](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-to-seek-new-assault-weapons-ban/487475)
**Author:** [@JXJohns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JXJohns)\ **Replies:** 529\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2009, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-to-seek-new-assault-weapons-ban/487475 "2009-04-17T03:49:09Z")
To hear the diehards on this and other sites, the Obama administration with be far too busy with more important things than gun control. “It’s a losing issue” “The Congress may try to send something to him, but he nor … --- ## [Who Killed Jesus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-killed-jesus/491168)
**Author:** [@Lacunae\_Quell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lacunae_Quell)\ **Replies:** 670\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2009, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-killed-jesus/491168 "2009-04-17T02:08:18Z")
before i rant, and yes, there will be ranting, i would first like to thank God for leading me to this website because it has been far too long since i last posted in a forum. I will get to the topic of this thread after… --- ## [Why does China tolerate loudmouthed North Korean leadership?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-china-tolerate-loudmouthed-north-korean-leadership/493209)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-china-tolerate-loudmouthed-north-korean-leadership/493209 "2009-04-17T00:51:46Z")
Once again there’s bluster from Pyongyang. The North Koreans are pissed they’re being condemned by the U.N Security Council for the missile launch they feel was their sovereign right. However, it’s their provocative sc… --- ## [Why didn't then-Pres. Carter do more to rescue the Iranian Embassy Hostages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-then-pres-carter-do-more-to-rescue-the-iranian-embassy-hostages/492938)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-then-pres-carter-do-more-to-rescue-the-iranian-embassy-hostages/492938 "2009-04-16T23:52:34Z")
Word on the street is that Carter lost to Reagan mostly because of the hostage situation. I know that Carter tried to rescue the hostages by that operation which failed in the desert, but considering that the hostage tak… --- ## [Rep. Paul's Pirate Solution: Letters of Marque](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-pauls-pirate-solution-letters-of-marque/493198)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-pauls-pirate-solution-letters-of-marque/493198 "2009-04-16T21:11:08Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/politico/20090415/pl\_politico/21245;\_ylt=AlxxgrGQ3ScegnEpBq5Y.RUDW7oF Any thoughts on this? How would this work in the modern world? Would everyone in South Florida with a 30 foot boat take the… --- ## [There is only one effective approach to piracy: kill the pirates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-only-one-effective-approach-to-piracy-kill-the-pirates/492935)
**Author:** [@Chief\_Pedant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chief_Pedant)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/there-is-only-one-effective-approach-to-piracy-kill-the-pirates/492935 "2009-04-16T20:09:13Z")
The approach to the Somali pirates should be very simple: Let shipping companies decide what mechanism to use, and how much they want to spend on defending their ships. Let countries decide what mechanism to use, and h… --- ## [Is underage sexual activity ever NOT traumatic, or even enjoyable, for the kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-underage-sexual-activity-ever-not-traumatic-or-even-enjoyable-for-the-kids/492787)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-underage-sexual-activity-ever-not-traumatic-or-even-enjoyable-for-the-kids/492787 "2009-04-16T19:25:52Z")
This was inspired by the “kiddie porn in the closet” thread, in which the OP finds a pornographic printout involving kids and adults (no details) belonging to a family member. The family member was 14 at the time; the a… --- ## [Why capture an american?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-capture-an-american/493148)
**Author:** [@auburntiger11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/auburntiger11)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-capture-an-american/493148 "2009-04-16T18:43:16Z")
Whether an american is held hostage in this country or out of country, the fact that the hostage holder comes away with any materialistic gain is simply out of the question. This is a policy we obviously hold on to in a … --- ## [Why don't apologists--you know--apologize?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-apologists-you-know-apologize/493262)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-apologists-you-know-apologize/493262 "2009-04-16T18:26:46Z")
(Not sure if this is the right forum, but…) To "apologize"means to express sorrow and remorse for something, to admit wrong-doing and to take responsibility, etc. But to be an apologist for someone is to deny and justi… --- ## [How much longer will we have newspapers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-longer-will-we-have-newspapers/492790)
**Author:** [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 4:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-longer-will-we-have-newspapers/492790 "2009-04-16T16:03:16Z")
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the trouble the newspaper business is in. My question is, how long will it take for print dailies vanish from most major cities? --- ## [Newt Gingrich for POTUS in 2012](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newt-gingrich-for-potus-in-2012/493100)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newt-gingrich-for-potus-in-2012/493100 "2009-04-16T03:53:57Z")
Wha?? Gingrich eyes possible White House run in 2012 I thought he had faded into the mists a decade ago. I really don’t remember much about his politics except that most of my reactions to him were of the WTF variety. … --- ## [Afghan womens protests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/afghan-womens-protests/493224)
**Author:** [@BigBertha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigBertha)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/afghan-womens-protests/493224 "2009-04-16T02:54:00Z")
I did a search and couldn’t find a similar thread, so this is about the Afghani womens protests against their marirage laws. http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090415/ap\_on\_re\_as/as\_afghanistan Am i mistaken, but why do peop… --- ## [Somalian Pirates Seize US Crew -- Is It On?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somalian-pirates-seize-us-crew-is-it-on/492397)
**Author:** [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Replies:** 374\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/somalian-pirates-seize-us-crew-is-it-on/492397 "2009-04-16T01:26:59Z")
From the New York Times: Is there any reason to think we’ll get militarily involved in the rescue of this ship? Should we? Will the US Navy (and administration) follow the typical path of allowing the private (Danish… --- ## [Marriage: What about this resolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-what-about-this-resolution/492607)
**Author:** [@Notassmartasithought](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Notassmartasithought)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2009, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-what-about-this-resolution/492607 "2009-04-16T00:21:48Z")
I’ve wondered about this for a while, and in the last few days I’ve heard a few other folks wonder about it aloud–which is sometimes called a trial balloon, depending on who’s doing the wondering. Let’s separate church … --- ## [Are humans still evolving? Should we subject ourselves to the laws of nature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-humans-still-evolving-should-we-subject-ourselves-to-the-laws-of-nature/492984)
**Author:** [@Cagey\_Drifter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cagey_Drifter)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2009, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-humans-still-evolving-should-we-subject-ourselves-to-the-laws-of-nature/492984 "2009-04-15T19:26:12Z")
I was thinking about humanity and its place in evolution, and came to the conclusion that we have tried our best to exempt ourselves from the the laws of nature. We tend to find ways to support the weak among us, we care… --- ## [Conceivable circumstances where U.S. military oath would sanction a coup?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conceivable-circumstances-where-u-s-military-oath-would-sanction-a-coup/492156)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2009, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conceivable-circumstances-where-u-s-military-oath-would-sanction-a-coup/492156 "2009-04-15T18:34:48Z")
Yes, I know the idea seems on its face too preposterous to warrant serious discussion; but onesome other boards I’ve seen angry right-wingers argue, seriously, that the military will never go along with Obama’s program a… --- ## [How can we say that TV ads are powerful but the moral content of shows is irrelevant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-we-say-that-tv-ads-are-powerful-but-the-moral-content-of-shows-is-irrelevant/493088)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2009, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-we-say-that-tv-ads-are-powerful-but-the-moral-content-of-shows-is-irrelevant/493088 "2009-04-15T17:43:16Z")
How can intelligent people believe that relatively brief TV ads are a very powerful medium for conveying information and influencing attitudes, and yet at the same time hold fast to the notion that representations of sex… --- ## [The case for/against attacking pirate bases in Somalia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-for-against-attacking-pirate-bases-in-somalia/492867)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2009, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-for-against-attacking-pirate-bases-in-somalia/492867 "2009-04-15T17:12:25Z")
U.S. Naval Institute CEO: Hit the Pirates at Their Bases in Somalia The Overstated Threat Discuss. --- ## [What is the most useful language to learn besides English?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-useful-language-to-learn-besides-english/492063)
**Author:** [@Spin\_Master](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spin_Master)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2009, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-most-useful-language-to-learn-besides-english/492063 "2009-04-15T00:46:36Z")
Let’s think only in terms of career development, societal influence, and money. Let’s say you and I had to choose only one second language to learn that would help us the most in all three areas–which would it be? The m… --- ## [Cap Executive Pay](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cap-executive-pay/491888)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 189\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2009, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cap-executive-pay/491888 "2009-04-14T23:07:09Z")
Easy with those flamethrowers! Hear this out first (plus give me time to don my fire retardant suit). TL;DR version at the bottom. Recently the public has been aghast at executive compensations. Princely sums paid to… --- ## [How does the state recognizing gay marriage infringe on religious freedom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-state-recognizing-gay-marriage-infringe-on-religious-freedom/492560)
**Author:** [@Strassia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Strassia)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2009, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-does-the-state-recognizing-gay-marriage-infringe-on-religious-freedom/492560 "2009-04-14T19:43:52Z")
I was listening to NPR’s talk of the nation on they way back from lunch today and the topic was the tactics used in the battle for legalizing gay marriage. The host was having a hard time keeping anyone on topic, but ga… --- ## [Godwin's Exception: When is it okay to name-drop Hitler?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/godwins-exception-when-is-it-okay-to-name-drop-hitler/492863)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2009, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/godwins-exception-when-is-it-okay-to-name-drop-hitler/492863 "2009-04-14T18:23:31Z")
Yes, I know: there is a very, very good reason for Godwin’s law. You can’t have a reasonable debate when you’re being compared to a Nazi every five seconds. But… My philosophy of philosophy is that every idea needs to … --- ## ["Obama Administration Defends Warrantless Wiretapping"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-administration-defends-warrantless-wiretapping/492314)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2009, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-administration-defends-warrantless-wiretapping/492314 "2009-04-14T17:33:50Z")
Or so the Slashdot headline claims. Is this what the story and commentary claim it is? Big deal or not? I know nothing about the nuances of the law, so I’d like to hear input from the outside world… --- ## [Have we hit bottom yet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-hit-bottom-yet/491894)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2009, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-we-hit-bottom-yet/491894 "2009-04-14T04:32:09Z")
And how do you know? Yeah, the stock market is up but the Great Depression has several suckers’ rallies before really going up for good. OTOH today’s increased jobless numbers mean little in the other direction as that … --- ## [Church-goers: is it appropriate for one man to pastor three congregations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/church-goers-is-it-appropriate-for-one-man-to-pastor-three-congregations/492944)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2009, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/church-goers-is-it-appropriate-for-one-man-to-pastor-three-congregations/492944 "2009-04-14T01:49:07Z")
A couple of things here: I am not trying to start the usual atheists-versus-Christians thread. Though I think theists are wrong, metaphysically speaking, I don’t think they are necessarily evil or deluded, and I don’t … --- ## [What conversational topics are most impressive to Executives and Upper-Management?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-conversational-topics-are-most-impressive-to-executives-and-upper-management/492754)
**Author:** [@Spin\_Master](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spin_Master)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2009, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-conversational-topics-are-most-impressive-to-executives-and-upper-management/492754 "2009-04-13T18:51:09Z")
Let’s say you have an opportunity to chit-chat with an upper-manager in your company. Maybe you have a chance to just shoot the breeze or you get to work with them for a short while or maybe you even get to have a lunch … --- ## [would carbon-neutral biofuel be better than electric cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-carbon-neutral-biofuel-be-better-than-electric-cars/492461)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2009, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-carbon-neutral-biofuel-be-better-than-electric-cars/492461 "2009-04-12T21:40:36Z")
Especially if the electricity to charge the cars didn’t necessarily come from no-carbon sources? What about when you include all ancillary costs and pollution from the two different technologies? --- ## [Did the Chicken of Tomorrow Cause the Obesity of Today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-chicken-of-tomorrow-cause-the-obesity-of-today/492275)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2009, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-the-chicken-of-tomorrow-cause-the-obesity-of-today/492275 "2009-04-12T16:33:18Z")
Those who watched Mystery Science Theater 3000 will recognize the Chicken of Tomorrow reference. What I’m referring to in the Agricultural Revolution in general, and if it helped to cause our obesity problems, or perhap… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=542) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=544)