# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=545 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 546 --- ## [Is this racism? (Texas Relays)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-racism-texas-relays/492179)
**Author:** [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [April 8, 2009, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-racism-texas-relays/492179 "2009-04-08T02:23:47Z")
Last weekend, the city of Austin hosted the annual Texas Relays, which is a track and field meet. It is for high school and college athletes. As you can imagine, many of the athletes are black. It has essentially morphed… --- ## [Ticking-Financial-Nukes-OTC-Derivatives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticking-financial-nukes-otc-derivatives/492327)
**Author:** [@neuterciv2day](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neuterciv2day)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2009, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticking-financial-nukes-otc-derivatives/492327 "2009-04-07T23:40:07Z")
I’ve been following The Ticker Forum Message Board and some of the posts there, many of which are in Finance. They claim that we may have a financial nuke coming in the area of 687.3 Trillion Dollars, if : Go read the … --- ## [Did 9/11 cause our global financial crisis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-9-11-cause-our-global-financial-crisis/490586)
**Author:** [@Dilton\_Doiley\_Philosopher\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dilton_Doiley_Philosopher_King)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2009, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-9-11-cause-our-global-financial-crisis/490586 "2009-04-07T16:12:01Z")
Is the current economic crisis related, in any way, to the destruction of the World Trade Center on 9/11? Don’t you think that all of our problems can be summed up in those three words (in more ways than one)? Countrie… --- ## [Whoops! Ted Stevens "Not Guilty"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whoops-ted-stevens-not-guilty/491628)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2009, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whoops-ted-stevens-not-guilty/491628 "2009-04-07T10:51:13Z")
Or so it would seem, anyway, from a strict legal standpoint: Wow. Should the government re-try him? They seem to be saying they won’t. I think this is a mistake. --- ## [Is alcoholism a disease?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alcoholism-a-disease/491424)
**Author:** [@Clothahump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clothahump)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2009, 4:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-alcoholism-a-disease/491424 "2009-04-07T04:24:34Z")
Or drug abuse? Yes, I know they’re classed as such. Here’s why I’m asking. Topic of discussion at the monthly get-together with friends wandered around to the concept of alcoholism and its treatment. One of my friend… --- ## [Iowa court strikes down anti-gay marriage law. Are the tides turning?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-court-strikes-down-anti-gay-marriage-law-are-the-tides-turning/491903)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [April 7, 2009, 3:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-court-strikes-down-anti-gay-marriage-law-are-the-tides-turning/491903 "2009-04-07T03:03:21Z")
Iowa becomes first Midwest state to allow gay marriage Currently, Iowa, Connecticut and Massachusetts allow gay marriage. California allowed them, and then it got overturned. It seems like the country is seesawing on t… --- ## [2009 State of the Republican Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2009-state-of-the-republican-party/491844)
**Author:** [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2009, 11:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2009-state-of-the-republican-party/491844 "2009-04-06T23:33:11Z")
I just got an email from the RNC asking that I fill out an online survey about the state of the Republican Party. Of course, it also asks that I contribute at the end of the survey. Initially I thought it was good that… --- ## [Check out this video about UK politics, is US politics similar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-out-this-video-about-uk-politics-is-us-politics-similar/491937)
**Author:** [@SomeBodyUK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SomeBodyUK)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2009, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/check-out-this-video-about-uk-politics-is-us-politics-similar/491937 "2009-04-06T23:20:13Z")
--- ## [Quick question for Christians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-for-christians/491472)
**Author:** [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2009, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quick-question-for-christians/491472 "2009-04-06T22:38:58Z")
I am not sure where this belongs but since it is religious, here it is. I am a Christian but don’t believe that non-believers are going to Hell or won’t be admitted to Heaven. However, based on other great debates I hav… --- ## [Bill Gates says "send our best teachers to our worst schools"- Does this make sense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-gates-says-send-our-best-teachers-to-our-worst-schools-does-this-make-sense/491603)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2009, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bill-gates-says-send-our-best-teachers-to-our-worst-schools-does-this-make-sense/491603 "2009-04-06T16:44:11Z")
Objectively the usual intent of politicians, education reformers and activists who voice this often heard opinion is so that the most disadvantaged students have access the the best teachers. In practical terms how much… --- ## [Death penalty for child rape in Connecticut?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-penalty-for-child-rape-in-connecticut/491456)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2009, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-penalty-for-child-rape-in-connecticut/491456 "2009-04-06T15:52:37Z")
This bill – which is just a bill now, not yet passed – would impose the death penalty for the rape of a child under thirteen years old. Obviously this is a heinous crime. Equally obviously, imposing the death penalty f… --- ## [No one who makes under $250,000/yr uses tobacco products](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-one-who-makes-under-250-000-yr-uses-tobacco-products/491685)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2009, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-one-who-makes-under-250-000-yr-uses-tobacco-products/491685 "2009-04-06T14:44:55Z")
http://www.ttb.gov/main\_pages/schip-summary.shtml I guess not or else, according to Obama’s campaign promise, these taxes would not be increasing. Whether you agree with sin taxes or not, is it wise to raise taxes in t… --- ## [Had Hitler not killed himself would he have survived to stand trial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/had-hitler-not-killed-himself-would-he-have-survived-to-stand-trial/491870)
**Author:** [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2009, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/had-hitler-not-killed-himself-would-he-have-survived-to-stand-trial/491870 "2009-04-06T02:49:08Z")
Say he didn’t kill himself and was captured…is their any way he would have survived long enough to stand trial? I can’t imagine no one would kill him on his way to trial. --- ## [Obama Governing Too Much From the Center.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-governing-too-much-from-the-center/491238)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [April 6, 2009, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-governing-too-much-from-the-center/491238 "2009-04-06T01:19:10Z")
I guess this thread is for my fellow Democrats out there. But certainly you Republicans (and Labours, and Progressive-Conservatives, ETC.) can join the discussion too. I know Barack Obama wants to be reelected. And I kno… --- ## [Here's One For You \[ramifications to allow the large manufacturing companies to fail\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-one-for-you-ramifications-to-allow-the-large-manufacturing-companies-to-fail/491436)
**Author:** [@Shadow\_Dreamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shadow_Dreamer)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2009, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/heres-one-for-you-ramifications-to-allow-the-large-manufacturing-companies-to-fail/491436 "2009-04-05T18:41:52Z")
I originally sent this next bit to Cecil as a question, but one of his staff read it and suggested I post it here, so here goes: Well? Have at it. ~SD --- ## [Obama launches effort to reduce nuclear arms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-launches-effort-to-reduce-nuclear-arms/492045)
**Author:** [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2009, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-launches-effort-to-reduce-nuclear-arms/492045 "2009-04-05T12:09:33Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090405/ap\_on\_re\_eu/eu\_obama This is a bold policy change that seems to have yet received little press. I’m not sure how I feel about it. I think nuclear weapons have generally been a very … --- ## [What if China decides it wants American Land?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-china-decides-it-wants-american-land/491985)
**Author:** [@HumanMonkeyGod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HumanMonkeyGod)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2009, 6:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-china-decides-it-wants-american-land/491985 "2009-04-05T06:10:35Z")
Say the Chinese send a memo like this to Barry and co; We would like to bring down your current trading account. We would like no less than $500 bil of what you owe us. Being as you’re all broke we understand cash may … --- ## [Happiness in Paradise Possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happiness-in-paradise-possible/491749)
**Author:** [@greyfox101](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greyfox101)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 5, 2009, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happiness-in-paradise-possible/491749 "2009-04-05T03:45:49Z")
Stupid bus… too much time to think. I’d imagine this has been discussed but couldnt bring up anything searching… Started thinking about a ‘paradise earth’ as many religions claim will be created. Than started thinking… --- ## [Is a "Renewable Energy Standard" a good approach?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-renewable-energy-standard-a-good-approach/488575)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2009, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-renewable-energy-standard-a-good-approach/488575 "2009-04-04T22:46:13Z")
The idea, now working its way through Congress is to mandate particular percentages of renewables by certain timeframes. This is, IMHO, as bad of an idea as underwriting nuclear with huge loan guarantees and the boondo… --- ## ["Word" up, Christians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-up-christians/491966)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2009, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/word-up-christians/491966 "2009-04-04T22:42:49Z")
“The Word will set you free.” “The Word is the Lord.” “I follow the Word of the Lord.” What is the “Word”? Is it the Bible and if so, which one? Is it a voice in your head and if so, if others hear different voices … --- ## [What is the CATO Institute all about (and their position on global warming)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-cato-institute-all-about-and-their-position-on-global-warming/491311)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2009, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-cato-institute-all-about-and-their-position-on-global-warming/491311 "2009-04-04T21:04:28Z")
First, I do not want to debate global warming, I want to understand what the CATO Institute is and their position. In this morning’s Washington Post, there was a full-page ad placed by the CATO Institute disputing Obama… --- ## [Has there ever been a benevolent dictator/dictatorship?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-benevolent-dictator-dictatorship/490489)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2009, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-there-ever-been-a-benevolent-dictator-dictatorship/490489 "2009-04-04T06:27:43Z")
Or are repression and murder necessary to maintain such governments? --- ## [So why Palin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-palin/491339)
**Author:** [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Replies:** 165\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2009, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-why-palin/491339 "2009-04-03T23:04:15Z")
Why was Palin even considered for the Republican party? Was it just cause shes a women and is a good contrast to Obamas race? It seems McCain is backing her http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/03/29/mccain-on-backing-pal… --- ## [G20 Protesters - They're Clueless, Right](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/g20-protesters-theyre-clueless-right/491778)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2009, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/g20-protesters-theyre-clueless-right/491778 "2009-04-03T21:12:08Z")
Look here for example. These people are extremely ill-informed, unepmloyed, and probably uneducated idiots. It boggles my mind why a group of people would protest a meeting of the leaders of the most prosperous countri… --- ## [What should I teach my nephew about cops/authority in general?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-teach-my-nephew-about-cops-authority-in-general/491045)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2009, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-i-teach-my-nephew-about-cops-authority-in-general/491045 "2009-04-03T21:11:41Z")
I’ve always had a healthy respect for law enforcement. This has been challenged by hearing, in my adult life, about the endless stories of misconduct, cover ups, incompetence, and general thuggery. Libertarian types li… --- ## [Iowa Supreme Court Strikes Down Same-Sex Marriage Ban](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-supreme-court-strikes-down-same-sex-marriage-ban/491901)
**Author:** [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2009, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iowa-supreme-court-strikes-down-same-sex-marriage-ban/491901 "2009-04-03T20:12:47Z")
The Iowa Supreme Court struck down the state’s statutory same-sex marriage ban this morning in a unanimous 7-0 decision. Iowa has a fairly cumbersome Constitutional amendment process, having to pass an amendment through… --- ## [reverse Peter Principle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-peter-principle/491843)
**Author:** [@MichaelJohnBertrand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelJohnBertrand)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2009, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverse-peter-principle/491843 "2009-04-03T19:24:18Z")
Well, sort of a reverse Peter Principle. Imagine, if you will, Bob. Bob is young and fresh to the workforce. Bob has all the skills to be an excellent manager. He’s got good social skills, has a high degree of coordina… --- ## [U.S tax policy and the "marriage penalty"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-tax-policy-and-the-marriage-penalty/491089)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2009, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-tax-policy-and-the-marriage-penalty/491089 "2009-04-03T18:19:31Z")
Why in the world should the U.S. government care if you’re married or not for the purposes of computing taxes? Well, it shouldn’t. There should be one set of brackets that apply to everybody regardess of marital status… --- ## [I own an SUV. Am I evil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-own-an-suv-am-i-evil/491465)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2009, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-own-an-suv-am-i-evil/491465 "2009-04-03T05:11:57Z")
Technically, it’s a “crossover vehicle”, whatever that means, but the point is it’s a larger than average car. I see a lot of comments on some of the message boards and blogs I read criticizing the ownership of large ca… --- ## [GM head Wagoner quits at Obama's request. And?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gm-head-wagoner-quits-at-obamas-request-and/491240)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2009, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gm-head-wagoner-quits-at-obamas-request-and/491240 "2009-04-03T00:36:06Z")
Link. Does this serve a purpose? I mean other than as a public bloodletting? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=544) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=546)