# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=546 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 547 --- ## [DHMO - will Obama's EPA finally regulate it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dhmo-will-obamas-epa-finally-regulate-it/491606)
**Author:** [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2009, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dhmo-will-obamas-epa-finally-regulate-it/491606 "2009-04-02T23:11:38Z")
It’s time our Government did something to regulate the use of DHMO in the environment. See here for more information: http://www.dhmo.org/facts.html Please help get the word out! And let your Congressional represent… --- ## [The GOP Plan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gop-plan/490921)
**Author:** [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2009, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gop-plan/490921 "2009-04-02T20:29:14Z")
I haven’t read the whole thing, but here it is: http://www.gop.gov/solutions/budget/road-to-recovery-final Thoughts? Comments? Discuss. --- ## [Iraq to begin execution of LGBT citizens "in batches of 20" later this week](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-to-begin-execution-of-lgbt-citizens-in-batches-of-20-later-this-week/491513)
**Author:** [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2009, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-to-begin-execution-of-lgbt-citizens-in-batches-of-20-later-this-week/491513 "2009-04-02T19:57:16Z")
If true, this is absolutely and completely horrifying. The question is to those of you that support the pull out of Iraq and denounce American control of the region: should we do anything about this? The second question… --- ## [So, Murphy wins by 65 votes on Election Night.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-murphy-wins-by-65-votes-on-election-night/491539)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Carrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Carrot)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2009, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-murphy-wins-by-65-votes-on-election-night/491539 "2009-04-02T16:12:11Z")
A razor thin margin: 65 votes out of over 150,000. Still, a businessman who was virtually unknown two months ago beats the State Senate Minority leader in a district that leans Republican for the House, apart from electi… --- ## [Brazilian Dopers: Rate "Lula"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brazilian-dopers-rate-lula/491516)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2009, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brazilian-dopers-rate-lula/491516 "2009-04-02T15:42:33Z")
Brazilian president Lula (Luis Ignacio da Silva), is an interesting guy-he is a blud cllar gur, who once worked as a machinist. He has no university degree, and is not an intellectual. the guy has done pretty well-as pre… --- ## [What (if anything) would you pay higher taxes for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-anything-would-you-pay-higher-taxes-for/485278)
**Author:** [@MichaelJohnBertrand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelJohnBertrand)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2009, 6:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-anything-would-you-pay-higher-taxes-for/485278 "2009-04-02T06:06:53Z")
It’s a simple enough question. Is there anything, anything at all, that you’d be willing to pay a higher tax rate to get? How much more? But first, a few ground rules to get some of the smartass answers out of the way. … --- ## [Examples of financially successful Liberal businessmen and entrepreneurs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-financially-successful-liberal-businessmen-and-entrepreneurs/491393)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-financially-successful-liberal-businessmen-and-entrepreneurs/491393 "2009-04-01T20:49:55Z")
I generally associate successful businessmen and entrepreneurs as being at least fiscally conservative. Not surprising as they would tend to be against government intervention and people telling them where to spend thei… --- ## [Who was the most liberal President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-most-liberal-president/491383)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-most-liberal-president/491383 "2009-04-01T20:33:15Z")
Inspired by this thread in which it is claimed that Obama “IS the most left leaning President in history” We can leave the debate about Obama’s liberalism rating for that thread. But as asked in a manner by Bryan who ha… --- ## [Death and reproduction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-and-reproduction/491079)
**Author:** [@NineToTheSky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NineToTheSky)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-and-reproduction/491079 "2009-04-01T20:06:39Z")
I have been reading a review of a book: 13 Things That Don’t Make Sense: The Most Intriguing Scientific Mysteries Of Our Time by Michael Brooks. It sounds interesting, and perhaps the answers to the following question wi… --- ## [Do Big 4 Accounting Firms Over Work Employees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-big-4-accounting-firms-over-work-employees/490173)
**Author:** [@jvauerbach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jvauerbach)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-big-4-accounting-firms-over-work-employees/490173 "2009-04-01T19:03:03Z")
Not sure if similar debates have come up in the past but this article is raging through email forwards within the Big 4: \ The article is humorous in nature, and many of this guy’s articles are very f… --- ## [Democrats Pass 90% tax on AIG bonuses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-pass-90-tax-on-aig-bonuses/490058)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 294\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democrats-pass-90-tax-on-aig-bonuses/490058 "2009-04-01T16:31:37Z")
Story here. Can this really be constitutional? Can you write a tax law so narrowly defined that it singles out a handful of people? The article mentions ‘greenmail’ taxes, but that’s applied against a certain behavior… --- ## [Should cityfolk raise livestock?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-cityfolk-raise-livestock/491195)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-cityfolk-raise-livestock/491195 "2009-04-01T15:21:07Z")
On CBC there was just a little newsmagazine segment about people raising chickens in town. (I live far enough north I get the Ceeb better than PBS on my rabbit-ears.) There was the usual back-and-forth, and the idea was … --- ## [Before harsh governments became dominant, what were the signs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/before-harsh-governments-became-dominant-what-were-the-signs/491159)
**Author:** [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/before-harsh-governments-became-dominant-what-were-the-signs/491159 "2009-04-01T15:15:33Z")
Before Socialism, Totalitarianism, Communism and Dictatorships… in each of these types of governance (and I’m sure I left some out), what was the prevailing party sentiment as it relates to what is known as the Democrati… --- ## [What if Philip of Macedon had not been assassinated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-philip-of-macedon-had-not-been-assassinated/491125)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-philip-of-macedon-had-not-been-assassinated/491125 "2009-04-01T15:05:51Z")
I’m about to finish a historical novel about Alexander the Great. In hindsight his whole career seems a tragically wasted effort – he conquered an empire and on his death his generals tore it to pieces. Perhaps because… --- ## [What if US Taxes Were More Progressive (More Brackets)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-us-taxes-were-more-progressive-more-brackets/490258)
**Author:** [@hobscrk777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hobscrk777)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-us-taxes-were-more-progressive-more-brackets/490258 "2009-04-01T05:42:37Z")
This is inspired by this article over at Five-Thirty-Eight. The gist of it is that the top marginal tax rate has been much higher than it currently is in US history. However, in previous decades this top tax rate applied… --- ## [What if World War One hadn't been futile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-world-war-one-hadnt-been-futile/491110)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-world-war-one-hadnt-been-futile/491110 "2009-04-01T03:59:13Z")
World War One was one of the most socially traumatic wars in modern history, in large part because of a historical accident. It came at a time when technology had rapidly advanced in such a way as to favor static defense… --- ## [What \*should\* the definition of a "depression" be? How close are we to yours?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-definition-of-a-depression-be-how-close-are-we-to-yours/491247)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2009, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-definition-of-a-depression-be-how-close-are-we-to-yours/491247 "2009-04-01T03:57:38Z")
These days, it seems that among the common folk, economic “depression” seems to be defined as “whenever I feel like it’s a depression.” Of course, pundits aren’t immune to declaring depressions imminent or here; the art… --- ## [Should The European Union get any bigger? How big should it be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-european-union-get-any-bigger-how-big-should-it-be/491323)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2009, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-european-union-get-any-bigger-how-big-should-it-be/491323 "2009-03-31T20:50:22Z")
The European Union is a group of 27 countries with a population approaching half a billion people. It has (or had) the world’s largest economy, overtaking the United States in 2007. There has been some turmoil in recent… --- ## [Christians: what is the difference between Satan TEMPTING us and God TESTING us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-what-is-the-difference-between-satan-tempting-us-and-god-testing-us/490620)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2009, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-what-is-the-difference-between-satan-tempting-us-and-god-testing-us/490620 "2009-03-31T18:46:34Z")
I am not attempting to start an atheist-believeer fight; I’m just interested in people’s take on this. The thought comes to mind because this was my week to go to church with Mrs. Rhymer. Though generally I sit through… --- ## [The G20 protesters are misguided.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-g20-protesters-are-misguided/491165)
**Author:** [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2009, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-g20-protesters-are-misguided/491165 "2009-03-31T18:09:21Z")
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-03/29/content\_11093939.htm Of these, I think only the enviromental issue has the best chance. But demanding decent jobs, and ending poverty and inequality? I don’t feel these wil… --- ## [Conservatives and Liberals and are there two Americas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-and-liberals-and-are-there-two-americas/491341)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2009, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-and-liberals-and-are-there-two-americas/491341 "2009-03-31T01:30:48Z")
I’d like to begin this thread by mentioning I live in New England and I do tend liberal, I know, I know, surprising, but suffice to say I am not going to sling any mud. On November 5th I wanted to see how the conservativ… --- ## [Proposal: What should newspapers be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-what-should-newspapers-be/491324)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2009, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposal-what-should-newspapers-be/491324 "2009-03-30T19:38:48Z")
I noticed the relevant BBQ Pit thread, which wasn’t very pitworthy, and thought I’d put a hopefully more constructive note here. Newspapers, in the old form, are dying. Not every, but in many places. Oddly enough, they … --- ## [Rise of the Khmer Rouge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rise-of-the-khmer-rouge/491282)
**Author:** [@First\_Amongst\_Daves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/First_Amongst_Daves)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2009, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rise-of-the-khmer-rouge/491282 "2009-03-30T17:04:06Z")
With the talk about President Obama refusing to allow troops to chase Taleban across the Pakistani border, I’m reminded of a story I read somewhere years ago that bombing across the Cambodian border in the Vietnam War de… --- ## [TARP Funds: Capital Equipment an Allowable Expenditure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarp-funds-capital-equipment-an-allowable-expenditure/491312)
**Author:** [@Mr.Slant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Slant)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2009, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarp-funds-capital-equipment-an-allowable-expenditure/491312 "2009-03-30T15:50:47Z")
Let’s imagine an institution that has received TARP funds is afraid to lend out the money, and instead of lending said funds, decides to buy new furniture, safes, alarms, computers and ATMs for its facilities. Is this a… --- ## [The GIVE Act (HR 1388): Expand opportunities to serve, or create Obama's Brownshirts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-give-act-hr-1388-expand-opportunities-to-serve-or-create-obamas-brownshirts/489741)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2009, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-give-act-hr-1388-expand-opportunities-to-serve-or-create-obamas-brownshirts/489741 "2009-03-30T13:30:55Z")
The right-wing blogosphere is buzzing with venom towards H.R. 1388, The GIVE Act (Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act), characterizing it as mandatory conscription into a leftist army aimed at destroy… --- ## [Why Do People With High IQs Live Longer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-with-high-iqs-live-longer/491152)
**Author:** [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2009, 9:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-with-high-iqs-live-longer/491152 "2009-03-30T09:57:28Z")
Is it true that scores on IQ tests are positively correlated with greater lifespan? If so, why is this the case? Does this finding still hold once you adjust for obesity, which is known to be both negatively correlated … --- ## [Why is it "ok" for the US to print up all this money?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-ok-for-the-us-to-print-up-all-this-money/490397)
**Author:** [@petew83](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/petew83)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2009, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-ok-for-the-us-to-print-up-all-this-money/490397 "2009-03-30T02:07:27Z")
Despite all the trillions dollars recently printed up by the Fed to bail us out, our currency has not lost significant value. How is this possible? Why not just print up a few trillion more $ considering that the world… --- ## [Where are Jennifer and Adrianna?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-jennifer-and-adrianna/491191)
**Author:** [@ronniechoate34\_gmail.com](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ronniechoate34_gmail.com)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2009, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-jennifer-and-adrianna/491191 "2009-03-29T18:43:18Z")
In a little county called Robertson, in the great state of TN, where I am from there is a mystery afoot. It seems that a young mother and her two year old daughter have vanished, this occured in March of 2004. The family… --- ## [The Atlantic Article Says Financial Oligarchs Buggering America: Discuss](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-atlantic-article-says-financial-oligarchs-buggering-america-discuss/491015)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2009, 11:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-atlantic-article-says-financial-oligarchs-buggering-america-discuss/491015 "2009-03-29T11:55:45Z")
Opening paragraph, article itself is largely, if not entirely, devoted to substantiating this premise. Needless to say, it is a premise that fits my political views, biases, and preconceptions neatly. It is offered by… --- ## [NT Question: Where did Paul get his info from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nt-question-where-did-paul-get-his-info-from/490918)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2009, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nt-question-where-did-paul-get-his-info-from/490918 "2009-03-29T02:04:14Z")
I’m posting here instead of GQ because of the religious nature of the question, but I’m not really looking for a debate or snarky “It’s all made up anyway” answers. OK? I have some knowledge of the New Testament, with … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=545) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=547)