# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=551 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 552 --- ## [Atheists. What would you accept as evidence of a divine creator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-would-you-accept-as-evidence-of-a-divine-creator/487698)
**Author:** [@straggler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/straggler)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2009, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheists-what-would-you-accept-as-evidence-of-a-divine-creator/487698 "2009-03-09T02:58:12Z")
Atheists often claim that there is “zero evidence” that a God, or divine creator, exists. I’m just wondering what these types of people would accept as evidence? Let’s define the divine entity in question as existing o… --- ## [Is Obama, well, not liberal enough?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-well-not-liberal-enough/488760)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2009, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-well-not-liberal-enough/488760 "2009-03-08T22:23:00Z")
So says commentator Michael Lind, who is not a leftist by any stretch – in fact, he used to be a National Review editor – in his recent article, “Obama’s Timid Liberalism.” After pointing out that FDR did not create the… --- ## [Help me refine my opinion on legal killing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-refine-my-opinion-on-legal-killing/487499)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2009, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-me-refine-my-opinion-on-legal-killing/487499 "2009-03-08T21:49:01Z")
Prompted by this thread where a mother kills a rapist out on day release. Up until now, my position has been that while I am opposed to the death penalty being available to the courts, I have no objection to one person … --- ## [America is... polytheistic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-is-polytheistic/488471)
**Author:** [@Locrian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Locrian)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2009, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-is-polytheistic/488471 "2009-03-08T20:31:30Z")
I really believe so. Today, as I’m reading and listening to comments during the Proposition 8 Supreme Court judgments, I’m hearing people SAY what god thinks: 1 - God banishes homosexuals from heaven. 2 - Homosexuals a… --- ## [Has the internet increased or decreased ignorance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-internet-increased-or-decreased-ignorance/486368)
**Author:** [@Deeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Deeg)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2009, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-internet-increased-or-decreased-ignorance/486368 "2009-03-07T16:41:22Z")
With all due respect to Cecil, has the internet made any blot on ignorance? On the one hand it allows people to get a closer connection to facts and events. On the other hand it allows one ignoramus to more easily conn… --- ## [Don't sell your stock! (or so sayeth the pros)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-sell-your-stock-or-so-sayeth-the-pros/488148)
**Author:** [@Enderw24](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enderw24)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 7, 2009, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-sell-your-stock-or-so-sayeth-the-pros/488148 "2009-03-07T12:54:43Z")
So the Dow’s dipped below 7000 for the first time since 1997. And coming off NPR this morning is the oft cited advice of not selling your stock because when the market’s this far down, selling now is equivilant to “buy h… --- ## [About Rove and Miers forthcoming testimony](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-rove-and-miers-forthcoming-testimony/488518)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2009, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-rove-and-miers-forthcoming-testimony/488518 "2009-03-06T22:19:26Z")
Rove and Miers have cut a deal for their testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. It will be done behind closed doors, no cameras, they will not take an oath, but they will be suject to perjury if they’re caught… --- ## [Mail-order sperm and eugenics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-order-sperm-and-eugenics/488403)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2009, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mail-order-sperm-and-eugenics/488403 "2009-03-06T20:46:52Z")
Mail-order sperm many people consider it suspect and immoral to have specific requirements on the donor sperm. Beyond the basics of ethnicity, it is illegal in Denmark. But people conceiving naturally are not having c… --- ## [Solar power...how much and how much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-power-how-much-and-how-much/488170)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2009, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-power-how-much-and-how-much/488170 "2009-03-06T18:42:06Z")
Since I didn’t think we should continue to hijack the Nuclear thread I figured I’d move the question here instead and get people’s thoughts on solar and it’s potential, costs, drawbacks and benefits. In the other thread… --- ## [Rove subpeonaed by Conyers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rove-subpeonaed-by-conyers/483173)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2009, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rove-subpeonaed-by-conyers/483173 "2009-03-06T17:34:48Z")
Story here: Will he show up this time? What happens if he doesn’t? What happens if he does? Does it make any difference to the “executive privilege” argument that the Administration Rove served is no longer … --- ## [A cure for global warming--diamond bricks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-cure-for-global-warming-diamond-bricks/488153)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2009, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-cure-for-global-warming-diamond-bricks/488153 "2009-03-06T07:20:15Z")
I worked in the semiconductor industry from 2002-2004. As you know, there are many different substrates on which to build chips: silicon, gallium arsenide, and many others. One wave of the future is diamond as substrate.… --- ## [Is there a connection between male/female foot fetishism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-connection-between-male-female-foot-fetishism/488317)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 6, 2009, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-connection-between-male-female-foot-fetishism/488317 "2009-03-06T06:27:40Z")
I once had an ex who told me she had an ex-boyfriend with a foot fetish. She often went on and on about it and the more I listened, the more I became repulsed by male foot fetishists. However, later, I realised that wome… --- ## [Tarzan: When did it jump the shark?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-when-did-it-jump-the-shark/488454)
**Author:** [@as\_u\_wish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/as_u_wish)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2009, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tarzan-when-did-it-jump-the-shark/488454 "2009-03-05T23:29:23Z")
deleted. wrong forum. --- ## [Designer babies: Gattaca is coming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/designer-babies-gattaca-is-coming/488172)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2009, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/designer-babies-gattaca-is-coming/488172 "2009-03-05T21:46:45Z")
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2009/03/03/earlyshow/health/main4840346.shtml?tag=topHome;topStories There is a doctor who is promoting the idea of selecting traits for your baby. “I would predict that by next year, we … --- ## [A debate in environmental ethics regarding disposing human excrement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-debate-in-environmental-ethics-regarding-disposing-human-excrement/488404)
**Author:** [@Toolie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Toolie)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2009, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-debate-in-environmental-ethics-regarding-disposing-human-excrement/488404 "2009-03-05T20:22:03Z")
Early, I was having a discussion (that turned rather heated) with a friend about environmental ethics. I feel that I understand the principles behind the “Leave No Trace” doctrine that the environmental ethicist proclai… --- ## [Is George W. really to blame for our economic situation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-george-w-really-to-blame-for-our-economic-situation/488249)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2009, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-george-w-really-to-blame-for-our-economic-situation/488249 "2009-03-05T18:50:46Z")
I pose this as a question because I really don’t know one way or the other. I know I hear people blaming him a lot, but never the arguement as to why? --- ## [Deleted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deleted/488407)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2009, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deleted/488407 "2009-03-05T17:38:33Z")
Accidentally hit submit while writing. --- ## [On Wine, Film, and Prices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-wine-film-and-prices/488119)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2009, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-wine-film-and-prices/488119 "2009-03-05T02:56:26Z")
I was just reading through this thread and considered making an analogy between professional wine connoisseurs and the Oscars, where a panel of experts has decided the merits of a film. But I realised that there’s a sub… --- ## [The Flaw in Rush's Logic in Wanting Obama to Fail](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flaw-in-rushs-logic-in-wanting-obama-to-fail/488052)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2009, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-flaw-in-rushs-logic-in-wanting-obama-to-fail/488052 "2009-03-05T02:12:59Z")
Rush ( to his credit, the man isn’t afraid to stick to his guns, no matter how it’s perceived.) explained his wanting Obama to fail thusly: (removed his statement about Democrats wanting the war in Iraq to fail.) I was… --- ## [Gay Marriage and Polygamy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-marriage-and-polygamy/487659)
**Author:** [@ThePylon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThePylon)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 5, 2009, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-marriage-and-polygamy/487659 "2009-03-05T00:24:51Z")
I hope this is the proper forum for this. I’m trying to determine/rationilize my opinion on the acceptability of gay marriage (which I support 100%) versus the “slippery slope” argument that devolves into allowing every… --- ## [Assumption by some vegetarians that "meat is murder" - How do you argue with this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assumption-by-some-vegetarians-that-meat-is-murder-how-do-you-argue-with-this/487987)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assumption-by-some-vegetarians-that-meat-is-murder-how-do-you-argue-with-this/487987 "2009-03-04T23:13:47Z")
In reading this Slate articlethis man has made the decision to be be a non-vegetarian, but to keep family peace he has accepted his vegetarian wife’s philosophical position that meat is, in fact, murder. Per the wiki d… --- ## [Why Are We So Fat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-so-fat/486917)
**Author:** [@MichaelJohnBertrand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelJohnBertrand)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-so-fat/486917 "2009-03-04T20:58:42Z")
This is xposted from another thread about human obesity on this MB. Let’s say we have critter A and critter B. Critter A can store unlimited amounts of fat. Critter B will be sleek and thin for life. It will always eat … --- ## [The Republican party is in a shambles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-republican-party-is-in-a-shambles/488126)
**Author:** [@Lantern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lantern)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-republican-party-is-in-a-shambles/488126 "2009-03-04T17:31:49Z")
The Limbaugh-Steele spat only confirms it ; the GOP is in a terrible state. They have received a drubbing in the last two elections and face a highly effective and popular president; you would think they would use this o… --- ## [Well, I suppose this might be why Detroit has faltered...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-i-suppose-this-might-be-why-detroit-has-faltered/488171)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 2:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-i-suppose-this-might-be-why-detroit-has-faltered/488171 "2009-03-04T14:25:38Z")
Now, not having been there, I can’t really vouch for this. But if even a tenth of it were true… ouch. That would really mess up any city. I can’t imagine why anyone, white or black, who isn’t a damned fool would want t… --- ## [Wine and Skepticism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wine-and-skepticism/486792)
**Author:** [@Jayrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jayrot)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wine-and-skepticism/486792 "2009-03-04T11:08:36Z")
Howdy, I consider myself a “skeptic” in that I respect the scientific method and don’t believe in anything that can’t be shown (repeated) under test conditions. As such, I also don’t like to think I’m being bamboozled by… --- ## [define the term, "gun show loophole"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-the-term-gun-show-loophole/487575)
**Author:** [@PatriotGrrrl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotGrrrl)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/define-the-term-gun-show-loophole/487575 "2009-03-04T03:16:53Z")
Are those who support “closing the gun show loophole” aware that they are using a euphemism for private sales, presumably as a propaganda tactic? Or do they actually not know what the current laws are? Do you? --- ## [Markets (stock and other) as indicator of correct political/economic path to follow..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/markets-stock-and-other-as-indicator-of-correct-political-economic-path-to-follow/488084)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/markets-stock-and-other-as-indicator-of-correct-political-economic-path-to-follow/488084 "2009-03-04T03:12:27Z")
Inspired by Harborwolf’s post in this thread: Of course, this belief in the markets as reflection of a correct political/economic path to take is nothing new. And Jon Stewart’s mockery notwithstanding, it certainly ma… --- ## [Resolved: Beauty is Not in the Eye of the Beholder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-beauty-is-not-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder/487365)
**Author:** [@MichaelQReilly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelQReilly)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-beauty-is-not-in-the-eye-of-the-beholder/487365 "2009-03-04T03:06:25Z")
When discussing the arts, I’ve long deferred to the concept that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. After all, it’s fairly obvious that people have different conceptions about what is most beautiful, whether it’s in … --- ## ["American" = white?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-white/487766)
**Author:** [@SomeBodyUK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SomeBodyUK)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [March 4, 2009, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-white/487766 "2009-03-04T01:14:41Z")
I’m a British-Indian guy in living in the US. Why is it that a lot of people call white Americans “American”. I’ve heard this from many minorities born and raised in the US. To me, they’re all American! Have you guys … --- ## [Nuclear Power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-power/470035)
**Author:** [@human\_extinction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/human_extinction)\ **Replies:** 363\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2009, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-power/470035 "2009-03-03T23:01:09Z")
Everyone likes to argue the obvious point that alternative energy doesn’t get enough attention in the world today. I’ve seen few decent discussions about the current state of nuclear power. From my understanding nuclear… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=550) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=552)