# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=557 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 558 --- ## [Logical Agnosticism is just non-commital pedantry.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logical-agnosticism-is-just-non-commital-pedantry/484032)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2009, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/logical-agnosticism-is-just-non-commital-pedantry/484032 "2009-02-10T05:50:26Z")
I think there are at least to kinds of Angostic… Those who are genuinelly unsure of God’s existence. Those who assert that Atheism is invalid because it’s not possible to prove God doesn’t exist, therefore Agnosticism… --- ## [I want to be a conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-be-a-conservative/484747)
**Author:** [@MichaelJohnBertrand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelJohnBertrand)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2009, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-to-be-a-conservative/484747 "2009-02-10T05:28:51Z")
I wish that I could be a conservative. I would love to find a group of people who are sober, careful, risk-averse, who do not rush into things, who believe in a well-ordered, well-run society. People who truly, truly b… --- ## [Does anyone want to defend this new Executive Order?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-want-to-defend-this-new-executive-order/484105)
**Author:** [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2009, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-want-to-defend-this-new-executive-order/484105 "2009-02-10T04:59:47Z")
On Friday afternoon, Obama released an executive order that, as I understand it, requires that if a company signs a contract to do some work for the US government that some other company was previously doing, they are re… --- ## [What is the best way to prevent home invasions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754)
**Author:** [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2009, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-way-to-prevent-home-invasions/484754 "2009-02-10T02:49:43Z")
I think that, ideally, use of motion-sensor lights, a home security system, and decent locks should be used whenever possible. I also, however, think that some sort of clear indication that the homeowner owns and is will… --- ## [Ginsberg Has Pancreatic Cancer - Obama's First True Litmus Test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ginsberg-has-pancreatic-cancer-obamas-first-true-litmus-test/484663)
**Author:** [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2009, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ginsberg-has-pancreatic-cancer-obamas-first-true-litmus-test/484663 "2009-02-09T23:08:17Z")
Source: Breitbart News Network So who would be Obama’s list of replacements? As the first legitimate litmus test of his presidency, how far left would he venture? Another woman? A minority? --- ## [State income tax for active duty military needs an overhaul.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-income-tax-for-active-duty-military-needs-an-overhaul/484885)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2009, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/state-income-tax-for-active-duty-military-needs-an-overhaul/484885 "2009-02-09T20:33:17Z")
I’m active duty USAF. I have been for 14 years. I’m one of the few people in the military that think we get TOO much consideration and compenstation (not just our paychecks) but that’s another story. I’m here to talk … --- ## [Can Ken Starr Nullify 18K Gay Marriages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ken-starr-nullify-18k-gay-marriages/484684)
**Author:** [@nameless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nameless)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2009, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-ken-starr-nullify-18k-gay-marriages/484684 "2009-02-09T17:50:08Z")
So this is kind of old news, but this is honestly where I come for legal analysis I can understand. Also, I just heard about it today. Some background– http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/12/19/state… --- ## [What should be done with unwanted frozen embryos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-be-done-with-unwanted-frozen-embryos/484273)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2009, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-be-done-with-unwanted-frozen-embryos/484273 "2009-02-09T12:32:13Z")
If life begins at conception, then destroying them is murder. Implanting too many is too risky and can lead to a very risky multiple birth. If the genetic creators don’t want to use them and don’t want to donate them t… --- ## [UNRWA threatens to starve Gazans as an attempt to get Hamas to change.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unrwa-threatens-to-starve-gazans-as-an-attempt-to-get-hamas-to-change/484832)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2009, 7:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unrwa-threatens-to-starve-gazans-as-an-attempt-to-get-hamas-to-change/484832 "2009-02-09T07:31:31Z")
Link. The UNRWA wants to be in control of food distribution and doesn’t want to let Hamas take the food and distribute it itself. Rather than let Hamas distribute the food they’ll prevent its coming in. This may or may… --- ## [What keeps the range of UK accents in existence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-keeps-the-range-of-uk-accents-in-existence/358315)
**Author:** [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2009, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-keeps-the-range-of-uk-accents-in-existence/358315 "2009-02-09T04:11:34Z")
As I understand it, an accent or dialect happens when one group is cut off from another, whether it be socially or geographically. Given the small size of the UK (it’s area is given here as 130, 478 sq. kilometers, which… --- ## [the morality of intelligence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-morality-of-intelligence/484104)
**Author:** [@MichaelJohnBertrand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelJohnBertrand)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-morality-of-intelligence/484104 "2009-02-08T22:49:17Z")
Here’s something which interests me as a lifelong student of ethics. What is the morality of intelligence? Are people morally required to make choices using the height of their intellectual capacity? Does an above-avera… --- ## [Time to Return to Aristocracy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-return-to-aristocracy/484418)
**Author:** [@MichaelJohnBertrand](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MichaelJohnBertrand)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2009, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-return-to-aristocracy/484418 "2009-02-08T15:54:02Z")
But a modern, updated form. First, I’ll tell you how it will work, then I’ll tell you why it should exist. Once a year, at a lavish and gala event, televised worldwide and given a great deal of pomp, ceremony, and prom… --- ## [What place does Avigdor Lieberman have in Israel's future?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-place-does-avigdor-lieberman-have-in-israels-future/484837)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2009, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-place-does-avigdor-lieberman-have-in-israels-future/484837 "2009-02-08T07:20:40Z")
Avigdor Lieberman is a secular rightist who heads Yisrael Beitenu which is apparently positioned to get more seats in next week’s Israeli elections than is Labour. Some background: An Economist article. And an articl… --- ## [DTV transition delayed until June 12](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dtv-transition-delayed-until-june-12/483214)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2009, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dtv-transition-delayed-until-june-12/483214 "2009-02-08T00:42:18Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090127/ap\_on\_go\_ca\_st\_pe/digital\_transition\_delay Well, Obama had to do something eventually that I disagreed with. What will happen on June 12th? Will everyone who put off being compliant… --- ## [Should you \[give panhandlers money / call the cops on panhandlers\]?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-you-give-panhandlers-money-call-the-cops-on-panhandlers/481328)
**Author:** [@Dilton\_Doiley\_Philosopher\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dilton_Doiley_Philosopher_King)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-you-give-panhandlers-money-call-the-cops-on-panhandlers/481328 "2009-02-07T23:53:06Z")
I used to give panhandlers money all the time. Even though I believed they would likely spend it on alcohol, I believed it was the right thing to do: I had money and they needed it. Sometimes I’ve given them money and… --- ## [Odyssey finds a famous wreck, who does it belong to?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odyssey-finds-a-famous-wreck-who-does-it-belong-to/483989)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 11:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odyssey-finds-a-famous-wreck-who-does-it-belong-to/483989 "2009-02-07T23:12:15Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090201/ap\_on\_bi\_ge/shipwreck\_discovery In a larger vein, who do ship wrecks belong to? A company spends a fortune outfitting a ship ,then commits thousands of hours searching. When they find… --- ## [The Ralph124c Economic Stimulus program-Would It work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ralph124c-economic-stimulus-program-would-it-work/483875)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ralph124c-economic-stimulus-program-would-it-work/483875 "2009-02-07T16:33:12Z")
I cannot see giving money to failing banks (so they can reward their incompetent executives with bonuses). Instead, we need to get the American people buying again. So I propose: -5000$ vouchers to buy a new American ma… --- ## [Are Conservatives less willing to rethink their ideas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-conservatives-less-willing-to-rethink-their-ideas/484260)
**Author:** [@Trepa\_Mayfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trepa_Mayfield)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-conservatives-less-willing-to-rethink-their-ideas/484260 "2009-02-07T08:55:29Z")
That is, this thread, but without the hateful vitriol. It’s an interesting thought. Personally, I’m inclined to believe it, since that’s what conservative means. --- ## [How much will Obama energize... opposition voters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-obama-energize-opposition-voters/484464)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 6:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-obama-energize-opposition-voters/484464 "2009-02-07T06:21:09Z")
It’s a well-known fact that Presidents popular with his own constituency also have a tendency to stir up equal hate on the other side of the political aisle. Bill Clinton and George W. Bush have been prime examples of s… --- ## [Even if God exists, it is not important whether you believe in God or not](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-god-exists-it-is-not-important-whether-you-believe-in-god-or-not/484190)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/even-if-god-exists-it-is-not-important-whether-you-believe-in-god-or-not/484190 "2009-02-07T05:40:43Z")
Not to God, anyway. It might be psychologically (not spiritually) important to you. But why should God care what you think of Him, or whether you think of Him at all? Why should such as He be pleased by your worship, … --- ## [Is there a way to objectively prove the value of CEOs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-objectively-prove-the-value-of-ceos/484678)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-objectively-prove-the-value-of-ceos/484678 "2009-02-07T04:20:45Z")
Questions brought up by the recent salary cap on CEOs of companies receiving bailout money: Does a good CEO make a difference? Does a good CEO make a difference that is worth millions of dollars per year in compensatio… --- ## [Hypothetical legal question about bestiality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-legal-question-about-bestiality/484662)
**Author:** [@Malleus\_Incus\_Stapes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malleus_Incus_Stapes)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-legal-question-about-bestiality/484662 "2009-02-07T02:32:26Z")
Because I want to establish myself as a sick deev as soon as possible. :wink: So as far as I understand, the rationale for bestiality being illegal is that the animal can’t give any informed consent. There’s also the “i… --- ## [Disappointed with Obama's nominations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disappointed-with-obamas-nominations/484289)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/disappointed-with-obamas-nominations/484289 "2009-02-07T02:18:28Z")
Today we see two more high profile nominees withdraw following questions of personal improprieties. Seems to be adding up to be a pretty substantial list, including Richardson (withdrew) and Geithner (confirmed). Wheth… --- ## [The Al-Nashiri Case (Gitmo)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-al-nashiri-case-gitmo/484680)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [February 7, 2009, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-al-nashiri-case-gitmo/484680 "2009-02-07T00:02:26Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090206/ap\_on\_go\_ca\_st\_pe/obama\_guantanamo Charges dropped in Guantanamo terror trial OK, now, the title is a bit…well, not misleading so much as not as taut as it might be. This not about … --- ## [How bad can a recession get nowadays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-can-a-recession-get-nowadays/483912)
**Author:** [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-can-a-recession-get-nowadays/483912 "2009-02-06T22:00:18Z")
I’ve been hearing on the news and even saw a documentary comparing our current recession to the Great Depression. The documentary pointed out parallels between now and the depression. There were actually quite a few of t… --- ## [Would a $15k tax break to buy a house really do anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-15k-tax-break-to-buy-a-house-really-do-anything/484602)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-15k-tax-break-to-buy-a-house-really-do-anything/484602 "2009-02-06T20:11:52Z")
2/4 the Senate voted to give tax breaks to home buyers, 10% of the home value, upto $15k. new or existing homes. Would there really be a benefit from this? Would the asking prices of homes just be jacked up by 10%? Woul… --- ## [Obama and Faith-Based Initiatives](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-faith-based-initiatives/484570)
**Author:** [@PCFiend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PCFiend)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-faith-based-initiatives/484570 "2009-02-06T17:53:06Z")
Just watched the president’s speech at the National Prayer Breakfast and thought I would see what people think about this issue. On the one hand Obama’s been pretty clear that he thinks these sorts of programs do tons o… --- ## [Gaza claims debunked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaza-claims-debunked/484435)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaza-claims-debunked/484435 "2009-02-06T15:51:10Z")
Of course the news that the Israeli offensive wasn’t actually as awful as was initially claimed will get little news play, but it is still worth noting. That last bit is especially troublesome. --- ## [Charter schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charter-schools/484282)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 1:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charter-schools/484282 "2009-02-06T13:23:18Z")
“Charter schools are elementary or secondary schools in the United States that receive public money but have been freed from some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for… --- ## [The trading impulse and the Money Power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trading-impulse-and-the-money-power/484629)
**Author:** [@haywiremac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/haywiremac)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 6, 2009, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-trading-impulse-and-the-money-power/484629 "2009-02-06T02:51:47Z")
In attempting to understand The Money Power (TMP), which has dominated humanity for some 4000 years, engendering violence and corruption regardless of what the reigning ideology is (feudalism, capitalism or socialism), I… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=556) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=558)