# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=561 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 562 --- ## [Rules of War, should there be any?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-of-war-should-there-be-any/481079)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2009, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rules-of-war-should-there-be-any/481079 "2009-01-25T13:12:48Z")
I am asking here and not in GD because I don’t want a heady debate, just a general feel for what other people think. The current example, of course, is the Israel-Gaza thing going on (and please, let us not make this th… --- ## [Governors did a bad job picking Senate replacements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governors-did-a-bad-job-picking-senate-replacements/482804)
**Author:** [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2009, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governors-did-a-bad-job-picking-senate-replacements/482804 "2009-01-25T03:12:54Z")
This article outlines the governors’ picks to replace Senators selected to be members of the Obama government. Overall, the picks seem quixotic, but I don’t know enough about the local politics of these states except NY… --- ## [Why do/don't you/people believe in doomsaying?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-dont-you-people-believe-in-doomsaying/482392)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2009, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-dont-you-people-believe-in-doomsaying/482392 "2009-01-25T03:04:32Z")
The latest New Yorker has an article on modern doomsaying, (registration required) featuring prominently BrainGlutton’s idol, James Howard “the airline industry as we know it will disappear in the next four years” Kunstl… --- ## [Obama's Bill Lynn Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-bill-lynn-problem/482711)
**Author:** [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 25, 2009, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-bill-lynn-problem/482711 "2009-01-25T01:51:39Z")
As many Dopers and people in the press have given President Obama for, there are very strict rules now on lobbyists that get a job in the government and how/when ex staff members can take lobbying positions. Bill Lynn i… --- ## [Can Barack Obama possibly meet these ridiculous high expectations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2009, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-barack-obama-possibly-meet-these-ridiculous-high-expectations/482041 "2009-01-24T21:56:39Z")
Actual wording on the CNN front page about Obama’s inauguration speech: "…with some expecting his words to be chiseled into marble some day." I honestly cannot think of anyone who has entered the Presidency, or any simi… --- ## [Why doesn't civil disobedience have a stronger appeal among Palestinians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-civil-disobedience-have-a-stronger-appeal-among-palestinians/482673)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2009, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-civil-disobedience-have-a-stronger-appeal-among-palestinians/482673 "2009-01-24T19:40:48Z")
I know that there are some Palestinians who advocate the tactics of Gandhi and King, although they are, to an American at least, rather obscure. I had never heard of them until I asked about it here. I also noticed tha… --- ## [Will Libertarianism ever be more than a fringe movement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-libertarianism-ever-be-more-than-a-fringe-movement/480776)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 344\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2009, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-libertarianism-ever-be-more-than-a-fringe-movement/480776 "2009-01-24T17:03:44Z")
In browsing Libertarianism in wikiit seems kind of an impractical paradigm for societal organization given the basic nature of man. Granted It might have some purchase as a social compact if you had a society mainly com… --- ## [Secret Presidential Pardons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-presidential-pardons/482632)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2009, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/secret-presidential-pardons/482632 "2009-01-24T16:56:11Z")
If I’m not thoroughly mistaken, while on Countdown last evening, John Dean, former Nixon Administration Cancer-on-the-Presidency diagnostician, said that our presidents have the authority to issue secret pardons. (I was … --- ## [Future of Eastern DR Congo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/future-of-eastern-dr-congo/482637)
**Author:** [@orcenio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/orcenio)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2009, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/future-of-eastern-dr-congo/482637 "2009-01-24T08:23:58Z")
I never thought it would happen. In the past, I blamed Rwandan President Paul Kagame for supporting the recklessly violent Laurent Nkunda (both are Tutsi) in persecuting a violent war in Eastern DR Congo. But now that i… --- ## [Life on Mars!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-on-mars/482523)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2009, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-on-mars/482523 "2009-01-24T00:48:10Z")
Well…maybe. Was reading this article on The Science Channel’s web site and thought it might be an interesting debate. Seems fairly conclusive evidence that there is something going on there…but what? And would it be w… --- ## [Alcatraz - Tourist Trap or next Guantanamo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcatraz-tourist-trap-or-next-guantanamo/482630)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 24, 2009, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcatraz-tourist-trap-or-next-guantanamo/482630 "2009-01-24T00:00:22Z")
I put this is GD simply because the topic of closing Gitmo is so political, but this is really a poll. I was listening to Morning Edition on NPR this morning and they were talking about closing Gitmo and what they were g… --- ## [Did FDR Will and Allow Pearl Harbor? Srdja Trifkovic's Take on the Conspiracy Theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-fdr-will-and-allow-pearl-harbor-srdja-trifkovics-take-on-the-conspiracy-theory/479197)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2009, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-fdr-will-and-allow-pearl-harbor-srdja-trifkovics-take-on-the-conspiracy-theory/479197 "2009-01-23T22:52:13Z")
In this article (forwarded to me by a paleoconservative friend), Srdja Trifkovic argues that FDR crafted US policy and tactical deployments to provoke and fail to prepare for a Japanese attack that would bring the Unite… --- ## [What if Hitler enlisted Japan's help against the USSR?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-hitler-enlisted-japans-help-against-the-ussr/482507)
**Author:** [@Altair33](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Altair33)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2009, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-hitler-enlisted-japans-help-against-the-ussr/482507 "2009-01-23T17:54:55Z")
I’ve long wondered how the Axis would have fared if Hitler had secured a promise from Japan to assist him in defeating the USSR prior to bombing Pearl Harbor. In his diplomatic dealings with Japan, Hitler basically prom… --- ## [The Evidence Against Religions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-evidence-against-religions/478421)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 515\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2009, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-evidence-against-religions/478421 "2009-01-23T17:16:02Z")
In science, a single evidence is almost never a “proof”. The Holocaust isn’t proved because of census numbers, it’s proven via census numbers, dead bodies, eye witnesses, confessions, and various other pieces of evidence… --- ## [When will Obama rescind Executive Order 13233?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-obama-rescind-executive-order-13233/482379)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2009, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-obama-rescind-executive-order-13233/482379 "2009-01-23T16:54:13Z")
When, or if, or should; President Obama rescind Executive Order 13233? This is the Executive Order that seals some of the records of Presidents H W Bush and Regan in regards to the Iran Contra affair. --- ## [What are the odds Congress will go after Bush officials for abuses of power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-congress-will-go-after-bush-officials-for-abuses-of-power/482428)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2009, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-odds-congress-will-go-after-bush-officials-for-abuses-of-power/482428 "2009-01-23T16:36:28Z")
I hear a lot of rumbling lately about the Congress possibly going after Bush Administration officials for egregious various abuses of power, but it seems to me this would be somewhat counter-productive as there are other… --- ## [Claire McCaskill calls the cowards of the Senate out](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/claire-mccaskill-calls-the-cowards-of-the-senate-out/482500)
**Author:** [@lee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lee)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2009, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/claire-mccaskill-calls-the-cowards-of-the-senate-out/482500 "2009-01-23T15:02:26Z")
Today during the debate on the Fair Pay Restoration Act, called for a unanimous consent to move the nominations held by secret hold, the nominations of 4 women. Alas someone had to object, but at least someone had to sho… --- ## [Re the lead up to the Iraq War do we need to re-assess our relationship with Israel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-lead-up-to-the-iraq-war-do-we-need-to-re-assess-our-relationship-with-israel/481926)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-the-lead-up-to-the-iraq-war-do-we-need-to-re-assess-our-relationship-with-israel/481926 "2009-01-22T21:26:18Z")
Having watched the real politick interplay of the interests and policies of Israel and the US as allies over the past 30 years I have to admit I’m not really convinced at this juncture that what is best for Israel is nec… --- ## [Why don't Pirates Skydive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-pirates-skydive/482484)
**Author:** [@shallora](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shallora)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-pirates-skydive/482484 "2009-01-22T18:51:37Z")
Ok, I know some of them do, but most don’t. Most also do not swim in shark infested waters, retrieve hand grenades, or even serve in combat arms positions in the US Military. It seems to me that if there is a great rewar… --- ## [Why don't Muslims Skydive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-muslims-skydive/482483)
**Author:** [@shallora](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/shallora)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-muslims-skydive/482483 "2009-01-22T18:50:44Z")
Ok, I know some of them do, but most don’t. Most also do not swim in shark infested waters, retrieve hand grenades, or even serve in combat arms positions in the US Military. It seems to me that if there is a great rewar… --- ## [Mexico The Narco-State](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexico-the-narco-state/481860)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mexico-the-narco-state/481860 "2009-01-22T18:19:54Z")
Apparently things in Mexico are worse than I (and I suspect, most Americans) think with regards to narco-terrorism and the chaos it breeds right along our border. Here is a copy (pdf) of Gen Mccafrey’s (Ret) After Actio… --- ## [Is the existence of a Creator just more sensical?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-existence-of-a-creator-just-more-sensical/481867)
**Author:** [@CalD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalD)\ **Replies:** 347\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-existence-of-a-creator-just-more-sensical/481867 "2009-01-22T17:29:40Z")
I’m too scared to put this in GD for a couple of reasons: GD is full of super-heavyweights, which is a class I am not sure I’m in I don’t want to appear pretentious So let’s start it in here and see how we go. I beli… --- ## [Libertarian & Corporate hypocrisy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-corporate-hypocrisy/481312)
**Author:** [@haymarketmartyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/haymarketmartyr)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-corporate-hypocrisy/481312 "2009-01-22T16:07:02Z")
I have noticed that there is a thriving group of fairly bright libertarians on this board. And they are not afraid to speak out. I wonder if they are aware of this. Last fall, with very little fanfare and little expl… --- ## [Ben Stein "It's okay for the government to print a lot of new money"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ben-stein-its-okay-for-the-government-to-print-a-lot-of-new-money/482115)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 8:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ben-stein-its-okay-for-the-government-to-print-a-lot-of-new-money/482115 "2009-01-22T08:41:10Z")
I don’t usually watch political talking heads, but I did happen to catch the first half of Glenn Beck’s new show today. I tried and failed to find a clip of his talk with Ben Stein, but the gist of what Stein said was th… --- ## [Technology in schools: overrated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-in-schools-overrated/481840)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technology-in-schools-overrated/481840 "2009-01-22T04:43:17Z")
In America these days, you can’t swing a stunted cat without hitting a politician who’s promising to bring technology into the classroom. “Wired” schools are now the norm. Every school has a computer lab, and most have… --- ## [The Arguments for Atheism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-arguments-for-atheism/481428)
**Author:** [@Half\_Man\_Half\_Wit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Half_Man_Half_Wit)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2009, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-arguments-for-atheism/481428 "2009-01-22T02:29:09Z")
(Note: This has gotten a little long, and therefore, hard to read on a screen – since I’m reluctant to break it down into even smaller paragraphs for fear of losing coherence, it may be a good idea to increase font size … --- ## [WWII! What if Germany attacked Switzerland?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-what-if-germany-attacked-switzerland/481839)
**Author:** [@Lawn\_Gnome](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lawn_Gnome)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-what-if-germany-attacked-switzerland/481839 "2009-01-21T22:30:56Z")
I’m curious and my Google searches didn’t help much. How much trouble could Switzerland have given Germany if Germany did attack the Swiss during World War II? --- ## [A proposal to address a racial injustice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-proposal-to-address-a-racial-injustice/482292)
**Author:** [@LonesomePolecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonesomePolecat)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-proposal-to-address-a-racial-injustice/482292 "2009-01-21T21:21:46Z")
The following proposed Resolution was emailed to President-elect Obama, Congressman George Miller, Senators Diane Feinstein and Boxer. Whereas in THE approximately 770,000 annual felony crimes committed between African… --- ## [Bush Pardon list](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-pardon-list/474435)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-pardon-list/474435 "2009-01-21T16:55:35Z")
\]Bush has started issuing his exit pardons. Here’s the list of 14 pardons and two commutations. I confess, I don’t know who any of these people are. On the surface it doesn’t look great. It includes several drug dealers.… --- ## [Strip Searched for Motrin (none found)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strip-searched-for-motrin-none-found/482052)
**Author:** [@depocali](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/depocali)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strip-searched-for-motrin-none-found/482052 "2009-01-21T16:45:03Z")
So the tale of Savana Redding continues, after the Ninth Circuit \*en banc \* agreed that school officials strip searching a thirteen year old honors student to see if she had Motrin (prescription strength Ibuprofen) based… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=560) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=562)