# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=562 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 563 --- ## [Pelosi and Reid - should they be recalled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosi-and-reid-should-they-be-recalled/482157)
**Author:** [@A\_Dodgy\_Dude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_Dodgy_Dude)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pelosi-and-reid-should-they-be-recalled/482157 "2009-01-21T03:46:01Z")
The 109th Congress ended on December 29, 2006. Here how the markets closed that day: Dow closed at 12,463.15 Source: Dow Jones Industrial Average (^DJI) Historical Data - Yahoo Finance…;f=2006&g=d Nasdaq closed at 2,4… --- ## [We are a Hologram? Able to probe Planck world? Hocus-pocus or profound discovery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-a-hologram-able-to-probe-planck-world-hocus-pocus-or-profound-discovery/481502)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-are-a-hologram-able-to-probe-planck-world-hocus-pocus-or-profound-discovery/481502 "2009-01-21T02:29:24Z")
– Not sure if this belongs in GD but didn’t seem appropriate elsewhere so dropped it here. I was just reading the following article (linked below quote): My mind is boggling at the whole thing (lots more detail in th… --- ## [The FDA is Not an Example of Government Success.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fda-is-not-an-example-of-government-success/481776)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fda-is-not-an-example-of-government-success/481776 "2009-01-21T01:44:46Z")
Whenever threads about Libertarianism pop up, liberals usually cite the FDA as an example of why government is needed, why the market fails, and claim that if the FDA didn’t exist, drugs would be much less safe and on av… --- ## [If a Hydrogen Bomb was dropped on New York City, how much damage would it cause?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-hydrogen-bomb-was-dropped-on-new-york-city-how-much-damage-would-it-cause/481916)
**Author:** [@Spin\_Master](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spin_Master)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-hydrogen-bomb-was-dropped-on-new-york-city-how-much-damage-would-it-cause/481916 "2009-01-21T01:32:52Z")
It’s a little difficult to imagine such an event but I want to wrap my mind around the significance of such a thing happening. Let’s say a hydrogen bomb was dropped right in the center of New York City. What would be t… --- ## [In which I eat some crow \[regarding a prediction/bet that GWB would attack Iran\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-i-eat-some-crow-regarding-a-prediction-bet-that-gwb-would-attack-iran/482061)
**Author:** [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2009, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-i-eat-some-crow-regarding-a-prediction-bet-that-gwb-would-attack-iran/482061 "2009-01-21T00:33:26Z")
Ages ago there was a Great Debates thread discussing the likelihood of the US attacking Iran. Several people not only found it very likely but damn near certain. Bricker disagreed and offered to bet all-comers that he wa… --- ## [A Criminal, Cloned.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-criminal-cloned/481674)
**Author:** [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2009, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-criminal-cloned/481674 "2009-01-20T18:09:46Z")
This is entirely a hypothetical situation, as you’ll see, but I thought it up and couldn’t come to a good conclusion myself. Imagine that we have a person, who is believed to have comitted a crime. However, while on the… --- ## [Roland Burris Denied Obama's US Senate Seat - Now What?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roland-burris-denied-obamas-us-senate-seat-now-what/480105)
**Author:** [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2009, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roland-burris-denied-obamas-us-senate-seat-now-what/480105 "2009-01-20T16:47:39Z")
Ya gotta give it to us here in Illinois - we sure do know how to put on some fabulous political theater. So what happens now? Was Burris the best choice for the Senate under the circumstances? Probably not, but given … --- ## [It is impossible to be a Christian that accepts the theory of evolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-impossible-to-be-a-christian-that-accepts-the-theory-of-evolution/481044)
**Author:** [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2009, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-is-impossible-to-be-a-christian-that-accepts-the-theory-of-evolution/481044 "2009-01-20T14:40:27Z")
Well, I’ve attempted to somewhat hijack a couple of threads with this topic, so I thought I would try to give it a full airing. Point the first: The theory of evolution does not have a goal or an endpoint. Rather, new… --- ## [Why is support of Israel such a huge requirement for American politicians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-support-of-israel-such-a-huge-requirement-for-american-politicians/480604)
**Author:** [@Influential\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Influential_Panda)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2009, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-support-of-israel-such-a-huge-requirement-for-american-politicians/480604 "2009-01-20T11:53:53Z")
It seems no presidential hopeful can be taken seriously without joining the “I support Isreal the most!” competition. Is there any better reason than a handful of Jews in a crucial swing state (Florida)? --- ## [Krugman's letter to Obama: What You Must Do](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/krugmans-letter-to-obama-what-you-must-do/481568)
**Author:** [@Rubystreak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rubystreak)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2009, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/krugmans-letter-to-obama-what-you-must-do/481568 "2009-01-20T11:03:11Z")
In the latest issue of Rolling Stone, economist,\* New York Times\* writer, and Nobel laureate Paul Krugman writes a letter to Barack Obama, telling him what he thinks Obama needs to do to solve our current economic crisis… --- ## [America's Credit Score](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-credit-score/480544)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 20, 2009, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-credit-score/480544 "2009-01-20T09:21:10Z")
We’ve had some debates about the long-term financial prospects of the United States government. I’m aware that the federal government cannot go “bankrupt” according to the dictionary definition. It can, however, get in… --- ## [How To Explain GWB's 2004 Election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-explain-gwbs-2004-election/481751)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 8:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-explain-gwbs-2004-election/481751 "2009-01-19T20:58:47Z")
Those who have read my posts know I am no fan of the man or his policies. Those who have not, take my word for it. So, I am not here to debate: (1) GWB “stole” the 2000 election (he didn’t); (2) GWB blows (sure). … --- ## [Roberts? You've Been Served](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roberts-youve-been-served/481124)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roberts-youve-been-served/481124 "2009-01-19T19:25:25Z")
The Chief Justice of the United States opened the door of his home to a process server this week, accepting a summons relating to a case filed by Micheal Newdow. Newdow is seeking to enjoin Roberts in his personal capaci… --- ## [Obama's treasury nom delinquent in tax. Anyone care?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-treasury-nom-delinquent-in-tax-anyone-care/481277)
**Author:** [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-treasury-nom-delinquent-in-tax-anyone-care/481277 "2009-01-19T18:25:49Z")
The Washington Times had a story this morning stating the Obama’s pick for Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, was delinquent in his taxes to the tune of $35,000. The article went on to say that “Democrats said the del… --- ## [What is the libertarian plan for political success?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-libertarian-plan-for-political-success/481451)
**Author:** [@haymarketmartyr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/haymarketmartyr)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-libertarian-plan-for-political-success/481451 "2009-01-19T16:18:21Z")
There is another thread on this board which asks the question “will libertarianism ever be more than a fringe movement”? A few people have answered the question, but the thread has been dominated by the usual debate ove… --- ## [Mind Uploading and the Self](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mind-uploading-and-the-self/479654)
**Author:** [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mind-uploading-and-the-self/479654 "2009-01-19T15:00:21Z")
One idea that has been tossed around as a means of gaining immortality is the idea of uploading one’s consciousness into a machine, in such a way that the uploaded personality would be totally indistinguishable from the … --- ## [The Green Car revolution is dying...and taking US car manufacturers with it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-green-car-revolution-is-dying-and-taking-us-car-manufacturers-with-it/481293)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-green-car-revolution-is-dying-and-taking-us-car-manufacturers-with-it/481293 "2009-01-19T08:23:21Z")
Was reading an article today showing that the demand for hybrids is pretty well dying in the US…and at a time when the Big Three manufacturers have whole new lines of hybrids and high mileage or alternative fuel vehicles… --- ## [Gaza Invasion: Why are Israeli casualties so light?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaza-invasion-why-are-israeli-casualties-so-light/481467)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 5:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaza-invasion-why-are-israeli-casualties-so-light/481467 "2009-01-19T05:43:32Z")
If the press releases are correct, Israel has occupied about 20 square miles of the Gaza, and engaged Hamas in pitched battles. Yet, they have only suffered minimal casualties (about 13 wounded, 2 dead). What does this… --- ## [Terrorism? \[Gaza campaign is war against Amalek, says Chief Rabbi of Safed\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terrorism-gaza-campaign-is-war-against-amalek-says-chief-rabbi-of-safed/481785)
**Author:** [@EverLearner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EverLearner)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terrorism-gaza-campaign-is-war-against-amalek-says-chief-rabbi-of-safed/481785 "2009-01-19T02:37:48Z")
Gaza campaign is war against Amalek, says Chief Rabbi of Safed Does this have anything to do with terrorism? Or was this term especially coined for Arabs and Muslims? --- ## [Is this really our "true \[national\] debt"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-really-our-true-national-debt/481689)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-really-our-true-national-debt/481689 "2009-01-19T01:08:55Z")
In line with previous threads about David Walker, another group called the Institute for Truth in Accounting claims that every single American owes $194,000 in debt. (Link has further link to .pdf of report.) What with… --- ## [Is Hillary Clinton qualified to be Secretary of State?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hillary-clinton-qualified-to-be-secretary-of-state/481114)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2009, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hillary-clinton-qualified-to-be-secretary-of-state/481114 "2009-01-19T00:00:44Z")
I know we’ve visited Hillary’s qualifications a lot, but I figured a new thread in the light of her Senate confirmation hearing was warranted. She was talking about the role of the State Department and the Defense Depar… --- ## [Which bit of you is you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-bit-of-you-is-you/479274)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2009, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-bit-of-you-is-you/479274 "2009-01-18T21:34:36Z")
If you take the short snappy title literally the answer is ‘all of it’. So what I mean is, which bit of the common definition of ‘you’ (your whole body) is the sentient bit? More specific than ‘the brain’. Is there a… --- ## [Time Travel: Possible or Impossible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-possible-or-impossible/480178)
**Author:** [@dedmonwakin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dedmonwakin)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2009, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-travel-possible-or-impossible/480178 "2009-01-18T15:52:03Z")
While growing up, I’ve often been captivated by movies and books on time travel. Things pertaining to time travel, that I once truly thought were possible have become absolutely absurd. Even through physicists’ explanati… --- ## [Link between people's initials and how long they live. I'm not convinced.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/link-between-peoples-initials-and-how-long-they-live-im-not-convinced/481092)
**Author:** [@Hi\_Neighbor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hi_Neighbor)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2009, 5:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/link-between-peoples-initials-and-how-long-they-live-im-not-convinced/481092 "2009-01-18T05:38:06Z")
I recently read that people with initials that spelled out “positive” words, such as ACE, WIN, WOW, and VIP, on average, lived longer than those with “negative” initial-words, such as RAT, BUM, SAD, and DUD. The researc… --- ## [Has GWB's presidency affected your opinion of GHWB? Should it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-gwbs-presidency-affected-your-opinion-of-ghwb-should-it/481256)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2009, 4:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-gwbs-presidency-affected-your-opinion-of-ghwb-should-it/481256 "2009-01-17T16:02:35Z")
I used to like and have a good deal of respect for George HW Bush (president #41) for various reasons, but I’m not as sure how I feel nowadays after George W. Bush’s (#43) presidency. Should history judge one in light of… --- ## [Did FDR Prolong the Depression?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-fdr-prolong-the-depression/480931)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2009, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-fdr-prolong-the-depression/480931 "2009-01-17T14:56:09Z")
An honest question for honest debate. The latest right-wing radio talking point is that FDR prolonged the Depression. Also, I am reading “Traitor to His Class,” about FDR and the author points out that about when FDR to… --- ## [Are people on this board too smart for their own darn good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-on-this-board-too-smart-for-their-own-darn-good/480058)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2009, 8:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-people-on-this-board-too-smart-for-their-own-darn-good/480058 "2009-01-17T08:26:07Z")
It seems that a lot of threads degrade into “how many angels can dance on the head of a pin”, with no certain answer ever emerging. Smart people can argue anything with facility, so are we only battling egos here? --- ## [Are Consumers Morally Obligated to Directly Support Manufacturers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-consumers-morally-obligated-to-directly-support-manufacturers/481364)
**Author:** [@Just\_Some\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Some_Guy)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2009, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-consumers-morally-obligated-to-directly-support-manufacturers/481364 "2009-01-17T01:32:23Z")
Taking things here from this thread: the question is if a consumer is morally (not legally) obligated to reimburse a manufacturer for goods. In other words if all secondary markets are inherently immoral. Or even more… --- ## [Police Error Leads to Arrest: Evidence Supressed? (Herring v. US)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-error-leads-to-arrest-evidence-supressed-herring-v-us/466922)
**Author:** [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2009, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-error-leads-to-arrest-evidence-supressed-herring-v-us/466922 "2009-01-17T00:43:05Z")
Here you can find the oral arguments in Herring v. United States. The case runs thusly: The Court has already ruled that clerical errors on the part of the court system do not constitute a need to apply the exclusiona… --- ## [Culture and Identity - ethnic spice, white=bland](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/culture-and-identity-ethnic-spice-white-bland/481337)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2009, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/culture-and-identity-ethnic-spice-white-bland/481337 "2009-01-16T19:25:36Z")
This got started just a bit ago in Cafe society, iroinically in a thread on Celtic Woman. For some undgodly reason, I jumped into it, and we’ve taken it so far it ought to be broken off and started into a new thread. Th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=561) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=563)