# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=565 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 566 --- ## [The Straight Dope on the Mayan Calendar](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-on-the-mayan-calendar/477951)
**Author:** [@baudrunner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/baudrunner)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2009, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-straight-dope-on-the-mayan-calendar/477951 "2009-01-08T19:03:42Z")
Here’s the straight dope on the Mayan Calendar and what exactly will happen on December 12, 2012. Like it or not, we will all fry when the sun goes into partial collapse and ultimately explodes in a burst of energy we … --- ## [Lets fix bureaucratic inefficiency with a new bureaucrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-fix-bureaucratic-inefficiency-with-a-new-bureaucrat/480235)
**Author:** [@Chief\_Pedant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chief_Pedant)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2009, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-fix-bureaucratic-inefficiency-with-a-new-bureaucrat/480235 "2009-01-08T17:21:39Z")
"Obama taps performance officer, vows restraint Nancy Killefer will work with federal agencies on performance standards " http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28538966 Let’s get that position a big budget as soon as possible. … --- ## [Has the world really become chaotic as some believe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-world-really-become-chaotic-as-some-believe/480009)
**Author:** [@dedmonwakin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dedmonwakin)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2009, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-world-really-become-chaotic-as-some-believe/480009 "2009-01-07T20:00:18Z")
This is my first thread on this site, so please be easy. I recently watched a segment about Nostradamus and his predictions or I should say, theorist interpretations of his quatrains on the history channel. This show wa… --- ## [Could Obama be a (gasp) supply sider?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-obama-be-a-gasp-supply-sider/479443)
**Author:** [@Stan\_Shmenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stan_Shmenge)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2009, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-obama-be-a-gasp-supply-sider/479443 "2009-01-07T08:12:14Z")
He is promising to keep the middle-class tax cut, in some form. A good idea, I think. Of all the people that need a bailout, the taxpayer should be at the front of the list. After all, he is the only one that can drive c… --- ## [Attitude towards computer games](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attitude-towards-computer-games/479322)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2009, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attitude-towards-computer-games/479322 "2009-01-07T06:09:02Z")
When somebody dedicates their life to a sport, or chess, or an art form, society generally praises them for their perseverance, grit, and dedication. Yet when somebody dedicates their life to a computer came, society ge… --- ## [Clueless questions about economics and the financial crisis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clueless-questions-about-economics-and-the-financial-crisis/480061)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clueless-questions-about-economics-and-the-financial-crisis/480061 "2009-01-06T22:42:34Z")
I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know much about economics. My layman’s understanding of the current financial crisis is that it has something to do with the financial institutions not wanting to lend money to each ot… --- ## [Do we overidentify race?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-overidentify-race/477906)
**Author:** [@Labor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Labor)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-overidentify-race/477906 "2009-01-06T20:48:04Z")
I was listening to a discussion of race issues yesterday (12/18) on Talk of the Nation. In this discussion there was much discussion of African-American issues/values/culture especially relating to the election of Barack… --- ## [iran and carter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-and-carter/480017)
**Author:** [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-and-carter/480017 "2009-01-06T19:53:00Z")
recent events point to iran funding or sending weapons to other countries to use against the us or israel. it seems that if one follows the very tangled gorgon knot it appears that the u.s. reaction to the hostage takin… --- ## [Has the Scientology hate gone too far?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-scientology-hate-gone-too-far/479785)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-scientology-hate-gone-too-far/479785 "2009-01-06T19:00:15Z")
I’ve been participating in the CS thread about the tragic death of John Travolta’s teenaged son, and I noticed that a lot of folks are suggesting, if not outright doing it, that his death has some connection to the Travo… --- ## [Morality of gambling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morality-of-gambling/479342)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morality-of-gambling/479342 "2009-01-06T15:49:44Z")
In the context of traditional Judeo-Christian ethics, why is gambling considered a vice? Is it because of associated activities like organized crime and prostitution, or is gambling, per se, considered immoral? --- ## [Fixing a failed African state](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-a-failed-african-state/479056)
**Author:** [@jjimm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jjimm)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fixing-a-failed-african-state/479056 "2009-01-06T15:20:32Z")
This is a thought experiment, assuming a lot of money and control over the upper echelons of government. Let us imagine a failed state, say, somewhere in west Africa - and to be honest, take your pick of states that res… --- ## [Dances with Wolves](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dances-with-wolves/479962)
**Author:** [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dances-with-wolves/479962 "2009-01-06T12:49:52Z")
This may possibly be in the wrong forum, if so will a mod please move it. This film was shown (again) on UK TV and I watched it (again) because I think it’s the best of Costners efforts. I cannot help but observe that … --- ## [Driver's Ed should be harder, and require refresher courses](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drivers-ed-should-be-harder-and-require-refresher-courses/479644)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drivers-ed-should-be-harder-and-require-refresher-courses/479644 "2009-01-06T05:46:02Z")
To see where I’m coming from, this was my experience in driver’s ed, in 1995, in North Carolina - feel free to post your own. The first step was a one week (5 days) of after school classes, lasting, IIRC, 2 hours each. … --- ## [So if a man choses the wrong religion, wouldn't that be God's fault.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-a-man-choses-the-wrong-religion-wouldnt-that-be-gods-fault/479862)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-if-a-man-choses-the-wrong-religion-wouldnt-that-be-gods-fault/479862 "2009-01-06T03:30:55Z")
A hypothetical: Let’s say a young man is trying to decide his direction in life as far as it pertains to religion. He does all the research he can on all the major religions. Now said man decides he wants to go with Ju… --- ## [A different approach to the big three's troubles](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-different-approach-to-the-big-threes-troubles/479530)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2009, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-different-approach-to-the-big-threes-troubles/479530 "2009-01-06T03:16:34Z")
Although the news has died down because Bush bailed them out, they will most likely come back with their hands out in a few months time. One solution that keeps getting mentioned, but that they want nothing to do with, … --- ## [Is Bill O'reilly an alcoholic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bill-oreilly-an-alcoholic/479859)
**Author:** [@jakesteele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jakesteele)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2009, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bill-oreilly-an-alcoholic/479859 "2009-01-05T23:03:19Z")
Having dealt with alcoholism both personally and thru family and friends I have noticed that Bill sounds and acts like someone who either has the problem, had the problem or grew up in a family that had the problem. I w… --- ## [What if Japan hadn't attacked Pearl Harbor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-japan-hadnt-attacked-pearl-harbor/479281)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2009, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-japan-hadnt-attacked-pearl-harbor/479281 "2009-01-05T16:33:27Z")
Another “what-if” debate. Japan wanted a secure source of oil in 1941 so they planned on invading Indonesia (at the time the Dutch East Indies) and Malaysia (at the time a British colony). The American colony of the Phi… --- ## [Homosexuality and religion (prop 8)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality-and-religion-prop-8/472449)
**Author:** [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2009, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality-and-religion-prop-8/472449 "2009-01-05T15:06:48Z")
A GQ question with an answer that will probably land here anyway so I will just start here. Several of the yes on 8 crowd I have crossed paths with lately feel that homosexuality is a choice therefore does not deserve a… --- ## [With Richardson out, who's up for Commerce?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-richardson-out-whos-up-for-commerce/479860)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2009, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/with-richardson-out-whos-up-for-commerce/479860 "2009-01-05T14:14:27Z")
Richardson is out in light of that he is being accused of some pay-to-play of his own as Governor. So who is likely next up for Commerce? Guesses? --- ## [Noone is born atheist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noone-is-born-atheist/478049)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 531\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2009, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noone-is-born-atheist/478049 "2009-01-05T02:35:21Z")
One argument I’ve been hearing about with increasing frequency from the atheist community is that “everyone is born atheist” with the implication that religion is some unwitting indoctrination forced upon children too yo… --- ## [Jewishness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewishness/479678)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jewishness/479678 "2009-01-04T23:48:13Z")
I was talking to a friend of mine, son of a rabbi, and I forget how it came up but we started talking about the whole idea of the messiah, and the second coming, etc. We talked about how Judaism continued to exist after … --- ## [How much censorship do you believe in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-censorship-do-you-believe-in/478605)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 10:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-censorship-do-you-believe-in/478605 "2009-01-04T22:59:50Z")
Inspired by this topic: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=498447 If you could decide the law, how much censorship, if any, would you deem necessary? I mainly am interested in media (TV, movies, music… --- ## [Are Department Store Electric Scooters Monopolized by Non Handicapped Obese People?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-department-store-electric-scooters-monopolized-by-non-handicapped-obese-people/478106)
**Author:** [@elconqueeestador](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elconqueeestador)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-department-store-electric-scooters-monopolized-by-non-handicapped-obese-people/478106 "2009-01-04T22:52:54Z")
Whenever I am forced by my wife to shop with her at a certain big box department store that is taking over the planet I have never seen a person who appears to weigh less than 300 pounds riding one of the store provided… --- ## [Would it be immoral to resurrect a Neanderthal from recovered DNA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-immoral-to-resurrect-a-neanderthal-from-recovered-dna/479493)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-immoral-to-resurrect-a-neanderthal-from-recovered-dna/479493 "2009-01-04T20:23:46Z")
If technology advances tot he point we can do this with recovered DNA, should we? While the anthropological information to be gained by studying a live Neanderthal would be huge one downside (among many) would be that t… --- ## [Is Kwanzaa "over"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kwanzaa-over/479012)
**Author:** [@Rodgers01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodgers01)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-kwanzaa-over/479012 "2009-01-04T16:51:14Z")
That, at any rate, is what this article claims, in strangely spiteful tones. So, is Kwanzaa “over,” and/or should it be (as the article seems to argue)? On the second question, I would say no, at least so long as there… --- ## [Why does Blago's impeachment have to take so long?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-blagos-impeachment-have-to-take-so-long/478386)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-blagos-impeachment-have-to-take-so-long/478386 "2009-01-04T05:32:56Z")
Here is how I would schedule it if I were the IL Speaker: Tuesday, December 23 : Play the tapes in the morning. In the afternoon, ask the Governor’s lawyer to respond. Hold a committee vote to recommend articles of i… --- ## [I'm a Christian evolutionist, and I say that evolution is consistent with the Bible](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-christian-evolutionist-and-i-say-that-evolution-is-consistent-with-the-bible/478993)
**Author:** [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-christian-evolutionist-and-i-say-that-evolution-is-consistent-with-the-bible/478993 "2009-01-04T03:20:55Z")
I’ll start with the obvious one - the Old Testament says that the earth was created in 6 days; however, the New Testament says that “With the Lord, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day”. --- ## [How Many Arab Governments SECRETLY Wish for the End of Hamas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-arab-governments-secretly-wish-for-the-end-of-hamas/479107)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2009, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-arab-governments-secretly-wish-for-the-end-of-hamas/479107 "2009-01-04T03:01:53Z")
I suspect that many Arab governments secretly support Israel’s destruction of Hamas. The Palestinian Authority and Fatah probably would like to see the leadership of Hamas dead…ditto for Egypt, Syria, and SA. So, while… --- ## [Farewell to All That: An Oral History of the Bush White House](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/farewell-to-all-that-an-oral-history-of-the-bush-white-house/479725)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2009, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/farewell-to-all-that-an-oral-history-of-the-bush-white-house/479725 "2009-01-03T21:08:48Z")
Not a debate but more suited for this forum than others. Vanity Fair retrospective of the Bush Presidency in the words of many of the players. Quite fascinating, especially the later sections. Farewell to All That: An O… --- ## [Billed for Rescue](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billed-for-rescue/479053)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2009, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billed-for-rescue/479053 "2009-01-03T08:30:59Z")
There is not much in the papers this morning. But in the the New York Times there is this: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/29/us/29rescue.html?\_r=1&scp=3&sq=new%20hampshire&st=cse It seems the state of New Hampshire is … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=564) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=566)