# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=575 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 576 --- ## [Obama gives hints about stimulus package to come.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-gives-hints-about-stimulus-package-to-come/473985)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-gives-hints-about-stimulus-package-to-come/473985 "2008-11-23T22:31:25Z")
His desired package is going to be bigger than a breadbox and focus on infrastructure, schools, energy, and transportation. Hey! He left out healthcare! I’m just wondering - how much can we borrow to do all this? If t… --- ## [Why doesn't ET call us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-et-call-us/472634)
**Author:** [@cmosdes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmosdes)\ **Replies:** 213\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-et-call-us/472634 "2008-11-23T19:56:40Z")
Not sure where to put this… Space travel seems similar to time travel. It has been argued that if time travel will eventually be possible, we’d be seeing visitors from the future. Similarly, it seems as though if space … --- ## [Are we heading into a period of prolonged deflation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-heading-into-a-period-of-prolonged-deflation/473847)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-heading-into-a-period-of-prolonged-deflation/473847 "2008-11-23T04:52:30Z")
In the 1970s the U.S. went through “stagflation” – stagnant economy, high unemployment and inflation (largely driven by high oil prices, an external real cost to the whole economy) all at the same time. Everyone who liv… --- ## [No criminal charges by new admin for Bush interrogators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-criminal-charges-by-new-admin-for-bush-interrogators/473497)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-criminal-charges-by-new-admin-for-bush-interrogators/473497 "2008-11-23T04:35:38Z")
From here. Good. Of course, not really what he said on the campaign trail. But good. --- ## [Conservative Jews and stereotypes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-jews-and-stereotypes/473833)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservative-jews-and-stereotypes/473833 "2008-11-23T03:48:46Z")
Does the rise of some visible Jews as prominent conservative voices alter the stereotypes that most Americans hold about Jews in America? Yes, I know that the stereotype has some validity. As a group Jews in America ten… --- ## [World leaders do not shake Bush's hand](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-leaders-do-not-shake-bushs-hand/473704)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 1:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/world-leaders-do-not-shake-bushs-hand/473704 "2008-11-23T01:36:16Z")
VIDEO Wow. Just. Wow. Bush was walking on stage to have a picture taken with world leaders at the G20 meeting. As the leaders pass each other, all aware that this is a very public and symbolic moment, they shake han… --- ## [Honoring Their Wishes v. Doing What YOU Think is Best.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honoring-their-wishes-v-doing-what-you-think-is-best/474019)
**Author:** [@Bear\_Nenno](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bear_Nenno)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 23, 2008, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/honoring-their-wishes-v-doing-what-you-think-is-best/474019 "2008-11-23T01:29:51Z")
Usually there is no debate. Obviously, when a person dies and they’ve made it known that they didn’t want a priest or religious ceremony, it would be terribly rude to go against that. If a person says they would like to… --- ## [Moon Landing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-landing/472069)
**Author:** [@Core44](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Core44)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moon-landing/472069 "2008-11-22T23:50:28Z")
Did the United States really land on the moon? --- ## [Non-duality, yea or nay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-duality-yea-or-nay/473380)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-duality-yea-or-nay/473380 "2008-11-22T23:28:46Z")
I didn’t know whether to put this in GD or MPSIMS, but I figured we’d find out quick enough. Non-duality, basically the idea that every atom that makes up your body, every electron and proton and neutron are linked to t… --- ## [Stevens delivers final Senate Speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevens-delivers-final-senate-speech/473766)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stevens-delivers-final-senate-speech/473766 "2008-11-22T22:38:27Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081121/ap\_on\_go\_co/senate\_stevens I don’t understand the accolades. The guy stands as a convicted felon abusing his office by receiving gifts from lobbyists. He should have been expelled i… --- ## [2008 GOP, most unpopular party](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-gop-most-unpopular-party/473955)
**Author:** [@Knorf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knorf)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-gop-most-unpopular-party/473955 "2008-11-22T22:27:55Z")
From a recent Gallup poll: Republicans, wake up and smell the coffee: YOU’RE ON THE WRONG TRACK, and Sarah Palin (and creatures of her ilk) are NOT helping you. Link. --- ## [Is a turning point in the abortion debate possible, and are we there?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-turning-point-in-the-abortion-debate-possible-and-are-we-there/473330)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-turning-point-in-the-abortion-debate-possible-and-are-we-there/473330 "2008-11-22T17:15:48Z")
Barack Obama won the election and will most likely get to appoint a couple of Supreme Court justices. This most likely cuts off one of the more likely ways of changing the terrain on abortion, since the SC will most lik… --- ## [Is the UAW going to help the Big Three in their time of need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-uaw-going-to-help-the-big-three-in-their-time-of-need/473873)
**Author:** [@luvrbcs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/luvrbcs)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-uaw-going-to-help-the-big-three-in-their-time-of-need/473873 "2008-11-22T15:50:26Z")
Is the UAW going to help the Big Three with this crisis, maybe with a restructured contract or something? Or, are they going to sit back and ride the tide. I would think they would want to help, since it is their jobs … --- ## [Is the Constitution a 'living breathing' document?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-constitution-a-living-breathing-document/473169)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-constitution-a-living-breathing-document/473169 "2008-11-22T02:45:24Z")
Seen elsewhere: Info: I am not involved in that thread. The reply was to someone who thought that the U.S. government should fund stem cell research (including embryonic). The board thinks Bush it too liberal. The q… --- ## [Why the delay on Treasury Secretary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-delay-on-treasury-secretary/473647)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 22, 2008, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-delay-on-treasury-secretary/473647 "2008-11-22T01:57:16Z")
After Obama was elected it was widely suspected that Treasury Secretary would be among the very first appointments made, given the critical nature of reassuring the markets and the world that that position was in good h… --- ## [Do you think the alternation of Conservative and Liberals in Power is beneficial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-alternation-of-conservative-and-liberals-in-power-is-beneficial/473402)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-alternation-of-conservative-and-liberals-in-power-is-beneficial/473402 "2008-11-21T22:00:05Z")
This is something I’ve pondered from time to time. None but the most zealous of liberals or conservatives believe their parties are infallible, and many will even admit that there are platforms they wish their parties d… --- ## [Why are the democrats "weak willed" or "cowards" for not punishing Lieberman?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-democrats-weak-willed-or-cowards-for-not-punishing-lieberman/473532)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-democrats-weak-willed-or-cowards-for-not-punishing-lieberman/473532 "2008-11-21T19:42:28Z")
I’ve seen them called cowards on this board, now Nate Silver at fivethirtyeight.com is, to put it finely, declining to dispute a characterization of them as “weak-willed.” Why is this an apt characterization? If they a… --- ## [Do Republican voters feel richer with a Republican president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-republican-voters-feel-richer-with-a-republican-president/473724)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-republican-voters-feel-richer-with-a-republican-president/473724 "2008-11-21T18:05:24Z")
Assuming the appeal of a Republican president is lower taxes, etc. I wonder how rich the Republican voters feel after 8 years with a Republican president. Since right-wing voters tend to be stockholders, they would feel… --- ## ["Intent of the voter" is a bad standard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intent-of-the-voter-is-a-bad-standard/473703)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intent-of-the-voter-is-a-bad-standard/473703 "2008-11-21T18:02:00Z")
Inspired by this thread: Questionable Minnesota Ballots: YOU Make the Call! - Great Debates - Straight Dope Message Board When doing a manual recount, look how, in less than two pages, many reasonable Dopers disagree wi… --- ## [Questionable Minnesota Ballots: YOU Make the Call!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questionable-minnesota-ballots-you-make-the-call/473651)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questionable-minnesota-ballots-you-make-the-call/473651 "2008-11-21T17:23:39Z")
Courtesy of Minnesota Public Radio, which also links to the applicable statutes. (Mods, I realize this is a little IMHOey for GD, but I’d be surprised if a debate didn’t break out. But your call, as always.) Here’s th… --- ## [Baptizing Jesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baptizing-jesus/473552)
**Author:** [@Jesus\_Harold\_Christ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jesus_Harold_Christ)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baptizing-jesus/473552 "2008-11-21T12:48:39Z")
If Jesus never sinned, what was the point of his baptism? --- ## [Were Christ's Two natures in Conflict?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-christs-two-natures-in-conflict/473705)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-christs-two-natures-in-conflict/473705 "2008-11-21T12:43:45Z")
As a man, Jesus had human urges and defects. as God, he was perfect. So, did his two natures ever conflict? take his (sometimes) pettiness: he blasts the barren fig tree he dismisses his critics" the poor you will hav… --- ## [Hypothetical: Legally, what would happen if Obama wasn't a native born citizen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-legally-what-would-happen-if-obama-wasnt-a-native-born-citizen/473274)
**Author:** [@Fenris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fenris)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2008, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hypothetical-legally-what-would-happen-if-obama-wasnt-a-native-born-citizen/473274 "2008-11-21T07:29:20Z")
Ok, the screwballs are out in force (Alan Keyes, to name just one) still saying Obama isn’t a native-born American and isn’t eligible to be president. Let’s, just for laffs, assume some sort of magical, incontrovertible… --- ## [Texas Grand Jury indicts Cheney, Gonzalez](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-grand-jury-indicts-cheney-gonzalez/473387)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-grand-jury-indicts-cheney-gonzalez/473387 "2008-11-20T23:44:46Z")
Link. No other confirmation yet, but this raises some interesting possibilities. :smiley: It’s a state indictment, so Bush can’t pardon them, can he? --- ## [Malcolm X-Died a Christian?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/malcolm-x-died-a-christian/473496)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/malcolm-x-died-a-christian/473496 "2008-11-20T22:54:10Z")
Given the recent al Qaeda message concerning Obama, I thought I’d review my understanding of Malcolm X who I thought was NoI and not Muslim. Okay, a year before he died he became a Sunni muslim. Yet his funeral was hel… --- ## [Penny Pritzker for Commerce?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penny-pritzker-for-commerce/473669)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penny-pritzker-for-commerce/473669 "2008-11-20T21:54:07Z")
Wikioedia says Big O is going to name Penny Pritzker to be Secretary of Commerce. That kinda came out of the blue for me. I mean, anyone from Chicago knows the Pritzker name. Penny seems to be involved in every cultur… --- ## [CA Supreme Court asks Brown for response to Prop 8 suits.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ca-supreme-court-asks-brown-for-response-to-prop-8-suits/472931)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ca-supreme-court-asks-brown-for-response-to-prop-8-suits/472931 "2008-11-20T21:03:57Z")
The Supreme Court of California has asked Attorney-General Jerry Brown for a response to the lawsuits challenging Prop 8. They aren’t asking Brown for his opinion on it’s validity; only whether they should accept the c… --- ## [Healthcare Reform: Oh Yeah!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/healthcare-reform-oh-yeah/473640)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/healthcare-reform-oh-yeah/473640 "2008-11-20T20:01:12Z")
As some may know I have for years been advocating for a three part reform of the healthcare coverage: insurers must cover all comers for the same price (no cherry-picking except perhaps for things like smoking); mandator… --- ## [Why does income inequality matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-income-inequality-matter/472999)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-income-inequality-matter/472999 "2008-11-20T18:20:23Z")
That’s it. That’s my question. I put it in great debates because my understanding is that views differ greatly among liberals and conservatives. --- ## [What will the Bush Admin do in its time remaining?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-bush-admin-do-in-its-time-remaining/471347)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2008, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-the-bush-admin-do-in-its-time-remaining/471347 "2008-11-20T18:11:45Z")
Any guesses? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=574) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=576)