# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=591 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 592 --- ## [Which is more important: protecting the innocent or punishing the guilty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-more-important-protecting-the-innocent-or-punishing-the-guilty/468429)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2008, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-more-important-protecting-the-innocent-or-punishing-the-guilty/468429 "2008-10-20T16:18:11Z")
The current kerfuffle about voter registrations seems to be breaking along similar partisan lines as previous kerfuffles about things like the death penalty and terrorism. On the one side are people who focus on protect… --- ## [Should Employers allow political exchanges in the workplace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-employers-allow-political-exchanges-in-the-workplace/468430)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2008, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-employers-allow-political-exchanges-in-the-workplace/468430 "2008-10-20T14:56:45Z")
Should employers allow people in their place of work to have political exchanges? This could mean: tacking rally signs of your candidate all over your cube? Posters in the lunchroom? Your boss asking you who you are goi… --- ## [Joe the Plumber and privacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-the-plumber-and-privacy/468664)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2008, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-the-plumber-and-privacy/468664 "2008-10-20T14:54:55Z")
This is a very specific issue that I haven’t noticed on any other JTP thread, so apologies if it’s just my inattentiveness, but it seems that I’ve heard complaints from Pubbies the last few days IRL (and, I think, from … --- ## [Will we see a return to sensibility re: airline security?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-see-a-return-to-sensibility-re-airline-security/468011)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2008, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-see-a-return-to-sensibility-re-airline-security/468011 "2008-10-20T14:20:24Z")
I was reading an article about the new security scanners being trialled at Melbourne airport that can see through clothes and detect explosives in gels and liquids, which got me wondering: Will we see a return to the da… --- ## [Snowmobiles banned in Yellowstone National Park!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snowmobiles-banned-in-yellowstone-national-park/468612)
**Author:** [@Mr.Frink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Frink)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2008, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snowmobiles-banned-in-yellowstone-national-park/468612 "2008-10-20T07:59:11Z")
On Sept 15, 2008,the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia rejected Yellowstone’s latest winter use plan, in effect banning all snowmobiles & snowcoaches from Yellowstone National Park. Their stated reason w… --- ## [Why no scare of becoming fascist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-scare-of-becoming-fascist/468332)
**Author:** [@Yodalicious](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yodalicious)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2008, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-scare-of-becoming-fascist/468332 "2008-10-20T02:49:58Z")
I didn’t want to highjack Euphonious Polemic’s “Socialist” Country Comparisons thread. It seems there is a certain population of people in the US that fear us becoming a socialist country if we elect a liberal president… --- ## [A Juror's Resposibility](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-jurors-resposibility/468669)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 20, 2008, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-jurors-resposibility/468669 "2008-10-20T01:59:33Z")
I just finished watching the move “Twelve Angry Men” Its led me to ponder this question. If a juror believes that the prosecution has not proved its case, that there is reasonable doubt, yet he is not comfortable to gi… --- ## [Do you believe in redemption?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-in-redemption/468563)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2008, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-in-redemption/468563 "2008-10-19T21:37:47Z")
Inspired by the current thread on William Ayers and whether he has changed since the Vietnam War, and whether that matters. But I hope the conversation is about more than one 60s radical. Do you believe in redemption? … --- ## [The line between promoting issues and promoting candidates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-line-between-promoting-issues-and-promoting-candidates/468657)
**Author:** [@Soggy\_Biscuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soggy_Biscuit)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2008, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-line-between-promoting-issues-and-promoting-candidates/468657 "2008-10-19T21:10:28Z")
My church recently passed out a letter that had to do with clarifying how we, as Catholics, are supposed to vote in the upcoming election. It mentions no specific candidates, but makes it very clear that we are not supp… --- ## [Which incumbent Do You Most Want to See Go Down in Flames?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-incumbent-do-you-most-want-to-see-go-down-in-flames/468492)
**Author:** [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2008, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-incumbent-do-you-most-want-to-see-go-down-in-flames/468492 "2008-10-19T21:07:32Z")
My top 5 (all Republicans of course) Mean Jean Schmidt (OH-2) Batshit crazy. Called Vietnam vet John Murtha a coward on the House floor. Ted Stevens (AK - Senate) Senator Tubes is 84, partially senile and totall… --- ## [Is it possible that John McCain wants Obama to win?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-john-mccain-wants-obama-to-win/468335)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2008, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-john-mccain-wants-obama-to-win/468335 "2008-10-19T18:17:22Z")
I believe that in his heart, John McCain is a decent man. I also don’t think he is stupid. So for the life of me I can’t figure out why he has become so polarizing and extreme lately. Surely he knows that he needs the mo… --- ## [Why such a shortage of Obama campaign materials?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-such-a-shortage-of-obama-campaign-materials/467873)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2008, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-such-a-shortage-of-obama-campaign-materials/467873 "2008-10-19T05:16:29Z")
(Posted here because it’s too political for GQ and other forums.) I’m literally surrounded by Obama campaign offices; there’s three within a ten minute drive of my house. Still, checking in with them, none have yard si… --- ## [Pailin worse than Quayle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pailin-worse-than-quayle/468092)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [October 19, 2008, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pailin-worse-than-quayle/468092 "2008-10-19T04:23:31Z")
In this post What Exit says that Palin is worse than Quayle. From this side of the Atlantic, I have difficulty understanding the idea. To me, whereas Quayle was at times merely bone-headed, Palin seems merely ignorant. … --- ## [Canadian Election Results](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-election-results/467981)
**Author:** [@HongKongFooey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HongKongFooey)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-election-results/467981 "2008-10-18T23:19:15Z")
Not many surprises so far. Danny Williams’ anything but conservative campaign appears to have worked but it won’t make much difference in the end probably. Even though I knew it would be unlikely I was really hoping Eliz… --- ## [McCain does want to overturn Roe V Wade](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-does-want-to-overturn-roe-v-wade/468147)
**Author:** [@Clu-Me-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clu-Me-In)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-does-want-to-overturn-roe-v-wade/468147 "2008-10-18T22:51:47Z")
I have heard John McCain say many times before that he believed that Abortion is wrong and that the we should let the states decide it. He said it again tonight. If the moderator raised the question, why didn’t he follo… --- ## [Does speaking strongly against bigotry make one a bigot as well?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-speaking-strongly-against-bigotry-make-one-a-bigot-as-well/468321)
**Author:** [@torie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/torie)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-speaking-strongly-against-bigotry-make-one-a-bigot-as-well/468321 "2008-10-18T19:44:27Z")
I am in a rather interesting argument on another message board. The original argument revolved around gay marriage and isn’t important, but one self-admitted Christian who has moral problems with gays and our new toleran… --- ## [Interesting WSJ article on why national voter polls have such varying results](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-wsj-article-on-why-national-voter-polls-have-such-varying-results/468409)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-wsj-article-on-why-national-voter-polls-have-such-varying-results/468409 "2008-10-18T19:02:53Z")
Not a debate as such, but likely to be of more interest to this forum than elsewhere. Mods please move if you think it belongs elsewhere. Some Surveys Indicate Tighter Presidential Race - Differences in Predicting Outco… --- ## [California Propositions 2008](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-propositions-2008/466870)
**Author:** [@Pleonast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pleonast)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-propositions-2008/466870 "2008-10-18T15:29:49Z")
Four weeks until the election and California voters have a full slate of issues to consider. Have you done your homework yet? Here is a list of the propositions and how the parties stand on them. 1A: Bond for high-spe… --- ## [What to do with losers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-losers/468131)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-losers/468131 "2008-10-18T12:37:53Z")
This originally came up in regards to welfare, although the question can be applied more broadly. Let’s say that you make allowance for the genuinely physically and mentally handicapped. Let’s say further that you weed o… --- ## [Frequency of Palin coverage v. Biden coverage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frequency-of-palin-coverage-v-biden-coverage/468455)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frequency-of-palin-coverage-v-biden-coverage/468455 "2008-10-18T06:47:30Z")
This is really a GQ, but since there is a political connotation I figured I might as well start out where it will end up. (I guess it also allows me to be a bit freer with adjectives.) We’re all familiar with one of the… --- ## [US Representative calls for journalistic investigation of Congress](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-representative-calls-for-journalistic-investigation-of-congress/468456)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 6:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-representative-calls-for-journalistic-investigation-of-congress/468456 "2008-10-18T06:46:44Z")
In an interview tonight with Chris Matthews of MSNBC on his Hardball show, Republican Representative Michele Bachmann, of Minnesota, called on journalists to investigate liberal members of Congress to determine who among… --- ## [Which branch of the US govt is most influential domestically](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-branch-of-the-us-govt-is-most-influential-domestically/468488)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 5:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-branch-of-the-us-govt-is-most-influential-domestically/468488 "2008-10-18T05:59:14Z")
Last I heard, the approval rating of congress was much lower then that of the president. It seems to me that the recent rescue plan was on hold till congress approved it. Congress foiled the Clinton administration prop… --- ## [McCain says any suppoter of Roe v Wade is unqualified?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-says-any-suppoter-of-roe-v-wade-is-unqualified/468477)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-says-any-suppoter-of-roe-v-wade-is-unqualified/468477 "2008-10-18T02:56:19Z")
There’s some ambiguity in McCain’s reply during the last debate on litmus tests for Supreme Court nominees. Here’s what was said: McCain: I would consider anyone in their qualifications. I do not believe that someone w… --- ## [Has the nature-nurture issue been definitely settled in favor of nature?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-nature-nurture-issue-been-definitely-settled-in-favor-of-nature/467152)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 2:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-nature-nurture-issue-been-definitely-settled-in-favor-of-nature/467152 "2008-10-18T02:14:04Z")
Is it now a proven fact that heredity plays a more important role than environment in determining individual human personality, psychological characteristics, and mental abilities? Because that’s what John Derbyshire is… --- ## [Hey, we bagged another #2!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-we-bagged-another-2/468028)
**Author:** [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-we-bagged-another-2/468028 "2008-10-18T01:45:59Z")
Story here. Either being the #2 guy in al-Qaida in Iraq is the equivalent of being the anonymous redshirt dude in the landing party on Star Trek TOS, or we’re making stuff up, or something. This is more or less politic… --- ## [If the Confederacy Had Taken Back Chattanooga in 1863 (a McCain/Obama free thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-confederacy-had-taken-back-chattanooga-in-1863-a-mccain-obama-free-thread/468167)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 18, 2008, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-confederacy-had-taken-back-chattanooga-in-1863-a-mccain-obama-free-thread/468167 "2008-10-18T00:40:19Z")
For Civil War buffs: July 4, 1863 wasn’t the death of the CSA but I have generally seen it as the day it received its mortal wound. In the west it was the day Vicksburg fell, making the Mississippi a completely Union r… --- ## [Obama leading in North Dakota - Is this possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-leading-in-north-dakota-is-this-possible/468388)
**Author:** [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-leading-in-north-dakota-is-this-possible/468388 "2008-10-17T22:36:36Z")
The last couple of months I have become a poll watcher and have seen some strange things happen, but none stranger than North Dakota. I have seen McCain’s lead go from 15 (or so) to Obama leading by two or three. http:/… --- ## [What do you think of InTrade and other such "prediction markets" short/long term?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-intrade-and-other-such-prediction-markets-short-long-term/467132)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-you-think-of-intrade-and-other-such-prediction-markets-short-long-term/467132 "2008-10-17T22:15:58Z")
Sites like InTrade allow people to use real money to purchase “shares” of futures in predicting political, economic, and other (non-sports) events, sort of like a stock market for political punditry. (Except, again, you… --- ## [People shouting "Kill Obama!" at McCain/Palin rallies: where's the Secret Service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-shouting-kill-obama-at-mccain-palin-rallies-wheres-the-secret-service/468117)
**Author:** [@elmwood](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elmwood)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-shouting-kill-obama-at-mccain-palin-rallies-wheres-the-secret-service/468117 "2008-10-17T21:11:11Z")
Historically, the Secret Service takes a very dim view on those threatening to kill presidential candidates, as well as the standing President. So, considering all the people shouting “Kill Obama!”, “Off with his head!”… --- ## [Illiois Sheriff Refuses To Evict People: New Era Of Squatter's Rights Coming?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illiois-sheriff-refuses-to-evict-people-new-era-of-squatters-rights-coming/467071)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illiois-sheriff-refuses-to-evict-people-new-era-of-squatters-rights-coming/467071 "2008-10-17T21:06:39Z")
The article in question is here and doesn’t mention my question about squatter’s rights, but does pose the question: Assuming other police departments follow suit, and nobody gets physically evicted from homes, how long … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=590) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=592)