# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=592 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 593 --- ## [What keeps OPEC from creating an oil shortage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-keeps-opec-from-creating-an-oil-shortage/468336)
**Author:** [@aerodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aerodave)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-keeps-opec-from-creating-an-oil-shortage/468336 "2008-10-17T18:07:46Z")
The price of crude has fallen significantly over the past few weeks on signs of continually eroding demand. OPEC, not surprisingly, is unhappy about this (see the bottom half of that article). But so far, their modest … --- ## [FBI Infiltrating the Mob: How does It Work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-infiltrating-the-mob-how-does-it-work/468219)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fbi-infiltrating-the-mob-how-does-it-work/468219 "2008-10-17T16:51:32Z")
I am having trouble understanding how the FBI “infiltrated” the MOB (local Mafias). To wit: the case of ex-FBI agent John Connelly (now on trial in Miami, on murder charges). In the 1970’s the FBI launched a program to… --- ## [If the US government model is so great why haven't more democracies adopted it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-us-government-model-is-so-great-why-havent-more-democracies-adopted-it/467997)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 2:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-us-government-model-is-so-great-why-havent-more-democracies-adopted-it/467997 "2008-10-17T14:06:33Z")
The parliamentary model seemsoverwhelmingly preferred among the more advanced democratic nations. Why is this the case? We like to think of ourselves as the avatars of a successful and dynamic democracy. Why is the Am… --- ## [WOULD dropping A-bombs on Germany have stopped the Nazis?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-dropping-a-bombs-on-germany-have-stopped-the-nazis/467786)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-dropping-a-bombs-on-germany-have-stopped-the-nazis/467786 "2008-10-17T05:35:23Z")
Inspired by this thread. Now, obviously, there are a zillion what-ifs and qualifiers. Let’s assume the following scenario: The Nazis win at Stalingrad and also successfully capture the Caucasus Oil Fields. The Soviets… --- ## [Why were Bush Sr. and Jr. such different presidents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-bush-sr-and-jr-such-different-presidents/468241)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-bush-sr-and-jr-such-different-presidents/468241 "2008-10-17T03:53:37Z")
Suggested by this post of What Exit’s in an IMHO thread. Like Jim, I thought well of and twice voted for President George H. W. Bush, while believing his son to be so horrid a chief executive that it only his picking a … --- ## [Independents and Conservatives: Obama rated most liberal Senator...Do you care?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independents-and-conservatives-obama-rated-most-liberal-senator-do-you-care/468134)
**Author:** [@Plan\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plan_B)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independents-and-conservatives-obama-rated-most-liberal-senator-do-you-care/468134 "2008-10-17T03:32:43Z")
According to the National Journal, Barack Obama is the most liberal Senator. And I believe that Joe Biden is the third most liberal. I seem to remember some consistent polling results saying that about 20% of Americans… --- ## [Is George Soros making Billions Out of this Stock market Crash?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-george-soros-making-billions-out-of-this-stock-market-crash/468184)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-george-soros-making-billions-out-of-this-stock-market-crash/468184 "2008-10-17T03:01:11Z")
I noticed that after the big crash, Congress halted short selling. Then we had a big rally (Tuesday)-and short selling resumed-this was followed by Wednesday’s crash! I find the timing of this to be suspicious. Is ther… --- ## [Would you stop the Black Death?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-stop-the-black-death/467928)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [October 17, 2008, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-stop-the-black-death/467928 "2008-10-17T00:23:29Z")
In an earlier thread, there was a discussion about whether or not, assuming you had a time machine, you should stop Adam Walsh from being kidnapped. Adam Walsh, as I’m sure you remember, was the little boy who was kidna… --- ## [Scam baiting- good or evil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-baiting-good-or-evil/466140)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2008, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scam-baiting-good-or-evil/466140 "2008-10-16T14:47:45Z")
Scambaiting is the practice of harassing scammers. Most often this occurs with 419 scams- basically the baiter responds to a 419 letter and make it seem like they are interested in getting involved. Then they convince th… --- ## [What happend to one man one vote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-one-man-one-vote/467133)
**Author:** [@footballisplayedwithyourfeet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/footballisplayedwithyourfeet)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2008, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happend-to-one-man-one-vote/467133 "2008-10-16T14:36:20Z")
Hi you Amerivan dopers, From someone living in a very proportional representation based political system, what do you think of the Electoral College and the Senate? To clarify, every state has two senators in the senat… --- ## [Why couldnt a muslim become President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-couldnt-a-muslim-become-president/467579)
**Author:** [@Punintentional](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Punintentional)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2008, 9:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-couldnt-a-muslim-become-president/467579 "2008-10-16T09:18:35Z")
Could a Muslim not become President because America is prejudice? --- ## [McCain hires Saddam Hussein's corrupt lobbyist as his transition chief.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-hires-saddam-husseins-corrupt-lobbyist-as-his-transition-chief/467975)
**Author:** [@choie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/choie)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2008, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-hires-saddam-husseins-corrupt-lobbyist-as-his-transition-chief/467975 "2008-10-16T08:52:41Z")
Ain’t this a kick in the head? As McCain promises to attack Obama for his alleged Ayers connection in the debate, a new investigative piece reveals that McCain’s the proverbial pot calling the kettle black when it comes… --- ## [Guantanamo Bay and Children Captives.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guantanamo-bay-and-children-captives/468154)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2008, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guantanamo-bay-and-children-captives/468154 "2008-10-16T06:36:11Z")
Recently in a magazine article (I forget exactly what magazine it was) I read something disturbing. Some of the so-called “terrorist” captives at Guantanamo Bay are actually children, under the age of 18. Is this true? A… --- ## [Are things really tighter for the average person due to the economy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-things-really-tighter-for-the-average-person-due-to-the-economy/467968)
**Author:** [@Freejooky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freejooky)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 16, 2008, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-things-really-tighter-for-the-average-person-due-to-the-economy/467968 "2008-10-16T00:07:48Z")
I don’t really buy it. For the past year or so, everyone seems to be hung up on how “bad” the economy is and how they’re “making ends meet.” You especially tend to hear this about middle-class suburban people. Why? How … --- ## [Amazing Statistics On Voter Registration: Now, Will They All Actually Vote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-statistics-on-voter-registration-now-will-they-all-actually-vote/468078)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amazing-statistics-on-voter-registration-now-will-they-all-actually-vote/468078 "2008-10-15T23:42:29Z")
Here is an interesting article on the work the Obama camp has been doing to register new voters. Here is part of the info from the attached link that shows the gains: I have to assume that, come election day, there wi… --- ## [Mechanism of a McCain/Palin Victory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mechanism-of-a-mccain-palin-victory/468049)
**Author:** [@smithsb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smithsb)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mechanism-of-a-mccain-palin-victory/468049 "2008-10-15T22:09:13Z")
How will/can they win? I’m not interested in platforms, issues, name calling, and the like. That’s the gist of a dozen other threads. My ideas for victory. Remember they just need the core 20% or so and few swing voter… --- ## [Why do gas prices fluctuate, but not Wii Prices?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gas-prices-fluctuate-but-not-wii-prices/467742)
**Author:** [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gas-prices-fluctuate-but-not-wii-prices/467742 "2008-10-15T21:22:27Z")
This is more general than the subject might lead you to believe. Gas prices fluctuate daily, based on a number of factors including, some say, dart boards and tea leaves. In any case, let’s say there’s supply and demand… --- ## [10/15 debate night...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-15-debate-night/468077)
**Author:** [@Ellacec](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ellacec)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-15-debate-night/468077 "2008-10-15T21:14:34Z")
Well all, here we go. Another debate is scheduled tonight, during a time where our economy is going down the drain. Should be interesting, and I’m definately going to watch! Post your thoughts here on who you think wo… --- ## [Another unpleasant Obama association](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-unpleasant-obama-association/467982)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-unpleasant-obama-association/467982 "2008-10-15T20:54:37Z")
There was this article in The Washington Times. It relays Obama’s association with Raila Odinga of Kenya. Mr. Odinga is not your average Ivory Tower Marxist. The group he lead was responsible for some horrific violence… --- ## [Do People Tend to Become More Conservative as They Grow Older?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-tend-to-become-more-conservative-as-they-grow-older/457231)
**Author:** [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-tend-to-become-more-conservative-as-they-grow-older/457231 "2008-10-15T20:26:22Z")
In this thread about Dennis Hopper being a loyal Republican who voted for Bush twice, I inadvertenly stirred up a hornet’s nest. Sorry about that. I put it in Cafe Society because it was about Dennis Hopper, but I probab… --- ## [The only poll that counts ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-only-poll-that-counts/467990)
**Author:** [@Arkcon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arkcon)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-only-poll-that-counts/467990 "2008-10-15T18:35:24Z")
This link is over on Fark.com, and there’s no shortage of partisan opinions, but no real answer to my question. First the link: Obama Wins Scholastic News Election Poll from that particular article: the results of th… --- ## [What happens if other countries cut off our credit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-other-countries-cut-off-our-credit/467665)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-other-countries-cut-off-our-credit/467665 "2008-10-15T17:31:11Z")
I figure this is the really big shoe that hasn’t dropped yet. The United States has gotten away with some unsound economic policies for over 25 years because other countries believe our nationally economy is fundamental… --- ## [US Bank Nationalization](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-bank-nationalization/467867)
**Author:** [@ishamael69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ishamael69)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-bank-nationalization/467867 "2008-10-15T17:19:39Z")
A question about the infusion of $250 billion into the banks today… CitiGroup, JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo will each receive $25 billion through this deal. CitiGroup just tried to buy Wachovia for … --- ## [Battle of Stalingrad far more important than D-Day in defeating Germans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battle-of-stalingrad-far-more-important-than-d-day-in-defeating-germans/467686)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battle-of-stalingrad-far-more-important-than-d-day-in-defeating-germans/467686 "2008-10-15T17:03:10Z")
That is asserted here. I always thought D-Day was the main crushing blow. Battle of Stalingrad D-Day Was the Battle off Stalingrad much more important than D-Day? --- ## [Why are the Republicans favored on defense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-republicans-favored-on-defense/467718)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-republicans-favored-on-defense/467718 "2008-10-15T15:59:34Z")
I hear again and again that the Obama campaign benefited from the financial crisis, because the public prefers the Democrats on the economy but the Republicans on defense. Why on Earth is this still the case? The curre… --- ## [Republicans losing thier minds as a nigger gets closer to being POTUS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-losing-thier-minds-as-a-nigger-gets-closer-to-being-potus/467442)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-losing-thier-minds-as-a-nigger-gets-closer-to-being-potus/467442 "2008-10-15T15:00:01Z")
Anti-Obama anger erupts at McCain events Taunts, jeers noticeably louder when VP candidate Palin appears I’'m a registered sick of Bush & Bush lite-McCain pubbie voting for Obama. I know what many (not all) Republican… --- ## [Let's talk about time.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-time/467676)
**Author:** [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 10:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-time/467676 "2008-10-15T10:57:11Z")
This might not come out all too clear, but for me, it was a novel way of thinking about time. It may very well be very wrong or unoriginal, but I never put it in this perspective before. As a layman, I’ve often heard of… --- ## [Critique the Rolling Stone article damning John McCain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-the-rolling-stone-article-damning-john-mccain/467814)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-the-rolling-stone-article-damning-john-mccain/467814 "2008-10-15T09:02:12Z")
So, I resisted for quite some time reading the article that has been floating around for the last couple of weeks in RollingStone called Make-Believe Maverick. I try to avoid political articles in RollingStone because t… --- ## [Let's define fiscal conservatism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-define-fiscal-conservatism/467903)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-define-fiscal-conservatism/467903 "2008-10-15T05:25:07Z")
Lots of people claim to be for fiscal conservatism, but it always seems to devolve into a No True Scotsman conversation. Person A: Such-and-such claimed to be a fiscal conservative, but he raised spending. Person B: … --- ## [The GOP is falling apart.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gop-is-falling-apart/467559)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gop-is-falling-apart/467559 "2008-10-15T04:21:17Z")
Things really started to unravel within the Republican collation when the cold war ended, but now they have completely fallen apart. On the issues front, McCain tried to preform magic by appealing to both social conserv… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=591) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=593)