# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=593 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 594 --- ## [Private firearms as bulwark against despotism in history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-firearms-as-bulwark-against-despotism-in-history/464950)
**Author:** [@Sophistry\_and\_Illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sophistry_and_Illusion)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-firearms-as-bulwark-against-despotism-in-history/464950 "2008-10-15T04:08:56Z")
A lot of Americans defend the principle of gun ownership on the grounds that guns in the hands of private owners serve as a check on government power and prevent a despotic government from coming to power. I have a hist… --- ## [Likely voter screens ... again.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/likely-voter-screens-again/467980)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/likely-voter-screens-again/467980 "2008-10-15T00:47:00Z")
Gallup has now started reporting their results in three formats: all registered voters (RV); likely voters according to traditional methodology that filters out people who have not voted in previous presidential cycles t… --- ## [Will the next president serve more than one term?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-next-president-serve-more-than-one-term/467972)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-next-president-serve-more-than-one-term/467972 "2008-10-15T00:38:43Z")
It’s been said (though I can’t confirm) that McCain said long ago he won’t serve more than one term. So if he wins, and this is true, he’s definitely out. If Palin needs to take over as POTUS after a McCain victory, it… --- ## [Could Cheney be right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-cheney-be-right/467642)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-cheney-be-right/467642 "2008-10-15T00:31:11Z")
I was curious about what the exact Constitutional role of the Vice-President given the question on Cheney’s interpretation during the Veep debate. First of all, it is found in Article I which does deal with the legislat… --- ## [Which candidate will cure you of outrage fatigue and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-candidate-will-cure-you-of-outrage-fatigue-and-why/467967)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [October 15, 2008, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-candidate-will-cure-you-of-outrage-fatigue-and-why/467967 "2008-10-15T00:05:02Z")
I’m actually thinking about a specific strain of outrage fatigue: the fake news stories being passed off to journalists, the expansion of secret wiretaps, the paying of pundits without disclosure, the suppression of cont… --- ## [2008 U.S. Senate Races: Speculation and Commentary Thread #1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-u-s-senate-races-speculation-and-commentary-thread-1/450790)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2008-u-s-senate-races-speculation-and-commentary-thread-1/450790 "2008-10-14T22:01:39Z")
Amazingly enough, there are other races going on this year besides the Presidential nomination and general election contests. Weird, huh? :slight\_smile: So, how about them Senate races? The Dems currently hold 51 seat… --- ## [Bad economy: a good time or bad time to return to graduate school?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-economy-a-good-time-or-bad-time-to-return-to-graduate-school/467822)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bad-economy-a-good-time-or-bad-time-to-return-to-graduate-school/467822 "2008-10-14T21:49:48Z")
This may be more appropriate for IMHO but I’ll let the mods decide. I am trying to sell my house, which in spite of the dismal housing market I have some reason to be optimistic (good price, good location, etc.), so hop… --- ## [Why do people want abortion decided at the state level?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-want-abortion-decided-at-the-state-level/467517)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-want-abortion-decided-at-the-state-level/467517 "2008-10-14T21:47:06Z")
I can understand people not considering it murder and wanting the woman to have the choice herself, that’s the position I happen to hold. I can also understand folks considering abortion murder, and wanting it outlawed … --- ## ["Say it to my face." Obama baiting McCain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-it-to-my-face-obama-baiting-mccain/467195)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-it-to-my-face-obama-baiting-mccain/467195 "2008-10-14T21:35:07Z")
In an interview with Charlie Gibson, Obama commented on McCain’s character attacks over the last week and notes that McCain did not have the sack to say it his face during tuesday’s debate: I find this comment rather i… --- ## [McCain defends Obama Against Slur](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-defends-obama-against-slur/467720)
**Author:** [@CalMeacham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CalMeacham)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-defends-obama-against-slur/467720 "2008-10-14T19:18:55Z")
McCain very decently defended Obama against an accusation that he was an Arab (not insulting in itself, although incorrect) and, by implication, a terrorist: This has been mentioned in this thread( Republ… --- ## [Resolved: Most Employment-Discrimination Claims Are, Almost Inherently, Bogus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-most-employment-discrimination-claims-are-almost-inherently-bogus/467602)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-most-employment-discrimination-claims-are-almost-inherently-bogus/467602 "2008-10-14T19:13:41Z")
I base the resolution on a few data points from my own workplace history. One, I cannot think of a single instance in which I, or any co-worker, was fired, or denied promotion, or treated worse, because of race, sex, na… --- ## [Corporal Punishment - Yay or nay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corporal-punishment-yay-or-nay/467075)
**Author:** [@Brandon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brandon)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 6:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corporal-punishment-yay-or-nay/467075 "2008-10-14T18:37:07Z")
Inspired by these two threads: Do Citizens in Poor Countries Beat Their Kids? Children of Abusive Parents: Any Attempts to Hold Your Parents Accountable? In the “Do Citizens in Poor Countries Beat Their Kids?” thread … --- ## [I confess: I don't understand the other side](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-confess-i-dont-understand-the-other-side/463081)
**Author:** [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-confess-i-dont-understand-the-other-side/463081 "2008-10-14T18:24:14Z")
In his Pit thread, Starving Artist wrote I’ve heard a similar sentiment from (I believe) Sam Stone, along the lines of “conservatives understand leftists, they just don’t agree with them, while leftists do not understa… --- ## [Palin's political future](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palins-political-future/467176)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Girl)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palins-political-future/467176 "2008-10-14T17:39:53Z")
From where I see it, it appears that Palin’s run for the White House has made her a few enemies back home in Alaska. I also think that her future in politics, if McCain/Palin lose will be tied to her future in Alaska’s p… --- ## [Would this simple idea help prevent future abuses by CEO-types?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-simple-idea-help-prevent-future-abuses-by-ceo-types/467443)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 5:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-this-simple-idea-help-prevent-future-abuses-by-ceo-types/467443 "2008-10-14T17:34:06Z")
The idea is to have any bonus or any compensation a CEO receives beyond his salary put in escrow for two years. That’s it. So, if a board of directors approves a bonus of X, it goes into an interest-bering escrow accou… --- ## [Could a "campaign reboot" win McCain back the independents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-campaign-reboot-win-mccain-back-the-independents/467729)
**Author:** [@ladyfoxfyre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ladyfoxfyre)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-campaign-reboot-win-mccain-back-the-independents/467729 "2008-10-14T15:59:17Z")
Per this article originally linked by askeptic in this thread, there is a rumor that McCain may try to do a 180 on his campaign message in the twilight days before the election. My question is: Could this win back the … --- ## [Why is McCain running such a bad campaign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-mccain-running-such-a-bad-campaign/467635)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-mccain-running-such-a-bad-campaign/467635 "2008-10-14T15:07:05Z")
McCain should be up by 10 points in the polls by now. Obama’s flip-flops on key issues like the war and taxes are well-documented. Obama claims that he will lower taxes yet raise spending :confused: . He has been tied… --- ## [Suppose McCain dies before the election...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-mccain-dies-before-the-election/467862)
**Author:** [@Hawkins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hawkins)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-mccain-dies-before-the-election/467862 "2008-10-14T14:50:22Z")
Will the GOP keep Palin on the ticket? As Veep? As Prez? And who will they put on the ticket with her? Or will they jettison her and start over? --- ## [Fibromyalgia- Traditional disease or something else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fibromyalgia-traditional-disease-or-something-else/467142)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fibromyalgia-traditional-disease-or-something-else/467142 "2008-10-14T13:20:31Z")
I don’t think any of us can deny that the pain that fibromyalgia sufferers feel is real. Nobody here is going to deny someone else’s pain and experiences. But the question remains- is fibromyalgia a traditional disease … --- ## [What is McCain's message on Obama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-mccains-message-on-obama/467547)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-mccains-message-on-obama/467547 "2008-10-14T11:37:10Z")
Is he a dangerous guy who is “palling around with terrorists” or his he a “decent family man” who we “shouldn’t be scared” to have as POTUS? If he is associating himself with terrorists then why shouldn’t everyone be sc… --- ## [British Prime Minister going blind - Does it really matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-prime-minister-going-blind-does-it-really-matter/467680)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 10:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-prime-minister-going-blind-does-it-really-matter/467680 "2008-10-14T10:34:03Z")
Gordon Brown’s eyesight is causing concern among aides I mean he’s got people to read him stuff. Is this a big deal re his ability to govern? --- ## [Bar Stool Economics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bar-stool-economics/467487)
**Author:** [@pinkyvee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkyvee)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bar-stool-economics/467487 "2008-10-14T05:17:54Z")
What is your opinion about this? Link to article Here is the tax system we have – explained with Beer Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100. If they paid their bill the… --- ## [So how bad do you think the economy is going to get?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-bad-do-you-think-the-economy-is-going-to-get/467401)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 3:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-how-bad-do-you-think-the-economy-is-going-to-get/467401 "2008-10-14T03:43:04Z")
Broad categories: \[ul\]\[\]1987: big market drop, lotsa’ people lose their shirt. Government shells out billions to correct things. Economy recovers.\[\]Japan 1990-2005: collapse of real estate bubble leaves banks prostrate, … --- ## [The Legacy of Barry Goldwater](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-legacy-of-barry-goldwater/467419)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-legacy-of-barry-goldwater/467419 "2008-10-14T03:06:32Z")
Since it is likely another Senator from Arizona will lose a Presidential race, I thought it might be interesting to take another look at Barry Goldwater. Here is the Wikipedia article on Goldwater. I’m going to ignore t… --- ## [In the second debate why was McCain wandering?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-second-debate-why-was-mccain-wandering/467553)
**Author:** [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [October 14, 2008, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-the-second-debate-why-was-mccain-wandering/467553 "2008-10-14T00:29:53Z")
When I watched the debate last week, it struck me that McCain looked confused as he wandered around the stage while Obama answered questions. I rewatched it today and once again this was my reaction. Am I missing somethi… --- ## [Does today's huge stock market jump help McCain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-todays-huge-stock-market-jump-help-mccain/467779)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2008, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-todays-huge-stock-market-jump-help-mccain/467779 "2008-10-13T23:32:51Z")
After all, a lot of the discussion up until now focused on how the downturn may help Obama, by associating the economy with the current Republican administration? If the stock market is more moderate from here on in (as… --- ## [Should we switch to a single global currency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-switch-to-a-single-global-currency/467493)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2008, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-switch-to-a-single-global-currency/467493 "2008-10-13T22:48:24Z")
It would seem more efficient to have a single currency in existence. It would ease commerce and promote globalization. Is it possible to have a global currency? What conditions would be required and how likely/soon wil… --- ## [Pro abortionists: Multiple abortions ok?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-abortionists-multiple-abortions-ok/467286)
**Author:** [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2008, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-abortionists-multiple-abortions-ok/467286 "2008-10-13T22:30:19Z")
I have been wanting to have this conversation for a while, but didn’t feel like checking to make sure it has never been discussed before, recently, or something. So, I am just going to go for it, because I am really cur… --- ## [Whatever happened to those Congressional investigations on oil price gouging?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-those-congressional-investigations-on-oil-price-gouging/467611)
**Author:** [@IdahoMauleMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IdahoMauleMan)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2008, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-those-congressional-investigations-on-oil-price-gouging/467611 "2008-10-13T20:24:23Z")
You know, the investigations where they trotted up CEOs of oil companies, and commodities ‘speculators’, to Capital Hill to grill them on how they were manipulating markets and causing high gas prices to squeeze American… --- ## [How can Christian Righters be against gay marriage but not divorce?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-christian-righters-be-against-gay-marriage-but-not-divorce/466962)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [October 13, 2008, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-christian-righters-be-against-gay-marriage-but-not-divorce/466962 "2008-10-13T16:40:36Z")
This isn’t a pitting of divorce/remarriage or anybody in particular but an honest question. Since it’s on a religious/political topic however I’ll put it here. I’ve never understood this double standard and I’m seeing … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=592) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=594)