# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=597 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 598 --- ## [Youtube vid: Repubs. tried to fix Fanni/Freddie in 2004....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-vid-repubs-tried-to-fix-fanni-freddie-in-2004/466515)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2008, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/youtube-vid-repubs-tried-to-fix-fanni-freddie-in-2004/466515 "2008-10-06T08:53:28Z")
So, just saw this video on youtube: http://tw.youtube.com/watch?v=\_MGT\_cSi7Rs I find it hard to believe that anyone would argue that Republicans are the pro-regulation team in this issue, but that seems to be what the v… --- ## [Spike Lee says Italians aren't facing up to their real WWII history? Is he correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spike-lee-says-italians-arent-facing-up-to-their-real-wwii-history-is-he-correct/465961)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2008, 6:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spike-lee-says-italians-arent-facing-up-to-their-real-wwii-history-is-he-correct/465961 "2008-10-06T06:24:49Z")
That’s the claim being made in this articlere his new film. Does Spike Lee have a point? --- ## [9/11: An economic attack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-an-economic-attack/466451)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2008, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11-an-economic-attack/466451 "2008-10-06T05:07:13Z")
Hasn’t the lasting effect of 9/11 been the financial costs we’ve taken on as a result of our war on terror? The loss of life is catastrophic, but the our military, economy, ability to reason and effectively evaluate thr… --- ## [George Will: Early/absentee voting lowers "quality of the electoral turnout"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-will-early-absentee-voting-lowers-quality-of-the-electoral-turnout/466323)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2008, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-will-early-absentee-voting-lowers-quality-of-the-electoral-turnout/466323 "2008-10-06T04:43:11Z")
Recent editorial by George Will: :dubious: Hey, George: How about, people who have day jobs and cannot conveniently fit voting into a working day? Or people who are disabled or elderly and cannot easily get themse… --- ## [Will economic recession halt the growth of Prosperity theology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-economic-recession-halt-the-growth-of-prosperity-theology/466582)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [October 6, 2008, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-economic-recession-halt-the-growth-of-prosperity-theology/466582 "2008-10-06T00:09:54Z")
I just read an interesting article in Time about how the mortgage bubble served as a boon for Prosperity pastors. Will an economic downturn affect this particular (in my opinion despicable) branch of Christianity? Have… --- ## [Rolling Stone article about John McCain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stone-article-about-john-mccain/466366)
**Author:** [@A\_shameful\_cracka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A_shameful_cracka)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2008, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rolling-stone-article-about-john-mccain/466366 "2008-10-05T20:01:02Z")
I used to support John McCain, back in 2000, based on his recent record at the time. I have not been happy with the changes in his platform since then and now support Obama, but wished that McCain of 2000 would run in t… --- ## [Biden v. Palin Debate Oct 2.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biden-v-palin-debate-oct-2/464965)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 316\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2008, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/biden-v-palin-debate-oct-2/464965 "2008-10-05T18:07:46Z")
I feel bad for Biden in this debate. Given his personality, I don’t see how he can win this thing. If he tries to be nice, he will come across as condescending. If he attacks, he will look like a mean, cranky old bast… --- ## [Does the US Lead in Anything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-us-lead-in-anything/464590)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2008, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-us-lead-in-anything/464590 "2008-10-05T18:05:49Z")
This is something like a rant or a pitting. But also, it is a request for factual answers. I was watching The American Experience, Streamliners. In the 1940-something, the fastest trains in the world were American. Now … --- ## [OJ Simpson Convicted on Robbery, But Sentenced for Murder: Fair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oj-simpson-convicted-on-robbery-but-sentenced-for-murder-fair/466476)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2008, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oj-simpson-convicted-on-robbery-but-sentenced-for-murder-fair/466476 "2008-10-05T17:17:35Z")
When a judge decides a criminal sentence, he or she usually has discretion to increase or decrease that sentence depending on a number of factors. One of those factors is whether the defendant has previously committed c… --- ## [Does this qualify for paranormal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-qualify-for-paranormal/466111)
**Author:** [@EverLearner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EverLearner)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2008, 10:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-this-qualify-for-paranormal/466111 "2008-10-05T10:13:58Z")
I attended a ceremony and the Sheikh gave the audience a chance to tell him what they dreamed about and he interpreted their dreams. Sometimes he would mention something that would happen to the person who had the dream … --- ## [What if you could have more than one vote per person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-you-could-have-more-than-one-vote-per-person/466376)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2008, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-you-could-have-more-than-one-vote-per-person/466376 "2008-10-05T02:35:40Z")
I know, I know, “one man, one vote” but just pipe down and listen for a second, willya? Thank you. Now, if a system were proposed by which “deserving” people got more than a single vote, what would be your suggestion fo… --- ## [Will Brokaw require Obama & McCain to answer the questions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-brokaw-require-obama-mccain-to-answer-the-questions/466474)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [October 5, 2008, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-brokaw-require-obama-mccain-to-answer-the-questions/466474 "2008-10-05T00:51:35Z")
McCain likes the forthcoming Town Meeting format because, I’m told, it lends itself to one of his fortes: bullshitting, rather than answering truthfully. Obama also likes to stretch things a bit, as well. During the VP … --- ## [Will the Credit Crunch be the excuse for a withdrawal from Iraq?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-credit-crunch-be-the-excuse-for-a-withdrawal-from-iraq/466462)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2008, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-credit-crunch-be-the-excuse-for-a-withdrawal-from-iraq/466462 "2008-10-04T20:36:10Z")
Assuming Obama wins (as I expect), he’s surely going to note that the $700B cost of the (we hope) fix for the Credit Crunch is about the same as the cost of Iraq over the next 8 years. So will he use it as an excuse to … --- ## [Canadian Debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-debate/466269)
**Author:** [@Leaffan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaffan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2008, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadian-debate/466269 "2008-10-04T20:03:33Z")
Well? Who won? Who lost? Harper was getting beat up (4 on 1) for the first bit, but he had a good showing in the second half. I think he wins. I actually like Gilles Duceppe. He seems like a pretty decent guy, with… --- ## [The economic rescue/bailout bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-economic-rescue-bailout-bill/466219)
**Author:** [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2008, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-economic-rescue-bailout-bill/466219 "2008-10-04T19:10:03Z")
For one of the first times in my life, I am ignoring my principles and acting in pure self-interest. I am in the midst of trying to settle on the sale of my house, I desperately need this closing, and I am afraid the bu… --- ## [Specific allegation that Clinton Admin is at fault re: mortgage crisis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specific-allegation-that-clinton-admin-is-at-fault-re-mortgage-crisis/466013)
**Author:** [@xanthous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xanthous)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2008, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/specific-allegation-that-clinton-admin-is-at-fault-re-mortgage-crisis/466013 "2008-10-04T15:06:44Z")
There are so many threads on this topic and search is not working (again)- not sure if I can pick through and find the one with comments regarding Clinton’s part (or not) in this mess. I received the below forwarded e-ma… --- ## [Let's get something straight: Oil drilling does NOTHING for "energy independence"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-get-something-straight-oil-drilling-does-nothing-for-energy-independence/466369)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2008, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-get-something-straight-oil-drilling-does-nothing-for-energy-independence/466369 "2008-10-04T13:40:24Z")
Palin keeps repeating the widely used talking point that more domestic oil drilling will somehow magically lead to greater US energy independence. It will not. Why? Because oil is a fungible commodity. Any oil pumped he… --- ## [Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-loss-and-bariatric-surgery-debate/466202)
**Author:** [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2008, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weight-loss-and-bariatric-surgery-debate/466202 "2008-10-04T05:54:55Z")
OK, I’m sure I’m gonna get smacked down hard for junior modding, but I thought that it might be courteous for us to leave this thread for the celebration it was meant to be, and so I opened this thread for those who want… --- ## [Shouldn't Palin just resign at this point?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldnt-palin-just-resign-at-this-point/465309)
**Author:** [@deanc2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deanc2000)\ **Replies:** 377\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2008, 2:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldnt-palin-just-resign-at-this-point/465309 "2008-10-04T02:08:38Z")
It’s obvious that she’s in way over her head here, just by her performances over the past month. McCaine’s numbers are sinking and I think one way that his campaign COULD be saved/resurrected is that Palin voluntarily r… --- ## [Economic Impact of The Television Remote Control](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-impact-of-the-television-remote-control/466394)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [October 4, 2008, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-impact-of-the-television-remote-control/466394 "2008-10-04T00:20:47Z")
As I tried to nap this afternoon my thoughts turned to the television remote and I pondered the thought that no invention has made my life (and every other guy’s) easier than this item. I am ignoring the sit down lawn m… --- ## [Is the presidential winner going to end up the loser](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-presidential-winner-going-to-end-up-the-loser/465799)
**Author:** [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-presidential-winner-going-to-end-up-the-loser/465799 "2008-10-03T23:13:30Z")
It strikes me that the U.S. is headed for bad times and not just in the short run. I may be taking a pessimistic angle, but even with good breaks we are headed for a minimum of five or six very bad years on a number of f… --- ## ["The Usual Suspects" of Great Debates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-usual-suspects-of-great-debates/466345)
**Author:** [@Parthol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Parthol)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 8:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-usual-suspects-of-great-debates/466345 "2008-10-03T20:27:35Z")
(Mods – I can think of good reasons for this to be in pretty much every possible forum. Feel free to move it anywhere you think appropriate.) While I don’t post very much, I’ve been lurking and reading and learning for… --- ## [By "popular demand", More Birchier!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-popular-demand-more-birchier/465267)
**Author:** [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/by-popular-demand-more-birchier/465267 "2008-10-03T19:26:14Z")
http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showpost.php?p=10241374&postcount=31 Ravenman Charter Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Posts: 5,167 Location: Barackington, DC OK, first- I was a member twice- from 1980 to 1983, and… --- ## [If the Confederacy had won, would they have eventually abolished slavery?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-confederacy-had-won-would-they-have-eventually-abolished-slavery/466047)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-confederacy-had-won-would-they-have-eventually-abolished-slavery/466047 "2008-10-03T19:20:33Z")
If the Confederacy had won their independence in the American Civil War, would they have eventually moved to an industrial economy and ultimately abolished slavery? Slavery is a product of the invention of agriculture, … --- ## [Barney Frank: "Fannie and Freddie are Sound"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-fannie-and-freddie-are-sound/466325)
**Author:** [@Peanut\_Gallery](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peanut_Gallery)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/barney-frank-fannie-and-freddie-are-sound/466325 "2008-10-03T17:57:00Z")
I’m hoping somebody can help clarify/defend Barney Frank’s role in the current economic whatever-you-call-it-today. Start with this O’Reilly interview. (Warning: It’s an O’Reilly interview! Sorry the link is such a bi… --- ## [Let's define fair and unfair questions for Palin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-define-fair-and-unfair-questions-for-palin/465940)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-define-fair-and-unfair-questions-for-palin/465940 "2008-10-03T17:47:15Z")
For example, I would like Gwen Ifill to ask Palin to elaborate on her “I can see Rooshia from my bathroom window” position, not just give her a second crack at it by phrasing a neutral softball like “Could you tell us wh… --- ## [Why are liberals the knee-jerks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-liberals-the-knee-jerks/465838)
**Author:** [@parthenokinesis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/parthenokinesis)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-liberals-the-knee-jerks/465838 "2008-10-03T17:15:11Z")
In this post Shodan says \[QUOTE=Shodan\] Not with some people, it doesn’t. Knee-jerkers react automatically. That’s why there’s a name for it. \[/QUOTE\] Knee Jerk Liberal is a term I have been inundated with my entire … --- ## [Ladies & gentlemen, your future vice president! (Palin interview by Katie Couric)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-gentlemen-your-future-vice-president-palin-interview-by-katie-couric/465174)
**Author:** [@HoboStew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoboStew)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ladies-gentlemen-your-future-vice-president-palin-interview-by-katie-couric/465174 "2008-10-03T16:25:34Z")
So here’s the debate: has any politician ever looked worse in a shorter amount of time than Palin does here? --- ## [Selection of Presidential Moderators](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selection-of-presidential-moderators/465979)
**Author:** [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selection-of-presidential-moderators/465979 "2008-10-03T06:30:38Z")
In the upcoming ice Presidential debate between Senator Biden and Governor Palin it will be moderated by Gwen Ifill who has written a book titled: The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama. This indicates… --- ## [Does McCalin have a clear two-states position on the Israel-Palestine question?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-mccalin-have-a-clear-two-states-position-on-the-israel-palestine-question/466280)
**Author:** [@CairoCarol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CairoCarol)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [October 3, 2008, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-mccalin-have-a-clear-two-states-position-on-the-israel-palestine-question/466280 "2008-10-03T06:14:09Z")
This is really more of a GQ, but we know that any thread with the word “Palin” in it will end up in GD or the Pit, so here goes… While watching the VP candidates’ debate, I was intrigued to hear Palin unequivocally stat… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=596) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=598)