# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=600 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 601 --- ## [Let's talk about social security (long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-social-security-long/462503)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2008, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-social-security-long/462503 "2008-09-29T06:17:27Z")
Not the virtues and vices of the federal system, mind you, but the concept: lower case ‘s’ social security (which the federal system of upper case “Social Security” is designed to promote, of course.) In the thread on t… --- ## [Talking to foreign leaders is DANGEROUS?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talking-to-foreign-leaders-is-dangerous/465434)
**Author:** [@hobscrk777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hobscrk777)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2008, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talking-to-foreign-leaders-is-dangerous/465434 "2008-09-29T02:34:44Z")
McCain uttered this sentiment tonight, and he’s uttered several times previously. It seems to be a fairly common Republican tenet (at least to my ears), although I’d be willing to admit it’s not that widespread if shown … --- ## [What about the House GOP plan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-the-house-gop-plan/465378)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2008, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-the-house-gop-plan/465378 "2008-09-29T01:30:58Z")
Any armchair (or real) economists out there? If I understand the House GOP plan correctly, these banks must buy “insurance” from the federal government that will then guarantee these toxic loans. At first blush that so… --- ## [Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fannie-mae-freddie-mac-lehman-brothers-merrill-lynch/463650)
**Author:** [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2008, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fannie-mae-freddie-mac-lehman-brothers-merrill-lynch/463650 "2008-09-29T01:20:43Z")
I’m no economist, but this last week has been amazing. Some of the largest financial firms in the world are melting down as I type. Merrill is being sold, Lehman Bros, unable to find a buyer, is filing for bankruptcy p… --- ## [Bailout deal close?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bailout-deal-close/465548)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2008, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bailout-deal-close/465548 "2008-09-29T01:10:19Z")
It seems tentative agreement has been reached. But this is a leadership decision not yet presented to the rank and file. So: Think this is it? A deal will pass? From what you’ve read, will it do any good? 2a)… --- ## ["Energy Victory" by Robert Zubrin: methanol economy as a solution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-victory-by-robert-zubrin-methanol-economy-as-a-solution/465244)
**Author:** [@thirdname](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thirdname)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2008, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-victory-by-robert-zubrin-methanol-economy-as-a-solution/465244 "2008-09-28T23:32:22Z")
I recently read the book “Energy Victory” by Robert Zubrin. It starts out explaining our problems with oil dependency, about the Saudi support of terrorism and their undue influence in our government, nothing new. The ma… --- ## [Gross incompetence in the financial industry - should any heads roll?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gross-incompetence-in-the-financial-industry-should-any-heads-roll/465417)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2008, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gross-incompetence-in-the-financial-industry-should-any-heads-roll/465417 "2008-09-28T23:29:13Z")
As a non-economist, the way I understand this crisis, it corresponds to gross incompetence on the part of many in the financial industry. An analogy is as if some engineers built several nuclear power plants using some … --- ## [A Completely Non-political Question\[: Is American democracy dying?\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-completely-non-political-question-is-american-democracy-dying/465279)
**Author:** [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeke_N.Destroi)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2008, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-completely-non-political-question-is-american-democracy-dying/465279 "2008-09-28T21:32:49Z")
Is American democracy dying? Having seen numerous documentaries / reports - from sources more reputable than Michael Moore - I believe that the 2000 election results were questionable and it’s arguable that Gore should … --- ## [He's Back](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hes-back/465356)
**Author:** [@Burton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Burton)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2008, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hes-back/465356 "2008-09-28T17:27:25Z")
I don’t see how he’s gained any ground from this empty gesture. --- ## [Neither McCain nor Obama Filed Proper Papers for Texas Ballot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neither-mccain-nor-obama-filed-proper-papers-for-texas-ballot/464528)
**Author:** [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2008, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neither-mccain-nor-obama-filed-proper-papers-for-texas-ballot/464528 "2008-09-28T14:59:44Z")
Now what? For anyone who has missed this bit of lovely schadenfreude, Bob Barr and the Libertarian Party has filed suit in Texas to strike both John McCain and Barrack Obama from the Texas ballot this November. The rea… --- ## [Responsibility. Another Global Financial Crisis Thread.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responsibility-another-global-financial-crisis-thread/465428)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2008, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/responsibility-another-global-financial-crisis-thread/465428 "2008-09-28T08:18:31Z")
I have been thinking a great deal about the current crisis and today I had a clarifying and frightening thought about the causes of this crisis. Originally I was pissed about the bailout; why should I, a responsible hom… --- ## [Oh, and BTW, WAMU failed today. The largest bank failure in US history.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-and-btw-wamu-failed-today-the-largest-bank-failure-in-us-history/465280)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2008, 2:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-and-btw-wamu-failed-today-the-largest-bank-failure-in-us-history/465280 "2008-09-28T02:00:16Z")
Yes, in other news, Washington Mutual failed today. It’s the largest bank failure in US history but it’s almost a side note on page 17. Much more important is that Lindsey Lohan is in the midst of another meltdown and Br… --- ## [Bailout deal agreed to. McCain's"leadership" not required.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bailout-deal-agreed-to-mccains-leadership-not-required/465177)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 185\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2008, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bailout-deal-agreed-to-mccains-leadership-not-required/465177 "2008-09-28T00:46:27Z")
This is still breaking on the news channels, nothing linkable yet, but Chris Dodd just announced that the Dems and Pubs have just agreed “in principle” to a bailout package. The scheduled meeting at the White House this … --- ## [What will happen if the 'bailout' is not approved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-if-the-bailout-is-not-approved/464893)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-if-the-bailout-is-not-approved/464893 "2008-09-27T23:00:20Z")
So…the fighting has started about the proposed ‘bailout’. And it’s coming from both sides…for different reasons. Let’s assume a couple of things (that seem likely to me): First off, assume this continues to drag on fo… --- ## [The Palin bubble is a bad strategy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-palin-bubble-is-a-bad-strategy/464865)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-palin-bubble-is-a-bad-strategy/464865 "2008-09-27T22:31:21Z")
The McCain campaign has tried to keep Palin from being exposed to most of the press. No press conferences. Very few interviews. Today they are apparently refusing to allow the press into her meetings with various peop… --- ## [Mortgage bailout..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-bailout/464505)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mortgage-bailout/464505 "2008-09-27T14:40:26Z")
I know this is probably a stupid question, but instead of paying $700 BILLION to bail out the lenders, how about just use that money, pay off everyone’s homes so that they own them free and clear, and tell the banks and … --- ## [Canadopers: Which ridings to watch in your area?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadopers-which-ridings-to-watch-in-your-area/464677)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadopers-which-ridings-to-watch-in-your-area/464677 "2008-09-27T12:07:18Z")
So, with the election a few weeks ago, which ridings should I be watching for on election nights as ones that might switch hands? Most of the polls suggest another minority, so I wouldn’t think there will be much moveme… --- ## [Bailing Out the Financial Sector Vs. Building Really Cool Shit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bailing-out-the-financial-sector-vs-building-really-cool-shit/464653)
**Author:** [@Tuckerfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tuckerfan)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bailing-out-the-financial-sector-vs-building-really-cool-shit/464653 "2008-09-27T05:04:59Z")
Bush wants up to $700 billion to fix the mess we’re in. I know the various arguments about why we should (or shouldn’t) do this, and like most financial things, nobody can agree on much of anything. What I’m wondering … --- ## [McCain Wins Debate! So says the McCain campaign this afternoon.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-wins-debate-so-says-the-mccain-campaign-this-afternoon/465404)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-wins-debate-so-says-the-mccain-campaign-this-afternoon/465404 "2008-09-27T01:24:27Z")
First he wasn’t even going to show up. Then the flip-flop. Now, just declare victory and get out of Dodge no matter what happens. http://gawker.com/5055573/today-in-odd-mccain-ad-buys I suspect that some of the guys in… --- ## [Game-changing elections (a history thread)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-changing-elections-a-history-thread/464245)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2008, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/game-changing-elections-a-history-thread/464245 "2008-09-27T01:19:42Z")
There are certain elections in US history that are obviously game-changers. The election of Lincoln is a good example. So is the '94 “Contract with America” election. On the other hand, the second election of Grover C… --- ## [Mancherian Candidate result - What would happen if..](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mancherian-candidate-result-what-would-happen-if/465359)
**Author:** [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mancherian-candidate-result-what-would-happen-if/465359 "2008-09-26T21:26:48Z")
I am not suggesting this. God knows I don’t want it to happen. And I am not advocating it or suggesting anyone else would either or would even want it. But would Palin be swept into office if (God forbid) McCain were to… --- ## [Is there still a crisis? If so, how urgent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-still-a-crisis-if-so-how-urgent/465352)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-still-a-crisis-if-so-how-urgent/465352 "2008-09-26T20:14:53Z")
We’ve been hearing for weeks how dire things were in the finance industry. A couple of big companies were bought out cheap and a couple of others bailed out. Then all of a sudden it seemed people were crying that a hug… --- ## [Should Trig Palin have never been born?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-trig-palin-have-never-been-born/464737)
**Author:** [@Sarahfeena](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sarahfeena)\ **Replies:** 205\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-trig-palin-have-never-been-born/464737 "2008-09-26T19:52:38Z")
OK, before I start my post, I have to rant for a second. I spent 1/2 an hour typing out my OP, and just as I was finishing, my foot hit the on/off switch on my power strip. Computer, off. Post, gone. WHAAAHHHHH! Any… --- ## [Assuming the first debate happens, 15 questions from CSM](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-the-first-debate-happens-15-questions-from-csm/465185)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-the-first-debate-happens-15-questions-from-csm/465185 "2008-09-26T19:49:55Z")
The Christian Science Monitor has put together 15 questions they like to see the candidates answer in the first debate. I love these questions. They are thoughtful and require real knowledge without being so nitpicky t… --- ## [McCain suspends campaign, asks Obama to do the same. What?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-suspends-campaign-asks-obama-to-do-the-same-what/465040)
**Author:** [@malkavia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/malkavia)\ **Replies:** 398\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-suspends-campaign-asks-obama-to-do-the-same-what/465040 "2008-09-26T17:12:10Z")
CNN just texted and emailed me with this little gem: Not to be a jerk, but I already invited people over, cleaned the house, bought the chips and dip and with the economy the way it is, I’d hate for all of that onion d… --- ## [Jacob Zuma -- Should South Africans be afraid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jacob-zuma-should-south-africans-be-afraid/464644)
**Author:** [@Rodgers01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodgers01)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jacob-zuma-should-south-africans-be-afraid/464644 "2008-09-26T16:30:07Z")
According to this article, now that South African president Thabo Mbeki has stepped down, his most likely successor will be Jacob Zuma. Zuma’s got a checkered past, to say the least (he first came to my attention during… --- ## [The SDMB has proven that small government is best](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-has-proven-that-small-government-is-best/465291)
**Author:** [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-sdmb-has-proven-that-small-government-is-best/465291 "2008-09-26T16:28:51Z")
We can’t agree on what we want the government to do (witness: the endless debates on this forum). Therefore, to reduce the risk of the government doing something you don’t like (whether that be giving money to poor peop… --- ## [GWB the worst President ever. This seals the debate.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gwb-the-worst-president-ever-this-seals-the-debate/465278)
**Author:** [@R.P.McMurphy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R.P.McMurphy)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gwb-the-worst-president-ever-this-seals-the-debate/465278 "2008-09-26T16:25:21Z")
The US economy is facing a crisis unlike anything it has seen since 1929. We’re near the endgame of a presidential election. The guy in office for the last 7 1/2 years goes on national TV and almost admits that his admin… --- ## [Bush's Speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-speech/465095)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-speech/465095 "2008-09-26T16:09:23Z")
Good explanation of how we got into the crisis, but did not lay the responsibility on anyone. Fire the sound guy who let that mic rub and squeak the whole time. So he has invited Obama and McCain to DC tomorrow. I gue… --- ## [What's the Straight Dope on Obama and Ayers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-obama-and-ayers/464967)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2008, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-obama-and-ayers/464967 "2008-09-26T15:07:28Z")
Is this WSJ article accurate? Obama makes much of having been a community organiser, but if he was a terrorist proxy that casts him in a whole new light. I’ve had a look at the Wikipedia article and am none the wiser. I… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=599) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=601)