# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=604 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 605 --- ## [Traders/Finance professionals: Maximize my bonus & screw the company?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traders-finance-professionals-maximize-my-bonus-screw-the-company/464051)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2008, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/traders-finance-professionals-maximize-my-bonus-screw-the-company/464051 "2008-09-19T03:55:31Z")
If there are any Dopers who have worked as traders for big firms or in other financial positions (and from posts here in GD, it seems that we have a few), can you guys tell us how pervasive the idea was among your collea… --- ## [Is Obama the most liberal prez candidate ever?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-the-most-liberal-prez-candidate-ever/464220)
**Author:** [@happywaffle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/happywaffle)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2008, 3:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-the-most-liberal-prez-candidate-ever/464220 "2008-09-19T03:29:26Z")
My wife agreed with Fred Thompson’s convention assessment that Obama was the most liberal major-party candidate to ever run for president. Her and Fred also agreed that he’s the least experienced. Not being a presidentia… --- ## [And again -- who IS Sarah Palin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-again-who-is-sarah-palin/461686)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 417\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2008, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/and-again-who-is-sarah-palin/461686 "2008-09-19T02:17:55Z")
Thought to continue on this side of Labor Pains Weekend… Now that a lot of vitriol, misdirection, shock, and awe are out of the way, are we any closer to understanding who she is and what her V/presidency would entail? … --- ## [How much does the U.S. President influence the economy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-the-u-s-president-influence-the-economy/463991)
**Author:** [@Gary\_Robson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gary_Robson)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2008, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-does-the-u-s-president-influence-the-economy/463991 "2008-09-18T22:41:50Z")
I really, really wanted to start this in GQ, since it’s a question with a factual answer, but I will bow to reality and concede that it’ll turn into a debate. Please, though, let’s try not to make it about the 2008 Presi… --- ## [McCain Supporter/Bush Hater: Explain, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-supporter-bush-hater-explain-please/464168)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2008, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-supporter-bush-hater-explain-please/464168 "2008-09-18T22:11:55Z")
We know you folks are out there, Bush’s pouplarity sits in the low 20’s, but McCain stis low to mid 40’s in polls against Obama. This confuses me and I will tell you why. I wonder when the clpabilioty begins? How can … --- ## [Does Evolution Make The Christian God Impossible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-evolution-make-the-christian-god-impossible/463467)
**Author:** [@SuntanTigerTamer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanTigerTamer)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2008, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-evolution-make-the-christian-god-impossible/463467 "2008-09-18T17:29:46Z")
From one of the many Sarah Palin threads: Friar Ted: I don’t like it when some Evolutionists insist that God is totally written out of the equation and can’t even be considered by scientific-thinking people. I was tol… --- ## [Democratic Strategy: Palin's Celebrity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-strategy-palins-celebrity/464055)
**Author:** [@Jack\_Batty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jack_Batty)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2008, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-strategy-palins-celebrity/464055 "2008-09-18T16:53:27Z")
I’m sitting here watching CNN and they just polished up a story about Sarah Palin’s glasses. Her glasses. Ten minutes on how everybody just has to have Sarah Palin’s style of glasses like they were Rachel’s hair. John M… --- ## [American taxpayers will receive a substantial majority ownership interest in AIG.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-taxpayers-will-receive-a-substantial-majority-ownership-interest-in-aig/463999)
**Author:** [@Burton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Burton)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2008, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-taxpayers-will-receive-a-substantial-majority-ownership-interest-in-aig/463999 "2008-09-18T16:43:30Z")
Thanks a lot. Just what we do not want. Will the world financial market really collapse if they were to go down the tubes? I heard someone speculate yesterday the reason BOA is buying Merrill Lynch is so that when thei… --- ## [US government to lose triple A credit rating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-government-to-lose-triple-a-credit-rating/464029)
**Author:** [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2008, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-government-to-lose-triple-a-credit-rating/464029 "2008-09-18T16:34:19Z")
According to this article: http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080917.wusrating0917/BNStory/Business/home The US government MAY be in danger of losing its AAA credit rating: For debate: Is there a… --- ## [Breastfeeding, "nipple nazis," and "helpful" advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-nipple-nazis-and-helpful-advice/463104)
**Author:** [@Unauthorized\_Cinnamon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Unauthorized_Cinnamon)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2008, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breastfeeding-nipple-nazis-and-helpful-advice/463104 "2008-09-18T09:48:03Z")
Perhaps it was inevitable - in this thread on parenting advice, the topic of breastfeeding came up. And with it the topics of evil La Leche League bitches, intolerant breastfeeding advocates accosting mothers in public,… --- ## [Dear Cynic a'la Diogenes \[why one woman is voting for McCain\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cynic-ala-diogenes-why-one-woman-is-voting-for-mccain/463845)
**Author:** [@pinkyvee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pinkyvee)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2008, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-cynic-ala-diogenes-why-one-woman-is-voting-for-mccain/463845 "2008-09-18T03:11:57Z")
YES! You are so correct. I am a registered Dem. I voted for Obama - not Hilary - in the primary. And then… after our primary … I watch Hilary get smeared by viceous attack dogs ~~\>\*\* DEMOCRATIC LIBERAL\*\* attack dog… --- ## [How To Choose Whom To Vote For](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-choose-whom-to-vote-for/463868)
**Author:** [@WF\_Tomba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WF_Tomba)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-choose-whom-to-vote-for/463868 "2008-09-17T22:15:34Z")
Seven rules, applicable to any country that practices representative democracy: Never believe anything a candidate says about his or her opponent. “Character” is bullshit. Con men make their living off people’s nai… --- ## [Economists back Obama in recent poll commissionned by Dilbert's creator](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economists-back-obama-in-recent-poll-commissionned-by-dilberts-creator/463927)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economists-back-obama-in-recent-poll-commissionned-by-dilberts-creator/463927 "2008-09-17T21:51:35Z")
Link to slashdot story I’ve got this from. I read the poll and I’m not sure it is meaningful. Most economists favor Obama’s plan but the numbers are more complicated than that. Scott Adams does a better job than I ever … --- ## ["Marriage is between a man and a woman. Period."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-is-between-a-man-and-a-woman-period/463188)
**Author:** [@Kolga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolga)\ **Replies:** 216\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-is-between-a-man-and-a-woman-period/463188 "2008-09-17T18:52:21Z")
In this thread, a number of posters make a statement similar to the thread title. When the discussion began to veer off-topic of the original OP in that thread, a couple of people recommended a new thread. So, here it … --- ## [I no longer understand the conservative strategy in the War on Terror](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-no-longer-understand-the-conservative-strategy-in-the-war-on-terror/463586)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-no-longer-understand-the-conservative-strategy-in-the-war-on-terror/463586 "2008-09-17T18:35:31Z")
After the 9/11 attacks, there was a worldwide outpouring of sympathy for the US and opposition to terrorism. A US-led coalition then invaded Afghanistan with broad domestic and international support. After that, the Bu… --- ## [Why isn't Hillary taking on Palin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-hillary-taking-on-palin/463509)
**Author:** [@DaveRaver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DaveRaver)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 5:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-hillary-taking-on-palin/463509 "2008-09-17T17:05:11Z")
Of all people, Hillary is in the best position to discredit Palin, and point out the differences in their policies. So why haven’t we heard anything from her so far? --- ## [Carly Fiorina: John McCain and Sarah Palin aren't qualified to run a corporation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carly-fiorina-john-mccain-and-sarah-palin-arent-qualified-to-run-a-corporation/463875)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/carly-fiorina-john-mccain-and-sarah-palin-arent-qualified-to-run-a-corporation/463875 "2008-09-17T16:35:30Z")
Carly Fiorina, former CEO of HP and current economic advisor to John McCain and Chair of Victory 2008, today in a radio interview said that Palin isn’t qualified to run a “major company, like Hewlitt-Packard.” … --- ## ["Get government off your back and out of the way!" Is it still 1988?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-government-off-your-back-and-out-of-the-way-is-it-still-1988/463717)
**Author:** [@stuyguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stuyguy)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 4:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-government-off-your-back-and-out-of-the-way-is-it-still-1988/463717 "2008-09-17T16:24:41Z")
Sarah Palin seems to be the candidate in charge of the 20 year old campaign slogans. She goes on and on about fixing all of America’s woes by “getting government off your back and out of the way.” Except for taxes in ge… --- ## [Resolved: John McCain does not have the integrity to be President](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-john-mccain-does-not-have-the-integrity-to-be-president/463149)
**Author:** [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Replies:** 184\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-john-mccain-does-not-have-the-integrity-to-be-president/463149 "2008-09-17T15:02:41Z")
For all the criticism and defense both sides have waged against and for Sarah Palin on these boards over the past 2 weeks, we seem to have put John McCain on the back burner to focus to specifically on her. I realize th… --- ## [Has Sarbanes Oxley exacerbated the banking crises?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-sarbanes-oxley-exacerbated-the-banking-crises/463876)
**Author:** [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-sarbanes-oxley-exacerbated-the-banking-crises/463876 "2008-09-17T06:09:30Z")
This article, which was written in September 2005 warns of impending inadequate loan loss reserves at banks as a result of certain provisions of Sarbanes Oxley. So, would this be another in the long list of unintende… --- ## [Obama wins the election, loses the popular vote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-the-election-loses-the-popular-vote/463343)
**Author:** [@Influential\_Panda](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Influential_Panda)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-wins-the-election-loses-the-popular-vote/463343 "2008-09-17T04:50:44Z")
We saw his strategy in the primaries. He’s in it to win, and he’s going to work the rules as far to his advantage as possible. Hillary got huge numbers, but Obama got more delegates. He knew that was what really matte… --- ## [On what grounds could Roe v. Wade being overturned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-what-grounds-could-roe-v-wade-being-overturned/463740)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2008, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-what-grounds-could-roe-v-wade-being-overturned/463740 "2008-09-17T01:33:46Z")
The question says it all really. Since the privacy rights expressed in Roe v. Wade have been used in other SCotUS findings that had nothing to do with abortion, would the case that could result in RvWs being overturned … --- ## [McCain Adviser: McCain Helped Create The BlackBerry](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-adviser-mccain-helped-create-the-blackberry/463859)
**Author:** [@Steve\_MB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Steve_MB)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2008, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-adviser-mccain-helped-create-the-blackberry/463859 "2008-09-16T22:55:57Z")
McCain adviser: BlackBerry a ‘miracle’ he ‘helped create’ Good thing Al Gore already invented the Internet, or McCain wouldn’t have anywhere to connect his invention… :rolleyes: --- ## [Double jeopardy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-jeopardy/463892)
**Author:** [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2008, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-jeopardy/463892 "2008-09-16T22:38:58Z")
In another thread there was an argument being made that an American cannot be tried by another country for a crime if he was tried by the US and found innocent. This is, obviously, nonsense just the same as American cour… --- ## [Repubs - does McCain "excite" you?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repubs-does-mccain-excite-you/463744)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2008, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repubs-does-mccain-excite-you/463744 "2008-09-16T20:51:34Z")
I’ve been a pretty strong Obama fan for some time. Tho I agree with him pretty much down the line on most issues, probably more important he strikes me as extremely intelligent, sincere, reasonable … His choice of Bide… --- ## [Wikipedia: Reliable And Easily Fixed, Or Always-Vandalized And Unreliable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-reliable-and-easily-fixed-or-always-vandalized-and-unreliable/463479)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2008, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wikipedia-reliable-and-easily-fixed-or-always-vandalized-and-unreliable/463479 "2008-09-16T20:20:47Z")
Because a GD thread about Wikipedia is probably a better place for debating Wikipedia than a GQ thread on 9/11. There appear to be strong opinions on Wiki (though mine is not one). --- ## [McCain/Palin: Lying Far Beyond the Palin](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-palin-lying-far-beyond-the-palin/463114)
**Author:** [@Hentor\_the\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hentor_the_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2008, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-palin-lying-far-beyond-the-palin/463114 "2008-09-16T19:04:02Z")
One interesting thing about this election is a difference in the press coverage. This time around, it seems that many in the media are actually paying attention to the lying done by the Republican ticket. Also interest… --- ## [Republicans & Abortion; Democrats & Guns: Both are smokescreens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-abortion-democrats-guns-both-are-smokescreens/463554)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2008, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-abortion-democrats-guns-both-are-smokescreens/463554 "2008-09-16T15:58:22Z")
This is a bipartisan screed, so you’ll all hate me :smiley: However, it is my contention that Republicans are never going to outlaw abortion, and Democrats are never going to outlaw guns, and all the rhetoric surroundin… --- ## [Do you think the singularity is real? and will it be the end of the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-singularity-is-real-and-will-it-be-the-end-of-the-world/463123)
**Author:** [@gurujulp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gurujulp)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2008, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-singularity-is-real-and-will-it-be-the-end-of-the-world/463123 "2008-09-16T15:21:18Z")
I have read a bit about this- follow the links and do the relevant google searches… For those who don’t like to follow links, basically it is the awakening of a AI - machine intelligence that will surpass our own and … --- ## [Singing the American Natl Anthem in other languages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singing-the-american-natl-anthem-in-other-languages/463591)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2008, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/singing-the-american-natl-anthem-in-other-languages/463591 "2008-09-16T15:15:48Z")
I’ve just run into my family’s revulsion and hatred for people who sing the National Anthem in anything other than English, specifically, Spanish. But I would very much doubt that Spanish is the only other language peop… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=603) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=605)