# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=612 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 613 --- ## [Do subatomic particles have free will?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-subatomic-particles-have-free-will/460440)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2008, 9:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-subatomic-particles-have-free-will/460440 "2008-08-25T09:08:42Z")
I read an interesting article in Science News on the topic via Slashdot and I’m having some major cognitive dissonance issues on the subject. On the one hand, i simply can’t get myself to shake my deterministic view of … --- ## [Military Strategic Importance of Moon Base to China/USA ++](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-strategic-importance-of-moon-base-to-china-usa/460460)
**Author:** [@ready29003](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ready29003)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2008, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-strategic-importance-of-moon-base-to-china-usa/460460 "2008-08-25T03:14:43Z")
I am posting this in Great Debates, because I believe this should be considered an issue of critical importance. And heck, perhaps we can debate it here. What level of strategic and military importance is a base on the… --- ## [How many states lack the "Born Alive" law that Obama opposed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-states-lack-the-born-alive-law-that-obama-opposed/460827)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2008, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-states-lack-the-born-alive-law-that-obama-opposed/460827 "2008-08-25T01:00:38Z")
The right-wing noise machine is in heavy smear-mode over then-Illinois State Senator Barak Obama’s opposition to legislation requiring life-saving efforts in the event that an attempted abortion results in the fetus exit… --- ## [Keating Five scandal and it's role in the 2008 presidential campaign](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keating-five-scandal-and-its-role-in-the-2008-presidential-campaign/461056)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2008, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/keating-five-scandal-and-its-role-in-the-2008-presidential-campaign/461056 "2008-08-24T19:29:43Z")
I was a mere teen when this Keating Five scandal broke, but was somewhat aware of it only because a senator from my state (Riegle) was involved, and it was in all the papers. I know John McCain was one of the five, and … --- ## [Pentagon Finds Religious Bias In Army Probe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-finds-religious-bias-in-army-probe/461095)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2008, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-finds-religious-bias-in-army-probe/461095 "2008-08-24T15:21:51Z")
In this morning’s Washington Post is a story (and we must admit one side of the story) of a guy at Tank and Automotive Command (TACOM) who was investigated for being a spy. Among the reasons he was suspected was his num… --- ## [Why are you confident in Obama's victory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-you-confident-in-obamas-victory/460767)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2008, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-you-confident-in-obamas-victory/460767 "2008-08-24T03:21:17Z")
Inspired by responses in this thread; decided it was rich enough to deserve its own. For a while it looked like Obama would coast to the Presidency. Now, it’s tough to deny that Obama has work to do to get to where he … --- ## [How far in the future does morality stop mattering?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-in-the-future-does-morality-stop-mattering/460584)
**Author:** [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2008, 1:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-in-the-future-does-morality-stop-mattering/460584 "2008-08-24T01:56:48Z")
This is a slightly surreal one (inspired by a daydream). You are visited by a vision of the future (or time traveller, or whatever). You see that in the future that ebola is going to become airbourne and extremely virul… --- ## [Did McCain make up the "cross in the dirt" POW story?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-mccain-make-up-the-cross-in-the-dirt-pow-story/460455)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2008, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-mccain-make-up-the-cross-in-the-dirt-pow-story/460455 "2008-08-24T00:32:52Z")
I think this deserves its own thread. If you’re not familiar with the story, here’s a McCain political ad recounting it. He has told this story many times, though the recent Rick Warren forum brought it back to the for… --- ## [Was Clarence Thomas unqualified to be nominated to the Supreme Court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-clarence-thomas-unqualified-to-be-nominated-to-the-supreme-court/460684)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2008, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-clarence-thomas-unqualified-to-be-nominated-to-the-supreme-court/460684 "2008-08-23T19:52:53Z")
George H.W. Bush could have nominated Bozo the Clown to the Supreme Court in 1991 and gotten him confirmed. Bush was coming off his post Gulf War I victory and enjoying high approval ratings. Unfortunately, Clarence Tho… --- ## [Are \[An Inconvenient Truth, The History Channel, and National Geographic\] reliable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-an-inconvenient-truth-the-history-channel-and-national-geographic-reliable/460794)
**Author:** [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2008, 5:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-an-inconvenient-truth-the-history-channel-and-national-geographic-reliable/460794 "2008-08-23T17:27:10Z")
I was watching a bit of Al Gore’s movie An Inconvienient truth, and I began to wonder about the reliability of it. I’ve been told many times that the History channel isn’t too reliable, and I’ve always thought that the … --- ## [What would a Bull Moose believe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-bull-moose-believe/460392)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2008, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-a-bull-moose-believe/460392 "2008-08-23T15:59:55Z")
If the ghost of Teddy Roosevelt came and inspired a moderate Republican to restart the Progressive Party, what would their platform look like? --- ## [What is my political philosophy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-my-political-philosophy/460376)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2008, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-my-political-philosophy/460376 "2008-08-22T23:50:32Z")
This kind of goes along with the post I made just a little while ago, but I’m curious as to what “team” I’m on: liberal, conservative, libertarian, etc. Here are some of my basic beliefs (I’ll probably think of more lat… --- ## [Richard Dawkins "stumped" by question on evolution.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/richard-dawkins-stumped-by-question-on-evolution/460152)
**Author:** [@El\_Zagna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/El_Zagna)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2008, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/richard-dawkins-stumped-by-question-on-evolution/460152 "2008-08-22T23:31:39Z")
Creationists seem to be taking delight in this video in which Richard Dawkins appears to be stumped by a question regarding evolution. Others have pointed out that the 20 second pause had more to do with the editing than… --- ## [Nuclear War = The end of the Human Race?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-the-end-of-the-human-race/460295)
**Author:** [@Buran](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buran)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2008, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-war-the-end-of-the-human-race/460295 "2008-08-22T23:24:46Z")
I posted this question last night but it seems to have gotten lost in whatever problems the forum was experiencing. I have an interest in Cold War history and the arms race is an integral part of this. I repeatedly come… --- ## [Why do pirates, pirate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-pirates-pirate/459634)
**Author:** [@cainxinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cainxinth)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2008, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-pirates-pirate/459634 "2008-08-22T16:46:06Z")
Slashdot posted an article by an independent game developer, named Cliff Harris, who is asking why people pirate his products and digital content in general. I’m going to try and summarize the responses: The product is … --- ## [Would the U.S. be doing more in Darfur if it weren't for Iraq/Afghanistan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-u-s-be-doing-more-in-darfur-if-it-werent-for-iraq-afghanistan/460558)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2008, 9:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-u-s-be-doing-more-in-darfur-if-it-werent-for-iraq-afghanistan/460558 "2008-08-22T09:31:40Z")
Early in his administration, President Bush famously wrote “Not on my watch” on a memo about the troubles in Darfur. Since late 2001, though, the U.S. military has been kinda busy in Afghanistan and then Iraq. Still is… --- ## [Is Russia determined to be an empire again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-russia-determined-to-be-an-empire-again/459370)
**Author:** [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Replies:** 394\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2008, 8:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-russia-determined-to-be-an-empire-again/459370 "2008-08-22T08:45:58Z")
Russia has invaded Georgia, in order to protect South Ossetia - a part of Georgia - from Georgian agression. I’ve wondered, ever since the Soviet Union broke up into the CIS, how long it would take Russia - a nation wit… --- ## [July 2010: How many US troops in Iraq?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-2010-how-many-us-troops-in-iraq/457644)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2008, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/july-2010-how-many-us-troops-in-iraq/457644 "2008-08-22T03:28:00Z")
For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume Obama becomes president\* and the Democrats maintain control of both Houses of Congress (although they don’t get a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate). Two years from no… --- ## [Presidents lying to lead us into War... it should be illegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-lying-to-lead-us-into-war-it-should-be-illegal/457574)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2008, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-lying-to-lead-us-into-war-it-should-be-illegal/457574 "2008-08-22T03:17:42Z")
I’ve recently read The Prosecution of George W. Bush For Murder by Vincent Bugliosi. It was an interesting read, and the evidence should make any human with a heart and a brain be highly displeased with Bush’s conduct. B… --- ## [Should teachers carry concealed weapons in class?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-teachers-carry-concealed-weapons-in-class/460153)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2008, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-teachers-carry-concealed-weapons-in-class/460153 "2008-08-22T00:11:58Z")
One school district in Texas thinks so, and has adopted a policy change to allow teachers to pack heat in class: Is Texas ahead of the curve in classroom security, or will this lead to more classroom violence? --- ## [McCain wins in 08; Obama or Hillary (or other) in 2012?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-wins-in-08-obama-or-hillary-or-other-in-2012/460704)
**Author:** [@Dilton\_Doiley\_Philosopher\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dilton_Doiley_Philosopher_King)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2008, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-wins-in-08-obama-or-hillary-or-other-in-2012/460704 "2008-08-21T23:46:14Z")
If McCain were to be elected President this year, who would be the likely Democratic nominee in 2012? Would Obama have a good chance, having already become the presumptive nominee in 2008? Or would Hillary have a bette… --- ## [does breaking the bible into chapters and verses lead to misinterpretations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-breaking-the-bible-into-chapters-and-verses-lead-to-misinterpretations/460473)
**Author:** [@Kim\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kim_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2008, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-breaking-the-bible-into-chapters-and-verses-lead-to-misinterpretations/460473 "2008-08-21T20:43:59Z")
my first thread, so be gentle. sorry if this is the wrong forum; i’m not sure i’m up to a debate on the subject, but i’m interested in finding out what people think. both me and my husband were raised in what you call … --- ## [CNN: Troops abroad support Obama 6/1](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-troops-abroad-support-obama-6-1/460444)
**Author:** [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2008, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cnn-troops-abroad-support-obama-6-1/460444 "2008-08-21T13:50:55Z")
I just this minute saw on CNN that financial contributions from soldiers stationed overseas to Obama are about six times greater than those supporting McCain. Unfortunately, this story is not yet on CNN’s website. (Cit… --- ## ["SPECIAL OLYMPICS" : feelGood libralism gone Wild?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-olympics-feelgood-libralism-gone-wild/460108)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2008, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/special-olympics-feelgood-libralism-gone-wild/460108 "2008-08-21T12:16:05Z")
I am conflicted about the SO program-on one hand, it is nice to give these kids something to do that results in some recognition. On the other hand, is it really correct to call a retarded child an athlete? Sometimes, th… --- ## [Do people really believe that Obama is a Communist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-really-believe-that-obama-is-a-communist/460442)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2008, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-people-really-believe-that-obama-is-a-communist/460442 "2008-08-21T00:18:48Z")
I’ve seen the bumper stickers and t-shirts calling Barack Obama a Communist or a Socialist. Do the people displaying these really believe this is true or is it just something they’re saying because they don’t like Obama? … --- ## [Purchasing Unions: a theory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/purchasing-unions-a-theory/460561)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2008, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/purchasing-unions-a-theory/460561 "2008-08-20T20:26:17Z")
I’ve been thinking about Unions. For my money, the prolem is that they ultimately add nothing positive downstream. Even if the Union really is led by honest, hardworking, decent peeps, it’s not really adding anything tha… --- ## [What modern thought or practice will be considered barbaric in the future?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-modern-thought-or-practice-will-be-considered-barbaric-in-the-future/460118)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2008, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-modern-thought-or-practice-will-be-considered-barbaric-in-the-future/460118 "2008-08-20T19:19:43Z")
Inspired by the Darwin was a racist and a eugenicist thread ongoing I got thinking about what modern day practice and philosophy will our descendents find abhorrent. Maybe our general disregard for our natural environmen… --- ## [Russia Threatens Nuclear Attack on Poland: Definitely Not A Good Thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-threatens-nuclear-attack-on-poland-definitely-not-a-good-thing/460244)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2008, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-threatens-nuclear-attack-on-poland-definitely-not-a-good-thing/460244 "2008-08-20T14:42:42Z")
It amazes me this story is back page stuff, but it seems to be: Russian General says Russia may nuke Poland in response to building of missile defenses Uh, this is more than a little concerning. On one hand, Russia’s … --- ## [Charles Darwin was a Racist and Eugenicist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charles-darwin-was-a-racist-and-eugenicist/460021)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2008, 4:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charles-darwin-was-a-racist-and-eugenicist/460021 "2008-08-20T04:43:52Z")
This thread originates from an article in New Scientist, originally linked to in the recent thread by j666. Apparently new scientists are still trying to deny that Charles Darwin promoted racism and Eugenics. j666 want… --- ## [Rick Warren's Forum Obama & McCain - thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-warrens-forum-obama-mccain-thoughts/460231)
**Author:** [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2008, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rick-warrens-forum-obama-mccain-thoughts/460231 "2008-08-20T04:20:57Z")
I’m a Warren fan, voting for McCain, disagree with but don’t dislike Obama. I’ll be gone while this happens but I’m opening up the discussion now. Btw, does anyone just not like the idea of them meeting with Warren? Th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=611) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=613)