# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=616 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 617 --- ## [Trickle-down - only works when the rich QUIT spending?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trickle-down-only-works-when-the-rich-quit-spending/458963)
**Author:** [@DirkGntly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DirkGntly)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2008, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trickle-down-only-works-when-the-rich-quit-spending/458963 "2008-08-06T01:22:18Z")
Apparently, the Associated Press believes that trickle-down from the rich only impacts folks below them when the rich quit spending: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iDN-xMIqKO\_HWhozgVSUdkNtLzPQD92B73SO0 Personally, … --- ## [Have the anti-globalization nuts finally gone away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-anti-globalization-nuts-finally-gone-away/458929)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2008, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-anti-globalization-nuts-finally-gone-away/458929 "2008-08-06T00:09:54Z")
Remember these people? They’d show up to protest G-7 meetings as well as disrupt other events. Have they finally gone away? Did they every really have a point or did they just want to protest for the sake of protesting? … --- ## ["GOD is NOT the Author of Confusion"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-is-not-the-author-of-confusion/442802)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2008, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-is-not-the-author-of-confusion/442802 "2008-08-05T23:13:03Z")
In this statement, St. paul tells us that the way of salvation 9as outlined by JC) is clear-there is no confusion of what the lord expects of his followers. My question: if God in fact tempts his followers, is this not … --- ## [Obama/McCain debates: just three.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-mccain-debates-just-three/458639)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2008, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-mccain-debates-just-three/458639 "2008-08-05T22:27:45Z")
Team Obama is agreeing to just three standard debates. Yet, the article continues Not a huge shock really. But I am still a little disappointed. I suppose that this is a good tactical decision for Obama. But still. … --- ## [Can pork be eliminated? (political)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-pork-be-eliminated-political/458340)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2008, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-pork-be-eliminated-political/458340 "2008-08-05T16:12:52Z")
Reading the discussion of Ted Stevens’ vices and virtues in the Pit, I got to wondering whether there’s any conceivable way that getting goodies for one’s own state (district, county, etc.) could be discouraged? That is,… --- ## [Do the Manson Family women (Atkins, Van Houten, Krenwinkel) deserve release?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-manson-family-women-atkins-van-houten-krenwinkel-deserve-release/458317)
**Author:** [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2008, 1:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-manson-family-women-atkins-van-houten-krenwinkel-deserve-release/458317 "2008-08-05T01:22:50Z")
I’ve been reading of the Manson Family women and their crimes and it really got me thinking. At the time of their crimes (Family Crimes, halfway down), there is no doubt that these women were amoral, frighteningly dange… --- ## [Should McCain ignore Obama's efforts in "Red" states?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-mccain-ignore-obamas-efforts-in-red-states/458778)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2008, 12:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-mccain-ignore-obamas-efforts-in-red-states/458778 "2008-08-05T00:56:25Z")
Two recent posts on 538 (the “McCain just says no to Indiana” one and the “Organizing Update” one) address the fact that Obama is putting significant resources (in the form of paid staff and field offices) in several “Re… --- ## [Would the war in Iraq be going better or worse if we only used WWII-era small-arms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-war-in-iraq-be-going-better-or-worse-if-we-only-used-wwii-era-small-arms/458469)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2008, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-war-in-iraq-be-going-better-or-worse-if-we-only-used-wwii-era-small-arms/458469 "2008-08-04T19:50:20Z")
Say we for some insane reason decided to fight the war in Iraq using only WWII-era small arms. We’d have all the same tanks, planes, bombs, and ordnance that we have now, and the same technology - but only the small arms… --- ## [Social workers being prosecuted for a crime they could have prevented ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-workers-being-prosecuted-for-a-crime-they-could-have-prevented/458435)
**Author:** [@griffin1977](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/griffin1977)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2008, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-workers-being-prosecuted-for-a-crime-they-could-have-prevented/458435 "2008-08-04T17:17:40Z")
Just saw this article about the death of a disabled child through neglect. Its pretty horrific, but this passage caught my eye: Now I can see how they could be sacked, or even the subject of a civil law suit, but I ca… --- ## [Ex-President Bush is arrested and charged with war crimes. How do you react?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ex-president-bush-is-arrested-and-charged-with-war-crimes-how-do-you-react/457886)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2008, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ex-president-bush-is-arrested-and-charged-with-war-crimes-how-do-you-react/457886 "2008-08-04T04:13:45Z")
Inspired by this post. No, I don’t think this is at all likely. This is hypothetical. Here’s some scenarios: Mr. Bush, on a trip to a country he reasonably but mistakently assumes to be friendly–Great Britain, say–f… --- ## [When we fight ignorance, how confrontational do we need to be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-we-fight-ignorance-how-confrontational-do-we-need-to-be/457668)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2008, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-we-fight-ignorance-how-confrontational-do-we-need-to-be/457668 "2008-08-04T03:36:14Z")
Inspired, obviously, by this thread. Now, while I realize that Diogenes and those who agree with him don’t think he was all that confrontational, or that such was justified, I’d like to discuss it in more general terms … --- ## [McCain's negative strategy: Will it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccains-negative-strategy-will-it-work/458357)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2008, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccains-negative-strategy-will-it-work/458357 "2008-08-04T02:26:46Z")
Analysis: McCain tries to sow doubts about Obama This voter thinks it won’t. His ads are not only negative, they’re misleading, at best, and downright lies at worst. His latest one about Obama not visiting the troops… --- ## [The Raven Paradox - Can anyone explain this in layman's terms?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-raven-paradox-can-anyone-explain-this-in-laymans-terms/457900)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2008, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-raven-paradox-can-anyone-explain-this-in-laymans-terms/457900 "2008-08-03T12:30:37Z")
I followed it for a bit then it kind of slid into some sort of symbolic logic meta wankery. Why is this paradox imporant? Can you 'splain me? --- ## [Should all states repeal the statute of limitations for forcible rape...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-all-states-repeal-the-statute-of-limitations-for-forcible-rape/458353)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Gay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Gay)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2008, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-all-states-repeal-the-statute-of-limitations-for-forcible-rape/458353 "2008-08-03T10:42:37Z")
…now that we have DNA? Statutes of limitation for rape are usually between 1-10 years. From everything I have read, these statutes were put in place for rape because “memories fade” (and other such reasons). But now tha… --- ## [How rigorous is economics, as a discipline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-rigorous-is-economics-as-a-discipline/458238)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2008, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-rigorous-is-economics-as-a-discipline/458238 "2008-08-03T06:48:13Z")
I know next to nothing about how economists operate, yet they shape our economic policy. So, how rigorous is economics? Does it reach the level of rigour of physics, astronomy or chemistry? If not, why not? It seems … --- ## [What is Nancy Pelosi'a stated reason(s) for taking Impeachment off the table?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-nancy-pelosia-stated-reason-s-for-taking-impeachment-off-the-table/456954)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2008, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-nancy-pelosia-stated-reason-s-for-taking-impeachment-off-the-table/456954 "2008-08-02T11:29:06Z")
She was particularly adamant about this - referring of course to Bush, and maybe Cheney as well - but I never saw the reason(s) she gave for her position. Most likely there’s a factual answer to this question, and that’… --- ## [The 'Car Train' - would it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-car-train-would-it-work/458413)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2008, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-car-train-would-it-work/458413 "2008-08-02T11:01:56Z")
There’s been a few threads lately regarding trains of various types, and why the U.S. doesn’t rely on them more. The answer is that the U.S. is much more distributed than Europe, the cities are bigger and more spaced ou… --- ## [In preparation for the next "Willie Horton" ad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-preparation-for-the-next-willie-horton-ad/446528)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2008, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-preparation-for-the-next-willie-horton-ad/446528 "2008-08-01T23:47:10Z")
I’m assuming Obama will win and the shouts of “Willie Horton” will be heard far and wide this fall in reaction to anything the Dems can’t react to on the substance. My question… what was wrong with the first Willie Hort… --- ## [Would Bush pardon Osama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-bush-pardon-osama/458464)
**Author:** [@Dilton\_Doiley\_Philosopher\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dilton_Doiley_Philosopher_King)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2008, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-bush-pardon-osama/458464 "2008-08-01T17:42:13Z")
Inspired by my own GD thread entitled, “Could Bush pardon Osama?”, I am curious to know… if Bush had the authority to pardon Osama under his Executive Branch powers, would he? What would the backlash be? --- ## [Energy crisis: Has The "Invisble hand" failed Us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-crisis-has-the-invisble-hand-failed-us/456849)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2008, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/energy-crisis-has-the-invisble-hand-failed-us/456849 "2008-08-01T02:16:12Z")
I would say NO: prices are rising, and the market is telling us to drive smaller cars, drive less, and get efficient. My question: if we allow the government to set up a monstrous rationing scheme, what results can we ex… --- ## [Are Black Representatives Racist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-black-representatives-racist/458188)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2008, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-black-representatives-racist/458188 "2008-08-01T01:59:32Z")
Reading an article about the recent House bill apoligizing for slavery, I read this: \[QUOTE=Associated Press\] Cohen became the first white to represent the 60 percent black district in Memphis in more than three decade… --- ## [Virginia Dopers, tell me about Tim Kaine (rumored Obama VP choice)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-dopers-tell-me-about-tim-kaine-rumored-obama-vp-choice/458058)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2008, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virginia-dopers-tell-me-about-tim-kaine-rumored-obama-vp-choice/458058 "2008-08-01T01:14:28Z")
According to WaPo, VA Governor Tim Kaine is high on Obama’s shortlist for Veep. I admit that I don’t know much of anything about him. He’s only been Guv for a couple of years. I read his wiki entry and although there don… --- ## [Get bent, spacetime.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-bent-spacetime/458032)
**Author:** [@E-Sabbath](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-Sabbath)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2008, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/get-bent-spacetime/458032 "2008-08-01T00:49:03Z")
http://dsc.discovery.com/news/2008/07/28/warp-speed-engine.html Dig it. A classical space warp engine, where the ship surfs warped space. Now, here’s my question. Is it possible to find some way to steal this huge amoun… --- ## [What's the flaw in this naive sociobiology supposition?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-flaw-in-this-naive-sociobiology-supposition/458305)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2008, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-flaw-in-this-naive-sociobiology-supposition/458305 "2008-07-31T19:25:13Z")
Ok, two basic evolutionary principles: Genes similar to yours are good. A woman’s sister has many of the same genes as hers; sis’s kids -her nephews and nieces- have some as well. Kinship rules say that she values the… --- ## [Who would take over Obama's Senate seat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-take-over-obamas-senate-seat/457853)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2008, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-take-over-obamas-senate-seat/457853 "2008-07-31T15:45:07Z")
Of course this thread assumes an Obama Presidential victory, but who would Governor Blagojevich appoint and why? Some speculation here and here and here. The possibilities seem to be divided into a few main motivations:… --- ## [How ugly will Bush's last few months in office be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-ugly-will-bushs-last-few-months-in-office-be/457624)
**Author:** [@middleman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/middleman)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2008, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-ugly-will-bushs-last-few-months-in-office-be/457624 "2008-07-31T14:30:08Z")
I can only imagine what the powers that be in the Bush administration will do in the next 6 months in anticipation/fear of losing power to a DEM administration. I imagine we will see: A lot of petro-based no bid cont… --- ## [Bush Memo Redefines Birth Control as Abortion - Is this important?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-memo-redefines-birth-control-as-abortion-is-this-important/457120)
**Author:** [@Agonist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agonist)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2008, 10:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-memo-redefines-birth-control-as-abortion-is-this-important/457120 "2008-07-31T10:55:42Z")
A friend who is fond of spamming her friends with glurge sent out an “OMG! They’re taking away our rights!” email today. Before deleting it, I researched and found out the gist of the email was true: Basically, a Bus… --- ## [Bank borrowings from Federal Reserve -- headed off the charts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bank-borrowings-from-federal-reserve-headed-off-the-charts/458292)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2008, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bank-borrowings-from-federal-reserve-headed-off-the-charts/458292 "2008-07-31T04:37:53Z")
I’ve just stumbled across this commentary on Federal Reserve lending to banks, whose centerpiece is a chart that freaked me right the hell out. (The chart is from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, and can be seen a… --- ## [Us vs Them WRT protesters: Consistency? What's consistency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-vs-them-wrt-protesters-consistency-whats-consistency/457351)
**Author:** [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2008, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-vs-them-wrt-protesters-consistency-whats-consistency/457351 "2008-07-31T01:46:03Z")
I remember the election cycle of 2004 very well. When the Republicans met in New York to nominate Bush for a second term, leftists who wanted to protest were outraged to be relegated to “free speech zones”. Bush and the … --- ## [Class warfare...has the battlefield shifted? When? Why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/class-warfare-has-the-battlefield-shifted-when-why/457434)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/class-warfare-has-the-battlefield-shifted-when-why/457434 "2008-07-30T19:37:33Z")
I’m re-reading a novel where one of the minor themes is talking about Marxist/Socialist thought in the 20’s and 30’s. One thing struck me during one of the character discussions and I realized that it might be interesti… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=615) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=617)