# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=625 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 626 --- ## [Working Hard: a bad thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-hard-a-bad-thing/453592)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2008, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/working-hard-a-bad-thing/453592 "2008-06-24T18:43:31Z")
Hard work seems to be expected from anyone who is able to perform it in this country, perhaps because it is an old established puritan value or perhaps because settling virgin land (why count the indians?) and developpin… --- ## [Obama surging in polls; unveils economic plan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-surging-in-polls-unveils-economic-plan/452358)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [June 24, 2008, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-surging-in-polls-unveils-economic-plan/452358 "2008-06-24T18:39:16Z")
His numbers have risen sharply among women and Democrats as a whole, and against McCain. This is the text of his speech today in Raleigh. Here’s a portion on the video. Barack Obama is going to chew McCain up and spit h… --- ## [So is the Public Financing of Presidential elections a good thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-the-public-financing-of-presidential-elections-a-good-thing/453607)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2008, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-the-public-financing-of-presidential-elections-a-good-thing/453607 "2008-06-23T20:06:53Z")
We have two threads already on the specifics of Obama’s opt out, if it is breaking a promise or not, etc., so please keep that out of this thread. This thread is about how the public financing of Presidential elections h… --- ## [How should/will Ireland vote on the new EU treaty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-will-ireland-vote-on-the-new-eu-treaty/452253)
**Author:** [@Rodgers01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodgers01)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2008, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-will-ireland-vote-on-the-new-eu-treaty/452253 "2008-06-23T18:58:31Z")
Looks like Ireland will be voting this week on whether or not to approve the new EU treaty (the follow up to the failed “constitution” in 2005). A little bit of background reading here. I’m not terribly informed on the… --- ## [The KK-thesis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kk-thesis/453879)
**Author:** [@time2pwn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/time2pwn)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2008, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kk-thesis/453879 "2008-06-23T13:53:17Z")
From whence does truth come? How can there be knowledge a priori? --- ## [The Global Theorem & The logic of unification](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-global-theorem-the-logic-of-unification/453831)
**Author:** [@time2pwn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/time2pwn)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2008, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-global-theorem-the-logic-of-unification/453831 "2008-06-23T11:33:39Z")
Preface: Sorry guys but you will actually need a philosophy degree to even begin to understand this debate. Wikipedia won’t help you here. The most essential question in the global ethics is: what can unify world opinio… --- ## [How would gvt/media/public/society actually react to a giant monster attack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-gvt-media-public-society-actually-react-to-a-giant-monster-attack/450923)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2008, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-gvt-media-public-society-actually-react-to-a-giant-monster-attack/450923 "2008-06-23T02:30:10Z")
Giant monsters have been savaging our cities in the world of cinema for many years. King Kong did not enjoy his first trip to Manhattan in 1933, Godzilla did more damage to Tokyo than the USAAF, and San Diego apparently… --- ## [Is McCain's campaign unraveling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mccains-campaign-unraveling/453214)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [June 23, 2008, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mccains-campaign-unraveling/453214 "2008-06-23T00:01:37Z")
After yesterday’s fiasco with McCain’s Texas fundraiser, and as the numbers continue to come in from polling, it seems to me that his campaign is self-destructing. For those who aren’t aware, McCain has accepted more tha… --- ## [Why isn't the media tearing McCain apart?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-media-tearing-mccain-apart/449805)
**Author:** [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2008, 11:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-media-tearing-mccain-apart/449805 "2008-06-22T23:20:50Z")
If that was Obama or Clinton there would be lots of press about it. The talking heads would have a field day. The press where all over the sniper thing and the preacher thing. The content in that video show… --- ## [Does a \*disease\* have a right to exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-disease-have-a-right-to-exist/453638)
**Author:** [@scrambledeggs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scrambledeggs)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2008, 11:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-disease-have-a-right-to-exist/453638 "2008-06-22T23:07:03Z")
Ok I heard that smallpox has been eradicated, except for a labratory specimens in Russia, and one in the US. They are keeping those last strains around, under guard or something like that. Question: Why dont they destro… --- ## [Should Florida be opened to offshore oil drilling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-florida-be-opened-to-offshore-oil-drilling/453350)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2008, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-florida-be-opened-to-offshore-oil-drilling/453350 "2008-06-22T19:14:22Z")
Bush is calling for that in a press conference today. McCain (reversing his position from 2000) has already called for scrapping the ban (which actually applies in all coastal waters, but Florida is where the issue is m… --- ## [For those of you who think the Democrats are the only ones who are against guns...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-those-of-you-who-think-the-democrats-are-the-only-ones-who-are-against-guns/453749)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2008, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-those-of-you-who-think-the-democrats-are-the-only-ones-who-are-against-guns/453749 "2008-06-22T14:04:59Z")
Assault Weapon Ban re-introduction proposal. Sponsor: Rep. Mark Kirk, R-IL Cosponsors: Rep. Michael Castle, R-DE Rep. Michael Ferguson, R-NJ Rep. Christopher Shays, R-CT Does this have any chance of making it? If … --- ## [Gore's house versus GWB's house](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gores-house-versus-gwbs-house/453341)
**Author:** [@control-z](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/control-z)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2008, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gores-house-versus-gwbs-house/453341 "2008-06-22T11:32:16Z")
This is hilariously ironic. Gore’s house is 10,000 square feet and consumes electricity at a rate 12 times the average in his area, 191,000 kwh vs 15,600 kwh. Bush’s ranch house is environmentally friendly with geoth… --- ## [The McClatchy Report: What Is To Be Done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mcclatchy-report-what-is-to-be-done/453491)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2008, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mcclatchy-report-what-is-to-be-done/453491 "2008-06-22T05:49:37Z")
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/detainees/story/38775.html This is sad and depressing stuff. It appears that the abuses described at Guantanamo are comparatively benign compared to the horrors uncovered in this report. A n… --- ## [Taking a shot at briefly describing the ideals of Republicans and Democrats.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-a-shot-at-briefly-describing-the-ideals-of-republicans-and-democrats/453371)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [June 22, 2008, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taking-a-shot-at-briefly-describing-the-ideals-of-republicans-and-democrats/453371 "2008-06-22T00:21:04Z")
Please correct or add to my views. Let’s see if we can refine this into a fair description of the ideals each camp tries to live up to. (I know neither camp consistently succeeds in this) Republicans as a whole want the… --- ## [America's opting out of fusion (ITER). Where do the candidates stand?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-opting-out-of-fusion-iter-where-do-the-candidates-stand/453669)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2008, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-opting-out-of-fusion-iter-where-do-the-candidates-stand/453669 "2008-06-21T23:53:30Z")
ITER, the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor, hopes to demonstrate how fusion, the same process that occurs within the sun, can be accomplished here on earth to provide an endless clean and safe energy sou… --- ## [Obama's decision to opt out of public financing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-decision-to-opt-out-of-public-financing/453579)
**Author:** [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2008, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-decision-to-opt-out-of-public-financing/453579 "2008-06-21T22:09:51Z")
I need to understand this. From what I gather, Obama agreed to do the public financing thing, and then found that the republican party was getting tons of funds through some loophole. So Obama decided to turn down the 82… --- ## [John McCain's fundraising sleeze and hypocrisy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-mccains-fundraising-sleeze-and-hypocrisy/453636)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2008, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-mccains-fundraising-sleeze-and-hypocrisy/453636 "2008-06-21T19:52:40Z")
On February 6, 2008, once his nomination was secured and his fundraising efforts began to take off, John McCain attempted to withdraw from the public financing system. In other words, he tried to do what Obama succeeded … --- ## [War in Iran?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-in-iran/452938)
**Author:** [@Mumio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mumio)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2008, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-in-iran/452938 "2008-06-21T19:31:55Z")
So…what does everyone think about the chances of Bush invading Iran, possibly just before he leaves office? I can’t cite anything specific but it doesn’t mean the “clues” aren’t already out there. A close friend with str… --- ## [Downside of coal electric generation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downside-of-coal-electric-generation/453631)
**Author:** [@focusonz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/focusonz)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2008, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/downside-of-coal-electric-generation/453631 "2008-06-21T13:28:48Z")
Byproducts of coal fired electrical plants are more radioactive than nuclear plants! Support natural gas conversions for automobiles Support drilling hydrocarbon to power America! Support building nuclear reactors to… --- ## [Will Gore endorsement make any difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-gore-endorsement-make-any-difference/453188)
**Author:** [@Oy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oy)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2008, 5:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-gore-endorsement-make-any-difference/453188 "2008-06-21T05:25:57Z")
Although if he stumps for Obama, that may be a factor. If he goes out speaking, I think he’ll be far more effective than he was in 2000. But the simple fact of endorsement - is there anyone who would have or did vote … --- ## [Obama surges ahead in key swing states](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-surges-ahead-in-key-swing-states/453335)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-surges-ahead-in-key-swing-states/453335 "2008-06-20T23:45:26Z")
Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio — all three are now in the Obama camp, according to Quinnipiac polls released today. Only a month ago, McCain had led in hypothetical races in both Florida and Ohio. Now he trails as voter… --- ## [John McCain's confusion -- is he really mentally fit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-mccains-confusion-is-he-really-mentally-fit/452798)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/john-mccains-confusion-is-he-really-mentally-fit/452798 "2008-06-20T21:58:14Z")
It seems that some pundits aren’t willing to discuss McCain’s disorientation and confusion on issues from the war to the economy for fear of being perceived as “ageist”. Ageism was a topic on Morning Joe yesterday and to… --- ## [Blackwater demands U.S. court apply Shari'a law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackwater-demands-u-s-court-apply-sharia-law/453513)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackwater-demands-u-s-court-apply-sharia-law/453513 "2008-06-20T19:36:55Z")
No, really. Story here: So there is some precedent for applying foreign law – but might there not be some constitutional, First Amendment objection to applying what is essentially religious law in a civil suit in the … --- ## [Does buying Renewable Energy Certificates help the environment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-buying-renewable-energy-certificates-help-the-environment/453494)
**Author:** [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-buying-renewable-energy-certificates-help-the-environment/453494 "2008-06-20T19:35:24Z")
I almost posted this in General Questions, but I’m not sure there is a 100% factual answer, so I’ll start it here. Mods, feel free to move if you feel it is appropriate. I received a mailing from my local electric util… --- ## [Effect of Midwest floods on this year's harvest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-midwest-floods-on-this-years-harvest/453041)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-midwest-floods-on-this-years-harvest/453041 "2008-06-20T16:43:12Z")
We’re already dealing with a global food crisis that has caused riots in several countries – arguably a food-distribution crisis but production is at least a part of it – and the U.S. is a major food exporter. How badly… --- ## [AP reporting Obama opting out of public funding system.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ap-reporting-obama-opting-out-of-public-funding-system/453464)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ap-reporting-obama-opting-out-of-public-funding-system/453464 "2008-06-20T16:27:27Z")
What there is of the story here. I don’t think a major candidate has ever done this and it speaks volumes about how much money he has raised. My understanding is that the public fund comes with rules about how a campaig… --- ## [The death of homosexuality - Should unborn gay babies be protected?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-homosexuality-should-unborn-gay-babies-be-protected/453352)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-death-of-homosexuality-should-unborn-gay-babies-be-protected/453352 "2008-06-20T16:01:48Z")
Per this this article it looks like homosexuality is (surprisingly) not primarily genetic, but is most likely to be hormonally mediated by the neonatal environment of the unborn child. If this is the case and most pare… --- ## [Breaking News: Bob Barr announces presidential run as Libertarian candidate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-bob-barr-announces-presidential-run-as-libertarian-candidate/449032)
**Author:** [@Tristan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tristan)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 6:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/breaking-news-bob-barr-announces-presidential-run-as-libertarian-candidate/449032 "2008-06-20T06:29:14Z")
Was just announced as “breaking news” on CNN Headline news. Very briefly. Still looking for an online cite. Now, I know the difference between Big L and little l libertarian. But from what I can see, Mr. Barr was a b… --- ## [Marriage equality, hetero marriage annulments, and name changes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-equality-hetero-marriage-annulments-and-name-changes/453553)
**Author:** [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2008, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-equality-hetero-marriage-annulments-and-name-changes/453553 "2008-06-20T06:20:40Z")
I’m peeved, but would rather at least try to start this here rather than dive straight to the Pit. I’m reviving some content in a previous thread of mine, because I learned something that just irks me some more in light… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=624) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=626)