# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=627 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 628 --- ## [Is Israeli saber rattling toward Iran serious or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-israeli-saber-rattling-toward-iran-serious-or-not/452104)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2008, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-israeli-saber-rattling-toward-iran-serious-or-not/452104 "2008-06-15T15:07:23Z")
Per these comments it appears that Israel is prepared to semi-unilaterally (with US approval) make a move against Iran’s growing nuclear capability with a military air strike. Is this sabre rattling a good idea strateg… --- ## [Are we entering an age of former presidents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-entering-an-age-of-former-presidents/452902)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2008, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-entering-an-age-of-former-presidents/452902 "2008-06-15T13:59:04Z")
I’ve been reading the book Founding Brother’s recently, so I’ve been thinking a lot about presidents – what’s changed, what’s stayed the same – and it dawned on me that since people are living longer and longer, the comi… --- ## [Could We Go back to the 1930's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-go-back-to-the-1930s/452483)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2008, 12:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-go-back-to-the-1930s/452483 "2008-06-15T12:19:00Z")
Back to the 30’s? Recent speculation about the oil supply situation has left me wondering : could American society adapt to the lifestyle of the 1930’s? ( before we had interstate highways, multi-car families, and long c… --- ## [BBC and secret documents - Morality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-and-secret-documents-morality/452794)
**Author:** [@Zomling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zomling)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2008, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-and-secret-documents-morality/452794 "2008-06-15T11:45:28Z")
I don’t know if this has been raised before but, the BBC have come into possession of some secret documents found on a train. . My wife and I were discussing this yesterday and we were amazed that the first thought of t… --- ## [UK Shadow Home Secretary forces By-Election on principle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-shadow-home-secretary-forces-by-election-on-principle/452677)
**Author:** [@Charley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charley)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2008, 7:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-shadow-home-secretary-forces-by-election-on-principle/452677 "2008-06-15T07:16:22Z")
Bit of back story for this one: last night in the UK Commons there was a vote on a proposal to allow people suspected of terrorism offences to be held for up to 42 days without/before being charged (under certain circum… --- ## [FL/MI Redux: What'll Happen on May 31?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fl-mi-redux-whatll-happen-on-may-31/450374)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2008, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fl-mi-redux-whatll-happen-on-may-31/450374 "2008-06-15T01:45:14Z")
As most of my fellow political junkies here know, the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee (RBC) meets on Saturday, May 31 (a week from tomorrow) to hear challenges and appeals to their decisions last year to penalize Florida … --- ## [Is carrying an exposed gun to everyday shopping & social events OK manners wise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-carrying-an-exposed-gun-to-everyday-shopping-social-events-ok-manners-wise/452275)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 233\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2008, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-carrying-an-exposed-gun-to-everyday-shopping-social-events-ok-manners-wise/452275 "2008-06-15T00:29:18Z")
Referencing this story in the LA Times where this man and wife with carry permits make a point of having their guns strapped to their hips when out and about shopping, dining etc. I’m not asking a legal question, but o… --- ## [Voting for electors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-for-electors/452816)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2008, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-for-electors/452816 "2008-06-14T22:48:11Z")
Technically, we don’t vote for the President, we vote for electors in the Electoral College. In actuality, many states force the electors to vote for the person who received the most votes in the state. In addition, ev… --- ## [McCain seems like a bad nominee. Who should the Republicans have chose instead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-seems-like-a-bad-nominee-who-should-the-republicans-have-chose-instead/452638)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2008, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-seems-like-a-bad-nominee-who-should-the-republicans-have-chose-instead/452638 "2008-06-14T21:47:54Z")
It seems to me that the GOP made a very foolish move for themselves by nominating John McCain. This guy seems like the worst possible choice they could have made. He’s either too liberal or too conservative for a lot of … --- ## [What's to be done with Zimbabwe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-to-be-done-with-zimbabwe/452257)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2008, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-to-be-done-with-zimbabwe/452257 "2008-06-14T18:57:22Z")
So, Mugabe’s recently banned aid workers from operating within Zimbabwe, citing the “fact” that they’re conspiring with the opposition. Reports suggest that government run aid stations require an ID card, which handily … --- ## [SCOTUS rules that Gitmo detainees have Constututional rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-rules-that-gitmo-detainees-have-constututional-rights/452707)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2008, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-rules-that-gitmo-detainees-have-constututional-rights/452707 "2008-06-14T06:52:19Z")
I know there’s a pit thread, but this is here for a more sober discussion of the ruling and it’s implications. With a now democratic majority in Congress and a paparplegic duck in the Oval Office, the ability to legisl… --- ## [Why doesn't the U.S. Government seize the oil companies under eminent domain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-the-u-s-government-seize-the-oil-companies-under-eminent-domain/452050)
**Author:** [@28Lundy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/28Lundy)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2008, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-the-u-s-government-seize-the-oil-companies-under-eminent-domain/452050 "2008-06-14T01:32:43Z")
With the abuses of overcharging outrageous and apparantly unending costs for gas, coupled with the apparant inability to regulate said gas prices or even to limit the price gouging, couldn’t the government seize the oil … --- ## [Smear Campaign Emails About Obama: Will They Work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smear-campaign-emails-about-obama-will-they-work/452780)
**Author:** [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2008, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/smear-campaign-emails-about-obama-will-they-work/452780 "2008-06-13T23:14:20Z")
It seems the Republican smear campaign is gearing up. Here is the latest, Obama’s Wife Calls Us “Whitey”. Of course it is all bullshit, but do you think these types of email and blog campaigns will work? I like that t… --- ## [Obama's Health Care Plan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-health-care-plan/452524)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2008, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-health-care-plan/452524 "2008-06-13T21:21:51Z")
I don’t see a thread dedicated to Obama’s health care plan, so I thought I’d start one. I’ll do the same for McCain’s plan. For reference, here’s his plan: BARACK OBAMA’S PLAN FOR A HEALTHY AMERICA In short form, her… --- ## [Should Australia update its image?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-australia-update-its-image/452562)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2008, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-australia-update-its-image/452562 "2008-06-13T20:30:31Z")
I was having lunch with a friend today and we got onto the subject of tourism in Australia and how much of our image seems to revolve around Kangaroos, people in Akubra hats, Beaches, and Aboriginal Dancers. The thing i… --- ## [Why is human cloning banned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-human-cloning-banned/451128)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2008, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-human-cloning-banned/451128 "2008-06-13T16:18:40Z")
If human cloning could be performed safely and reliably, the end result is just an identical twin. If someone wanted to clone, isn’t that a personal reproductive choice that should be respected as a human reproductive r… --- ## [Jeb Bush 2012](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeb-bush-2012/452696)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Girl)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2008, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeb-bush-2012/452696 "2008-06-13T15:39:52Z")
I remember that even local press would sometimes run articles on how the Bushes were lining Jeb to be a presidential candidate sometime in the future. Heck, I read articles about some younger Bushes that were somewhat c… --- ## [Will/should Iraq accept the proposed long-term security pact with the U.S.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-should-iraq-accept-the-proposed-long-term-security-pact-with-the-u-s/451531)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2008, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-should-iraq-accept-the-proposed-long-term-security-pact-with-the-u-s/451531 "2008-06-13T14:55:38Z")
Many are balking. Meanwhile, in related news, new “mentor” contracts are being negotiated with Iraqi ministries. I thought I was familiar with just about every modern iteration of doublespeak, but I’ve never before h… --- ## [Would Oil Companys' Elimination of Retail Operations Improve their Public Image](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-oil-companys-elimination-of-retail-operations-improve-their-public-image/446241)
**Author:** [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2008, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-oil-companys-elimination-of-retail-operations-improve-their-public-image/446241 "2008-06-13T14:27:59Z")
It seems like the majority of complaints and bad PR related to the major oil companies, comes from their retail operations. I never hear people cursing about obscene profits being made by Anadarko, Apache, Occidental, EO… --- ## [Do we have any Dopers for McCain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-any-dopers-for-mccain/452493)
**Author:** [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2008, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-any-dopers-for-mccain/452493 "2008-06-13T13:13:19Z")
I’m seeing a lot of Dopers who plan on voting for Obama. There’s also quite a few who don’t want Obama to win the Presidency. Is there anyone here who plans on voting for McCain (as opposed to voting \*against \*Obama)? … --- ## [Infallible lie detector](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infallible-lie-detector/452469)
**Author:** [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2008, 10:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/infallible-lie-detector/452469 "2008-06-13T10:04:58Z")
Good or bad? The thread discussing a telepathic group mind reminded me of a question I’ve been meaning to posit here. In the book The Truth Machine an infallible lie detector has been invented. Basic summary, no spoil… --- ## [Al Queda in Iraq...surprisingly sophisticated](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/al-queda-in-iraq-surprisingly-sophisticated/452625)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/al-queda-in-iraq-surprisingly-sophisticated/452625 "2008-06-12T22:15:59Z")
I guess this would fall under the heading of witnessing more than debate as the only real debate I have is ‘thoughts’. I was reading this article on CNN and thought I’d share it with 'dopers to see what folks think abo… --- ## [Is a telepathic group-mind desirable or undesirable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-telepathic-group-mind-desirable-or-undesirable/452450)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-telepathic-group-mind-desirable-or-undesirable/452450 "2008-06-12T18:58:02Z")
Ayn Rand once said, “There is no such thing as a collective brain.” I think she was dead wrong or thinking wishfully on that point as on so many others – any society or culture is a collective brain; any organization is… --- ## [A different Obama debate. Black or Biracial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-different-obama-debate-black-or-biracial/452364)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-different-obama-debate-black-or-biracial/452364 "2008-06-12T16:29:17Z")
Was reading this article on CNN and thought I’d bring the debate here to the board to see what 'dopers think. I can identify. I’m also a mixed race individual, though I commonly identify with the racial group ‘Hispa… --- ## [Obama winning women over](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-winning-women-over/452668)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-winning-women-over/452668 "2008-06-12T14:26:18Z")
From USAToday: Barack Obama has moved into double-digit leads over Republican John McCain in two new polls of women voters, suggesting he is drawing support from women who once backed Hillary Rodham Clinton. Obama led … --- ## [Bush -- Articles of Impeachment sent to committee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-articles-of-impeachment-sent-to-committee/452679)
**Author:** [@ratatoskK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ratatoskK)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-articles-of-impeachment-sent-to-committee/452679 "2008-06-12T14:05:18Z")
Articles of Impeachment Against Bush Are Sent to Panel on the NY Times website says – and this is the entire article – Even if there’s little chance of its passing through the committee, etc. before the end of Bush’s f… --- ## [Is this article racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-article-racist/452617)
**Author:** [@blinkingblinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blinkingblinking)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 12:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-article-racist/452617 "2008-06-12T12:10:57Z")
Embrace irritable vowel syndrome Aussies make a lot of jokes about Kiwis. New Zealanders make a lot of jokes about Australians. It is supposed to be all in good fun. The height of Australian culture is the sheep joke. --- ## [Universal health care and PI lawuits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-health-care-and-pi-lawuits/452629)
**Author:** [@Flipshod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flipshod)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-health-care-and-pi-lawuits/452629 "2008-06-12T03:41:02Z")
What would be the effect? I think that once juries know that everyone’s health care is taken care of, the plaintiffs’ bar will go into the doldrums because all they’ll have left is pain and suffering\*. Would there be a… --- ## [Has religion been a net good or bad thing for humanity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-religion-been-a-net-good-or-bad-thing-for-humanity/451978)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-religion-been-a-net-good-or-bad-thing-for-humanity/451978 "2008-06-12T03:19:16Z")
On the plus side, you’ve got education, beautiful art and music, the preservation of crucial knowledge at key points in history (as with the Irish monks during the Dark Ages), faith comforting the afflicted, and the moti… --- ## [Oil prices: what if it is caused by speculation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-prices-what-if-it-is-caused-by-speculation/451609)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2008, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-prices-what-if-it-is-caused-by-speculation/451609 "2008-06-12T02:53:45Z")
Various sources say that the rise in oil prices is due to speculation (sample cite). What if this is true? What does this bode for the next year? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=626) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=628)