# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=629 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 630 --- ## [Is the difference in the Dem nomination process a good thing? Will it change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-difference-in-the-dem-nomination-process-a-good-thing-will-it-change/452188)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2008, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-difference-in-the-dem-nomination-process-a-good-thing-will-it-change/452188 "2008-06-08T01:03:17Z")
Current threads here on GD got me thinking. It’s been pointed out (and I noted this on some earlier thread), that the Democrats are the only process (out of them, the Republicans, and the national Presidential race) tha… --- ## [Economic/Cultural Hope? Debatable (Long)...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-cultural-hope-debatable-long/452130)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2008, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-cultural-hope-debatable-long/452130 "2008-06-07T20:59:12Z")
This is something my Dad, a 1963 USMA grad, culled from one of their alum websites and forwarded to me. It is long, but raises some interesting and relevant 21st century economic and cultural questions. This is a paper… --- ## [Why the gender disparity in geekdom?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-gender-disparity-in-geekdom/451775)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2008, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-gender-disparity-in-geekdom/451775 "2008-06-07T17:46:17Z")
Illustrated in this “Casey and Andy” strip. The punchline – “How do they have girlfriends? I just don’t understand.” – would make no sense if the genders were reversed. I can cite no actual stats – how do you scientifi… --- ## [Economic/Cultural Hope Part II (Also Long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-cultural-hope-part-ii-also-long/452131)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2008, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-cultural-hope-part-ii-also-long/452131 "2008-06-07T13:57:06Z")
This is the continuation of the first thread as it was too long to post as one thread. Sorry. But I think it’s well worth reading, and I’m sure sone here will get a kick either picking it apart or agreeing with some or… --- ## [Catholics - how is "flock" not insulting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catholics-how-is-flock-not-insulting/451766)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2008, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catholics-how-is-flock-not-insulting/451766 "2008-06-07T13:10:14Z")
I’m sure this has been discussed before, but the other day I saw a headline describing a priest’s relationship with his “flock”, and wondered why anyone would derive anything positive from such a designation. I gather t… --- ## [What woman would you like to see nominated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-woman-would-you-like-to-see-nominated/451982)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2008, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-woman-would-you-like-to-see-nominated/451982 "2008-06-07T11:16:32Z")
I tell myself that I’m ready for a female president, but Hillary Clinton just isn’t it. I’m drawing a blank on which woman should be considered, though. What American women have the qualifications, but not the baggage?… --- ## [Is it moral to check others' enthusiasm?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-moral-to-check-others-enthusiasm/451854)
**Author:** [@Crocodiles\_And\_Boulevards](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crocodiles_And_Boulevards)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2008, 11:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-moral-to-check-others-enthusiasm/451854 "2008-06-07T11:03:31Z")
Even if it is an enthusiasm for a good cause? This, of course, is in response to the innumerable threads and posts about Obama/Hillary. Several times now, various posters have questioned why their enthusiasm for Obama … --- ## [What would be outrageous enough to break the "full faith and credit" rule?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-outrageous-enough-to-break-the-full-faith-and-credit-rule/452034)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2008, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-outrageous-enough-to-break-the-full-faith-and-credit-rule/452034 "2008-06-07T03:37:46Z")
Yes, inspired by the gay marriage debate, although I am interested in the question for it’s own sake, not re. gay marriage. Suppose a state somehow enacted some sort of law (not necessarily marriage-related) that aroused… --- ## [The Cult of the Presidency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cult-of-the-presidency/451848)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2008, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cult-of-the-presidency/451848 "2008-06-06T23:53:01Z")
Have we put too much stock in the office of the Presidency? --- ## [Who is undecided?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-undecided/451874)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2008, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-undecided/451874 "2008-06-06T22:49:51Z")
I just heard that something like 30% of US voters consider themselves undecided. How can this be? Who are these people? I’m not trying to argue that any individual should vote for one of the two candidates instead of … --- ## [Weekly Obama-McCain town hall debates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weekly-obama-mccain-town-hall-debates/451905)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2008, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weekly-obama-mccain-town-hall-debates/451905 "2008-06-06T21:35:46Z")
McCain has good reasons to want these weekly debates. Most of all it is free publicity and exposure that he can’t afford to buy. And Obama is not as strong in that venue as he is speechifying. OTOH McCain may think that… --- ## [Terrorist attack between now and November. Is McCain or Obama hurt (or helped) more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terrorist-attack-between-now-and-november-is-mccain-or-obama-hurt-or-helped-more/451884)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2008, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terrorist-attack-between-now-and-november-is-mccain-or-obama-hurt-or-helped-more/451884 "2008-06-06T20:36:07Z")
I’ll break it into some categories because I’m anal-retentive. An attack similar to the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center: carried out by foreign terrorists on US soil, with a minimal loss of life, but in a place… --- ## [Is CO (carbon Monoxide) The Answer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-co-carbon-monoxide-the-answer/452026)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2008, 6:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-co-carbon-monoxide-the-answer/452026 "2008-06-06T18:02:15Z")
(To the fules crisis)? As late as 1970, Boston still had a town gas (CO) system, and the gas was produced by combustion/cracking coal. We have lots of coal, can a car then run on compressed town gas? Yes, those gas plan… --- ## [Are gun deaths negligible in the U.S?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-gun-deaths-negligible-in-the-u-s/451980)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2008, 8:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-gun-deaths-negligible-in-the-u-s/451980 "2008-06-06T08:40:53Z")
We all know the debate: Take away gun from people and criminals will still have and use them, allegedly leading to a possibly rise in violent crime and gun deaths. On the bright side, murders of passion (spouse, family… --- ## [Is Microsoft as poorly managed as I think it is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-microsoft-as-poorly-managed-as-i-think-it-is/449789)
**Author:** [@Merkwurdigliebe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merkwurdigliebe)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2008, 8:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-microsoft-as-poorly-managed-as-i-think-it-is/449789 "2008-06-06T08:32:17Z")
So I’ve been mulling this question for a long time. It mainly has to do with their recent attempt to purchase Google. And any of you who have been following technology will undoubtably notice a pattern here with Microsof… --- ## [Whitey try to smear Michelle Obama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whitey-try-to-smear-michelle-obama/451622)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2008, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whitey-try-to-smear-michelle-obama/451622 "2008-06-06T05:54:22Z")
Republicans used to be so good at smearing, but their operatives today are like Keystone Cops compared to the masters of yesteryear. This would be funny if it weren’t so pathetic. Actually, it’s kinda funny anyway since … --- ## [Obama and the A word.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-the-a-word/451887)
**Author:** [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2008, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-the-a-word/451887 "2008-06-06T04:42:22Z")
After he clinched the nomination, I mentioned it to some friends and family, and they all said they thought the same thing. It’s been repeated through out history, and sadly, nothing has changed in this regard. I feel he… --- ## [Voter ID a fraud](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voter-id-a-fraud/451712)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voter-id-a-fraud/451712 "2008-06-05T21:49:24Z")
I just saw a program on voter ID legislation. It is designed to stop voter impersonation. It is very narrow in scope. How big a problem is impersonation. ?In Georgia where bit recently originated, the Secretary of State… --- ## [The Presidential Race](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-presidential-race/450083)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-presidential-race/450083 "2008-06-05T17:06:22Z")
I was going to stick this bit of news in the fork Hillary thread but it doesn’t really belong there. And, even though I don’t want to be presumptuous, it does look as if we have our two candidates. So, with that in mind,… --- ## [Vanity Fair story on WJC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vanity-fair-story-on-wjc/451608)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vanity-fair-story-on-wjc/451608 "2008-06-05T16:50:20Z")
I get a kick out of the big political stories that don’t hit GD right away … seems like they are often stories that there’s no way the libs can look good on. Funny huh? So many questions to debate … What got into Bill… --- ## [Did oil prices really rise in the last 6 years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-oil-prices-really-rise-in-the-last-6-years/448085)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-oil-prices-really-rise-in-the-last-6-years/448085 "2008-06-05T15:47:17Z")
I remember coming to the U.S in early 2002 when oil prices were around $2/gallon. Back then, 1 Euro was worth roughly 1.13 USD . Since then, the major war spending and economic deficit caused the dollar to lose around … --- ## [What's so smart About The "Smart Car"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-smart-about-the-smart-car/450776)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 8:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-smart-about-the-smart-car/450776 "2008-06-05T08:37:03Z")
I was reading the review of this thing, and I am puzzled: -it doesn’t get as good gas mileage as a Honda Civic -it handles poorly -it is dangerous to drive on a highway -the little tires and poor brakes make it bad f… --- ## [England wants their guns back.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/england-wants-their-guns-back/451507)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/england-wants-their-guns-back/451507 "2008-06-05T08:18:43Z")
So, what to make of this? It’s often said here on the SDMB by foreigners that Americans are gun crazy, invariably leading to the usual debate about rights and no small amount of animosity. Yet here we have a report (adm… --- ## [Sunnis eager to move from the battle of the RPG to the battle of the 'finger's...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunnis-eager-to-move-from-the-battle-of-the-rpg-to-the-battle-of-the-fingers/451845)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sunnis-eager-to-move-from-the-battle-of-the-rpg-to-the-battle-of-the-fingers/451845 "2008-06-05T06:52:34Z")
Is this a good sign? Was just reading this article on CNN and thought it was interesting…and thought I’d see what, if any reaction it gets here on the 'dope. Here is what I found most interesting about the article: … --- ## [Diplomacy, Appeasement, and Iran](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diplomacy-appeasement-and-iran/449924)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/diplomacy-appeasement-and-iran/449924 "2008-06-05T03:23:28Z")
President Bush set off a controversy when he suggested that the Democrats favor a policy toward Iran that amounts to “appeasement”, likening it to Neville Chamberlain’s giving in to Adolph Hitler on the eve of WWII. But… --- ## [Fork Hillary 3: The Final Forking](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fork-hillary-3-the-final-forking/441726)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 2949\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 2:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fork-hillary-3-the-final-forking/441726 "2008-06-05T02:33:44Z")
There will be no redo in Florida: I see something on the wall over there. I think…I think it might be handwriting. --- ## [Multi-cultural couples in Thailand....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multi-cultural-couples-in-thailand/451469)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/multi-cultural-couples-in-thailand/451469 "2008-06-05T02:32:44Z")
I know this is pretty specific question, but here goes. My girlfriend, who’s Taiwanese, and I went to Thailand for three weeks recently while I took part in a seminar. We couldn’t get past the idea that people were sta… --- ## [If the SC strikes down DC's gun law, what weaselly restrictions will cities try?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-sc-strikes-down-dcs-gun-law-what-weaselly-restrictions-will-cities-try/451162)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2008, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-sc-strikes-down-dcs-gun-law-what-weaselly-restrictions-will-cities-try/451162 "2008-06-05T00:28:44Z")
Could they for example require guns owners to put up a three-million dollar bond against wrongful-death liability? Could they drag their feet on granting permits by refusing to fund the appropriate departments? (I reali… --- ## [Is environmentalism incompatible with low energy costs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-environmentalism-incompatible-with-low-energy-costs/451049)
**Author:** [@LonghornDave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonghornDave)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2008, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-environmentalism-incompatible-with-low-energy-costs/451049 "2008-06-04T23:38:34Z")
Absent some revolutionary new, clean, and cheap fuel for transportation and electricty generation, is it possible to lower hydrocarbon consumption without a high priced crude oil and natural gas environment? Are record c… --- ## [Being on lockdown 23 hours a day, inhumane?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-on-lockdown-23-hours-a-day-inhumane/450909)
**Author:** [@diggleblop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggleblop)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2008, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-on-lockdown-23-hours-a-day-inhumane/450909 "2008-06-04T22:53:31Z")
Do you think it’s inhumane to lock up the most hardened criminals for 23 hours a day? I was watching “Lockup” the other night and they were interviewing some of the prisoners and they were talking of people being on loc… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=628) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=630)