# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=631 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 632 --- ## [Obama's 50 Lies and Counting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-50-lies-and-counting/450213)
**Author:** [@Rucksinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rucksinator)\ **Replies:** 174\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2008, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-50-lies-and-counting/450213 "2008-05-30T19:40:20Z")
My brother just sent me this e-mail. I responded initially only debunking the logic errors. Then I went looking for factual info. A google search on it shows several religious and white-supremacist sites and message-b… --- ## [Phelps on Memorial Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phelps-on-memorial-day/450724)
**Author:** [@kitemaker\_chuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kitemaker_chuck)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2008, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/phelps-on-memorial-day/450724 "2008-05-30T15:11:43Z")
This Memorial Day, has anyone heard anything out of that Phelps character and his insane church posse? It seems he and his intolerant congregation would have all sorts of opportunities to demonstrate against military fu… --- ## [House Judiciary Committee subpoenas Rove to testify 7/10/08](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-judiciary-committee-subpoenas-rove-to-testify-7-10-08/450281)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2008, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-judiciary-committee-subpoenas-rove-to-testify-7-10-08/450281 "2008-05-30T14:13:01Z")
To ask him about (1) the attorney firings and (2) the prosecution of former Alabama Gov. Siegelman. Story here. So – will he show? And what will happen if he doesn’t? And what will he say if he does? I’m not optimis… --- ## [Peak Oil survivalists: all sorts of questions...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-oil-survivalists-all-sorts-of-questions/450524)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 30, 2008, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-oil-survivalists-all-sorts-of-questions/450524 "2008-05-30T03:21:31Z")
In a thread long ago, I noted the existence of Peak Oil survivalists - people who are making drastic changes to their lifestyles on the assumption that global civilization will be collapsing in their lifetimes. The Harp… --- ## [Why does 'every' culture have a flood myth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-every-culture-have-a-flood-myth/450838)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2008, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-every-culture-have-a-flood-myth/450838 "2008-05-29T20:24:06Z")
Was watching a show on Discovery talking about the ‘fact’ that ‘every’ culture from the ancient world that we know of has some kind of flood myth. They were speculating that this may be legends handed down from the time… --- ## [Is there a constitutional right to same sex marriage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-constitutional-right-to-same-sex-marriage/449608)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2008, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-constitutional-right-to-same-sex-marriage/449608 "2008-05-29T18:26:32Z")
I don’t want to start another thread debating gay marriage. I want to put aside the argument of whether it should be legal or not, and instead focus purely on a constitutional right aspect. Does a gay person have a con… --- ## [Need proof of Global Warming](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-proof-of-global-warming/443879)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 388\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2008, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/need-proof-of-global-warming/443879 "2008-05-29T10:09:00Z")
I argued with my brother tonight about the reality of mans negative impact on a global scale. It was a long debate over quite a few beers, but beers or no, he believes no significant impact can be traced to man. I conc… --- ## [Nepal's Monarchy Abolished!!!!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nepals-monarchy-abolished/450912)
**Author:** [@kitemaker\_chuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kitemaker_chuck)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2008, 7:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nepals-monarchy-abolished/450912 "2008-05-29T07:41:06Z")
Nepal’s monarchy (after around 240 years) is being abolished! Do any fellow Dopers have any further info they’d like to add? --- ## [How will Rush Limbaugh handle Ted Kennedy's death \[whenever it happens\]?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-rush-limbaugh-handle-ted-kennedys-death-whenever-it-happens/449721 "2008-05-28T22:38:19Z")
Over the years Ted Kennedy has been a bete noire for Rush Limbaugh. Even if he recovers from his current illness, he could die at any time. How would Rush Limbaugh handle it on his show? 1 - Trash him as he always has. … --- ## [Blacks have good nonracist reasons to prefer pols of their own race; whites don't](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-have-good-nonracist-reasons-to-prefer-pols-of-their-own-race-whites-dont/450171)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blacks-have-good-nonracist-reasons-to-prefer-pols-of-their-own-race-whites-dont/450171 "2008-05-28T22:31:49Z")
This campaign season, on this Board, some Dopers seem to be taking it as a given that African-Americans voting for Obama because he is black and whites voting for Clinton or McCain because they are not are equally instan… --- ## [Obama's VP choice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-vp-choice/448420)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 231\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-vp-choice/448420 "2008-05-28T21:57:00Z")
The manner that Hillary leaves is still to be decided and can be discussed elsewhere but clearly the time for serious speculation about Obama’s VP choice is upon us. Does he take someone from the Hillary side of the pa… --- ## [Police for the legalization of drugs. Is it time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-for-the-legalization-of-drugs-is-it-time/450471)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-for-the-legalization-of-drugs-is-it-time/450471 "2008-05-28T19:37:38Z")
http://www.leap.cc/cms/index.php Prohibition of alcohol was a horrible failure. Yet, we did not learn from it. Last week I saw an hour long program about these people, former drug enforcement police who want to have dru… --- ## [Should there be a law that rebates must be instant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-there-be-a-law-that-rebates-must-be-instant/448819)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-there-be-a-law-that-rebates-must-be-instant/448819 "2008-05-28T19:13:46Z")
I am in the middle of an unsettling experience with a rebate. I purchased a $20 item thru the Internet (a reputable dealer, I think) with a $10 rebate. I filled out the forms, attached the invoice, and included the phy… --- ## [Are SUVs truly a problem, or is it how we drive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-suvs-truly-a-problem-or-is-it-how-we-drive/450780)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-suvs-truly-a-problem-or-is-it-how-we-drive/450780 "2008-05-28T17:21:29Z")
I was having a conversation yesterday about this, and I’m curious to hear the Teeming Millions’ take on it. Basically, I’ve been hearing a lot of schadenfreude by non-SUV owners now that gas is $4.00 and rising (at leas… --- ## [Do Unto Others: A Poor Rule](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-unto-others-a-poor-rule/449905)
**Author:** [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-unto-others-a-poor-rule/449905 "2008-05-28T16:08:24Z")
I’ve seen a similar sentiment expressed quite often just recently on the boards, although it’s a fairly common one anyway. And it is this; “If everyone treated others as they would like to be treated, the world would be… --- ## [Is it morally ok to charge more at the expenses of poor people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-morally-ok-to-charge-more-at-the-expenses-of-poor-people/450547)
**Author:** [@SpoCkss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoCkss)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-morally-ok-to-charge-more-at-the-expenses-of-poor-people/450547 "2008-05-28T13:10:56Z")
For instance, let’s say you have a company. You want to have profit as everyone else. A company it’s not a charity organisation. However i find it a bit selfish to enrich at the expenses of others. One thing is to have … --- ## [Obama: Stop, take a deep breath and explain to me......](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-stop-take-a-deep-breath-and-explain-to-me/450128)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2008, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-stop-take-a-deep-breath-and-explain-to-me/450128 "2008-05-28T00:40:12Z")
… Obama’s appeal. If the Democrats wanted to nominate a young, clean and articulate lawyer with little governmental experience they could have chosen Edwards. Fundraising is part of it so perhaps the question is not of… --- ## [Are we in for an "Obama Bonanza"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-in-for-an-obama-bonanza/450679)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-in-for-an-obama-bonanza/450679 "2008-05-27T23:15:30Z")
In the “Is McCain forked yet?” thread someone made a claim that the expected Congressional blow-out for the Dems will induce people to split tickets and vote against the Democratic Presidential nominee. I tried to resear… --- ## [ElvisL1ves: What mistakes do the Dems make every 4 years that keep dooming them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elvisl1ves-what-mistakes-do-the-dems-make-every-4-years-that-keep-dooming-them/450651)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/elvisl1ves-what-mistakes-do-the-dems-make-every-4-years-that-keep-dooming-them/450651 "2008-05-27T22:43:44Z")
In the wild, not-so-wonderful West Virginia thread, you say: I think this rates a thread of its own: could you please summarize the mistakes you believe the Dems make in Presidential nominations, year after year, that … --- ## [Wi-Fi a violation of ADA?!?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wi-fi-a-violation-of-ada/450525)
**Author:** [@ArizonaTeach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArizonaTeach)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wi-fi-a-violation-of-ada/450525 "2008-05-27T22:10:32Z")
Link to News Story. Abstract: A group of people in Santa Fe who are sensitive to electrical fields are suing to have Wi-Fi removed from public places. They claim it is discriminatory. Does this have any legs? It seem… --- ## [What if a cons. amendment violates the rest or the constitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-a-cons-amendment-violates-the-rest-or-the-constitution/450379)
**Author:** [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 8:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-a-cons-amendment-violates-the-rest-or-the-constitution/450379 "2008-05-27T20:45:20Z")
Let’s say a state’s Supreme Court says, “This law violates this part of the state constitution here, and that part over there. Thus the law is invalid.” Let’s say the folks opposed to that go through the hoops for a cons… --- ## [Libertarians choose a candidate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarians-choose-a-candidate/450650)
**Author:** [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarians-choose-a-candidate/450650 "2008-05-27T19:58:43Z")
The Libertarian Party has nominated former Representative Bob Barr for President. Given that he does have some name recognition, what are the chances that he could draw more than the normal pittance of Libertarian votes… --- ## [How Are Privately-Owned Highways Working Out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-privately-owned-highways-working-out/450697)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-are-privately-owned-highways-working-out/450697 "2008-05-27T17:38:01Z")
I know that California has a privately owned highway, and I think Indiana sold their turnpike to a private firm. Anyone know how well these roads compare to state run highways? Here in MA, the corrupt state government d… --- ## [What do Obama and McCain need to do to attract the middle?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-obama-and-mccain-need-to-do-to-attract-the-middle/450706)
**Author:** [@Hakuna\_Matata](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hakuna_Matata)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-obama-and-mccain-need-to-do-to-attract-the-middle/450706 "2008-05-27T15:53:24Z")
All the threads here seem to focus on Obama attracting Clinton supporters, etc. But as a moderate this to me doesn’t seem to be the real issue. Now perhaps my hypothesis is incorrect here, but in my opinion those on th… --- ## [Where will gas prices end up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-will-gas-prices-end-up/450744)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-will-gas-prices-end-up/450744 "2008-05-27T14:54:02Z")
What are some of your thoughts on where gas prices will settle? I was watching a news program this weekend, and an analyst was saying that most of these increases are because of oil speculation on Wall Street. He belie… --- ## [Way out of the US fuel chrises?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-out-of-the-us-fuel-chrises/450428)
**Author:** [@The\_Tao\_s\_Revenge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Tao_s_Revenge)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/way-out-of-the-us-fuel-chrises/450428 "2008-05-27T02:54:40Z")
Happy day. I figured out the solution to this mess! Both my own troubles and a broader national strategy. First my own troubles. I worked out a deal with someone to barter my car for a motor bike that gets 60 to 80 mpg,… --- ## [Online Poker, Why So Addicting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-poker-why-so-addicting/450531)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 2:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/online-poker-why-so-addicting/450531 "2008-05-27T02:24:31Z")
I was wondering if there is an actual chemical release of serotonin or dopamines that occur along with the “thrill” of gambling. Or, the OP could read that I recently signed up for a Texas Hold’Em site, playing for “fre… --- ## [Has Hillary committed political suicide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-hillary-committed-political-suicide/450410)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2008, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-hillary-committed-political-suicide/450410 "2008-05-27T00:38:40Z")
Here’s her quote of the day on why she’s still in the race: “My husband did not wrap up the nomination in 1992 until he won the California primary somewhere in the middle of June, right? We all remember Bobby Kennedy wa… --- ## [West Virginia: does it matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-virginia-does-it-matter/448555)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2008, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-virginia-does-it-matter/448555 "2008-05-26T14:37:09Z")
Hillary has been leading there by something like 29%. It will be hard for her to exceed expectations but easy for her to miss them. Even seating MI and FL those votes and delegates would change naught, nor change her sto… --- ## [Why is it ok to kill for war but not for something else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-ok-to-kill-for-war-but-not-for-something-else/450228)
**Author:** [@SpoCkss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoCkss)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2008, 11:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-it-ok-to-kill-for-war-but-not-for-something-else/450228 "2008-05-26T11:24:44Z")
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