# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=633 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 634 --- ## [Ted Kennedy has a Malignant Brain Tumor: End of an Era?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ted-kennedy-has-a-malignant-brain-tumor-end-of-an-era/449993)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2008, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ted-kennedy-has-a-malignant-brain-tumor-end-of-an-era/449993 "2008-05-22T15:34:31Z")
It appears Ted Kennedy has a Malignant Brain Tumor in his right parietal lobe. He will apparently undergo normal treatment cycle for this. No longterm prognosis as of yet. Is this an end of an Era for the Kennedy’s? I w… --- ## [Can text-only be legally obscene?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-text-only-be-legally-obscene/450016)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2008, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-text-only-be-legally-obscene/450016 "2008-05-22T12:58:17Z")
Karen Fletcher has decided to forgo being a test case for the First Amendment, and will plead guilty to six counts of distributing obscenity online; the obscenity in question was fictional stories, text only, published o… --- ## [Is the dumbest generation really the dumbest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-dumbest-generation-really-the-dumbest/449932)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2008, 10:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-dumbest-generation-really-the-dumbest/449932 "2008-05-22T10:30:16Z")
I was in the bookstore today and I was skimming a book called “The Dumbest Generation”. It presented evidence that American children are sadly lacking in basic knowledge and naturally blamed it on the Internet (well, it… --- ## [Straw Men of Democracy! Savage and Wild!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straw-men-of-democracy-savage-and-wild/449627)
**Author:** [@Aquila\_Be](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aquila_Be)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2008, 10:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straw-men-of-democracy-savage-and-wild/449627 "2008-05-22T10:16:12Z")
In my visits to American right leaning sites, some of which treat the American Constitution as if it were some kind of paper idol, I’m struck by the number of times I encounter a long series of quotes from the so called … --- ## [Should obscenity be protected by the First Amendment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-obscenity-be-protected-by-the-first-amendment/450148)
**Author:** [@LilShieste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LilShieste)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2008, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-obscenity-be-protected-by-the-first-amendment/450148 "2008-05-22T04:21:28Z")
Rather than hijack Bricker’s thread, I figured we could discuss this here. We all know that there are limits to free speech. I’ve always been a subscriber to the “your right to swing your fist ends at my nose” philosop… --- ## [Continuity of Governance program: Is your name in the Main Core?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/continuity-of-governance-program-is-your-name-in-the-main-core/450100)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2008, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/continuity-of-governance-program-is-your-name-in-the-main-core/450100 "2008-05-22T00:21:00Z")
Big expose from Radar Magazine – or as much of an expose it can be when it relies mostly on anonymous sources. It starts out by focussing on former acting AG James Comey and his refusal to sign off on the warrantless wi… --- ## [CA Proposition 98/99](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ca-proposition-98-99/449119)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ca-proposition-98-99/449119 "2008-05-21T23:01:32Z")
I just got the voter info guide on these two amendments, read the arguments for and against, and read most of the text of the amendments. My impression is that 98 goes too far, and 99 doesn’t go far enough. I am in favo… --- ## [Could Connecticut voters recall Liebrman...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-connecticut-voters-recall-liebrman/449127)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-connecticut-voters-recall-liebrman/449127 "2008-05-21T22:34:16Z")
…for the fact that he’s such a McCain psychophant? I.e., does a CT recall require that the Joe had committed a serious crime. Can’t stay up for any replies, but I’ll sure read them tomorrow - if they come. --- ## [Jim Cash: Right or Wrong? \[ed. title - Retired General's POV on Middle East/Iran \]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jim-cash-right-or-wrong-ed-title-retired-generals-pov-on-middle-east-iran/450081)
**Author:** [@Zomling](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zomling)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jim-cash-right-or-wrong-ed-title-retired-generals-pov-on-middle-east-iran/450081 "2008-05-21T21:47:43Z")
This letter was referenced in a GQ thread, asking whether it was real or not. I am not worried about the authenticity of the letter, but I want to ask, do you think the writer has a point? There seem to be a number of… --- ## [Pearlman: return the money and go free?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pearlman-return-the-money-and-go-free/450131)
**Author:** [@DigitalC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DigitalC)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pearlman-return-the-money-and-go-free/450131 "2008-05-21T17:58:13Z")
Lou Pearlman, the creator of boy bands like Backstreet Boys and N’Sync just got sentenced to 25 years for fraud. From what i read previously in the papers he defrauded investors, a lot of whom were his own friends and f… --- ## [Next up: Kentucky & Oregon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-up-kentucky-oregon/449273)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/next-up-kentucky-oregon/449273 "2008-05-21T16:50:59Z")
As the Long Flat Seemingly Endless Bataan Death March to the White House continues . . . On May 20 there will be primaries in Kentucky: . . . And Oregon: Any surprises coming? --- ## [Why is there a Democratic split in the U.S. and how do we heal it before November?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-a-democratic-split-in-the-u-s-and-how-do-we-heal-it-before-november/449776)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-there-a-democratic-split-in-the-u-s-and-how-do-we-heal-it-before-november/449776 "2008-05-21T14:59:05Z")
If anyone does not think there is a split among democrats please venture into the blogosphere or ANY news agencies website and look at the comments to ANY article regarding Clinton and Obama. The hate and vitriol among s… --- ## [Is US bombing of Cambodia common knowledge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-us-bombing-of-cambodia-common-knowledge/449954)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 4:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-us-bombing-of-cambodia-common-knowledge/449954 "2008-05-21T04:33:14Z")
I’m participating in a seminar in Thailand on the subject of Transitional Justice. I’m one of only three Americans (five Westerners) in a group of 30 participants from all over South East Asia. I’m also considerably yo… --- ## [How will the GOP rebrand the party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-gop-rebrand-the-party/449775)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 3:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-the-gop-rebrand-the-party/449775 "2008-05-21T03:47:14Z")
On a talk show today(The Chris Matthews Show, I think), John Boehner described how the Republican leaders are going to hammer out a new brand for the party. He said they were going back to the party of Abe Lincoln, and … --- ## [Should 16-17 years old be allowed to vote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-16-17-years-old-be-allowed-to-vote/449951)
**Author:** [@SpoCkss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpoCkss)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 2:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-16-17-years-old-be-allowed-to-vote/449951 "2008-05-21T02:48:01Z")
Do you think people of that age are mature enough? Why not? --- ## [What purposes are behind the claim Hamas proposes to exterminate the Jews?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-purposes-are-behind-the-claim-hamas-proposes-to-exterminate-the-jews/449898)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2008, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-purposes-are-behind-the-claim-hamas-proposes-to-exterminate-the-jews/449898 "2008-05-21T01:45:13Z")
At the suggestion of Sevastapol, I thought I’d double-check my beliefs about Hamas’ goals and see if they are reasonable. I’ll state certain assumptions I have about Hamas and invite challenge in the interest of fightin… --- ## [How much will racism hurt Obama if he's the Dem. nominee? (and a WV hijack)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-racism-hurt-obama-if-hes-the-dem-nominee-and-a-wv-hijack/449923)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-will-racism-hurt-obama-if-hes-the-dem-nominee-and-a-wv-hijack/449923 "2008-05-20T22:07:33Z")
There have been GD threads on his electability (example) and Pit threads on racism and his campaign (example), but if there’s one strictly about how his being biracial will affect his electability I can’t find it. I’m n… --- ## [Why are they calling for Rep. Fossella's head?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-they-calling-for-rep-fossellas-head/448806)
**Author:** [@Billdo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billdo)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-they-calling-for-rep-fossellas-head/448806 "2008-05-20T18:33:10Z")
Representative Vito Fossella (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn, NY) was arrested last weekend for DWI in northern Virginia, after what was apparently a night out of heavy drinking (he and his buddy got bounced out of at least on… --- ## [Another cell-phone use is dangerous study](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-cell-phone-use-is-dangerous-study/449864)
**Author:** [@ArizonaTeach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ArizonaTeach)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-cell-phone-use-is-dangerous-study/449864 "2008-05-20T18:10:19Z")
Link. Thumbnail: A study of over 13,000 women seems to show that cell phone use while pregnant could lead to behavioral problems in children. Surprising and notable is that one of the researchers had previously strongl… --- ## [Is bribery par for the course in the quest for Super Delegates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bribery-par-for-the-course-in-the-quest-for-super-delegates/449953)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bribery-par-for-the-course-in-the-quest-for-super-delegates/449953 "2008-05-20T14:09:54Z")
According to “One of Sen. Hillary Clinton’s top financial supporters offered $1 million to the Young Democrats of America during a phone conversation in which he also pressed for the organization’s two uncommitted sup… --- ## [Thank you president Bush?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-you-president-bush/448885)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/thank-you-president-bush/448885 "2008-05-20T14:02:01Z")
I’ve got to say, a president that sends a few hundred bucks two different times during his terms of office is a rare one indeed. Thanks to him, now I have a kindle. Ohhh, shiny. Is it just me or does nobody ever seems … --- ## [After the KY and OR primaries, Obama plans to declare himself the nominee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-the-ky-and-or-primaries-obama-plans-to-declare-himself-the-nominee/449889)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/after-the-ky-and-or-primaries-obama-plans-to-declare-himself-the-nominee/449889 "2008-05-20T12:31:00Z")
Whatever the results. Story here and here. Bit premature? Or can he finally make it stick and say RIP to the Clinton campaign? --- ## [A specific rail transport plan for North America](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-specific-rail-transport-plan-for-north-america/448368)
**Author:** [@put\_down\_the\_sabre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/put_down_the_sabre)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 10:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-specific-rail-transport-plan-for-north-america/448368 "2008-05-20T10:51:26Z")
Firstly, I think we should use only tried-and-tested technology, such as wheels-on-steel (not maglev). Let’s assume they can do a maximum of 200 mph, which is roughly in line with Japan and French trains. Build the foll… --- ## [Test anxiety: I call B.S.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-anxiety-i-call-b-s/449279)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/test-anxiety-i-call-b-s/449279 "2008-05-20T10:17:57Z")
If it is graduation time, it is time for sob stories about students who won’t graduate because they can’t pass a standardized test. Link to one such story Test anxiety as a reason for not passing? Please. While most pe… --- ## [Could a British PM get Away With This, Today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-british-pm-get-away-with-this-today/449857)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-british-pm-get-away-with-this-today/449857 "2008-05-20T03:01:59Z")
…and not be pilloried? I am thinking about Benjamin Disraeli, who saw the tremendous importance of the Suez canal 9to the British Empire)…and bought shares (for the British governmrnt), paying for them out of his own poc… --- ## [The prolonged Dem contest will benefit the Dems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prolonged-dem-contest-will-benefit-the-dems/449927)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-prolonged-dem-contest-will-benefit-the-dems/449927 "2008-05-20T02:18:47Z")
Yes, we’ve been a bit at each other’s throats, but just as we were in early January — proud to have two such formidable candidates seeking to lead the ticket — so I think we are becoming again. The winner was not anoin… --- ## [What does the first part of the 2nd amendment mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-first-part-of-the-2nd-amendment-mean/449449)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2008, 2:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-first-part-of-the-2nd-amendment-mean/449449 "2008-05-20T02:09:57Z")
Ask a typical person what the 2nd Amendment of the US Constitution says, and you are likely to get some variation of the phrase “the right to bear arms.” However, in law, words matter, and anybody giving that answer is … --- ## [Cameras on Law Enforcement weapons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cameras-on-law-enforcement-weapons/449165)
**Author:** [@Burton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Burton)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2008, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cameras-on-law-enforcement-weapons/449165 "2008-05-19T21:21:01Z")
"Sen. Eric Adams, a Brooklyn Democrat, is drumming up support for the cameras that would cost $695 each. He said New York would be the first to mandate the cameras. The camera would follow the gun barrel’s movement and … --- ## [Michael Moore making sequel to "Fahrenheit 9-11"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-moore-making-sequel-to-fahrenheit-9-11/449302)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2008, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-moore-making-sequel-to-fahrenheit-9-11/449302 "2008-05-19T16:20:39Z")
Variety reports: Well and good – but, really, after the first film, what is there left to say, that the public does not already know all too well? At any rate, this project obviously is not being timed to influence an… --- ## [Which (if any) "Blue" states are trending purple?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-if-any-blue-states-are-trending-purple/449081)
**Author:** [@Jophiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jophiel)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2008, 4:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-if-any-blue-states-are-trending-purple/449081 "2008-05-19T16:04:53Z")
…and what, if anything, can we take from it? Throughout this primary cycle, there’s been constant talk of red states trending purple; Virginia, North Carolina, New Hampshire, Texas, etc. Some of this is questionable – … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=632) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=634)