# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=641 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 642 --- ## [Can the proximate cause of our pending recession be found in Bush's finacial policies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-proximate-cause-of-our-pending-recession-be-found-in-bushs-finacial-policies/445747)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2008, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-proximate-cause-of-our-pending-recession-be-found-in-bushs-finacial-policies/445747 "2008-04-19T05:41:43Z")
Let’s say that there are a lot of people in the US whose financial status is less secure than it was 6 months or a year ago. Less valuable investments, reductions in work force, and a few other things indicate that econ… --- ## [Popular presidents judged harshly](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popular-presidents-judged-harshly/445433)
**Author:** [@Dunderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunderman)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2008, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/popular-presidents-judged-harshly/445433 "2008-04-19T04:03:11Z")
Whenever we have a How will history judge Bush? thread, it’s pointed out that Truman was wildly unpopular in his time but is now seen as a successful president. I can’t recall too many examples of the opposite, so - whic… --- ## [When did the Clintons jump the shark (on the SDMB)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-clintons-jump-the-shark-on-the-sdmb/445658)
**Author:** [@spifflog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spifflog)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2008, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-clintons-jump-the-shark-on-the-sdmb/445658 "2008-04-19T03:07:09Z")
There was a time in the not too distant past, when a criticism of a Clinton (more him then her) would result in beating on par with Tyson vs. a tomato soup can. Part of this seemed to stem from: the membership here be… --- ## [Top hedge fund manager made $3.7B last year. Does this give anyone pause?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-hedge-fund-manager-made-3-7b-last-year-does-this-give-anyone-pause/445759)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2008, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/top-hedge-fund-manager-made-3-7b-last-year-does-this-give-anyone-pause/445759 "2008-04-19T02:32:04Z")
Yes, $3.7 billion , as in 3,700 million dollars. That’s more than the GDP of 58 countries according to this list. Countries like Greenland, Belize, and Aruba. Does this concern anyone else? To me, it’s not just the num… --- ## [Ultra-High Speed Highways?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultra-high-speed-highways/445761)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2008, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ultra-high-speed-highways/445761 "2008-04-18T21:51:30Z")
Would Ultra-High-Speed Highways be feasible in the USA? I ask because (apparently) in Italy, there are an elite group of drivers (mostly ex-race car drivers), employed by the performance car mfgs. (MASERATI, FERRARI, LAM… --- ## [PA Democratic debate tonight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pa-democratic-debate-tonight/445621)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2008, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pa-democratic-debate-tonight/445621 "2008-04-18T18:19:11Z")
So what tactic will each of them take? Will either be aggressively attacking the other, mocking the other, or will it be a show of mutual respect trying to out do each other to the high road? What does each of them want … --- ## [Free Enterprise: Will It Exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-enterprise-will-it-exist/445681)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2008, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-enterprise-will-it-exist/445681 "2008-04-18T16:13:30Z")
The US loves “free enterprise” and “competition”, but what is the ultimate goal of this game? To eliminate your competition, such as giants like Wal-Mart and Microsoft are well on their way. So, won’t free enterprise c… --- ## [Where should the aid money go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-should-the-aid-money-go/445788)
**Author:** [@wisernow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wisernow)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2008, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-should-the-aid-money-go/445788 "2008-04-18T15:25:55Z")
This post refers to the sticky of madmonk’s post requesting donations for the operation of a child named Saad Dhiab in Iraq, who suffers from a birth defect of an externalized bladder. I have full sympathies with the c… --- ## [What country has the least amount of racism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-country-has-the-least-amount-of-racism/445404)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2008, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-country-has-the-least-amount-of-racism/445404 "2008-04-18T05:51:00Z")
Most foreigners I know are pretty damn racist. I’m talking mostly about Russians, but people from the Asian nations can be pretty bad too. I hear mostly Russian racism because I can understand Russian, so I can understa… --- ## [China and the Olympics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-and-the-olympics/444372)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2008, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-and-the-olympics/444372 "2008-04-18T04:23:49Z")
I was wondering what the dopers opinions are on the upcoming Olympics in China. THe torch relay is being disrupted everywhere it goes. Hillary Clinton and others have called for a boycott by Pres. Bush of the Opening C… --- ## [Which country has the least amount of racism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-country-has-the-least-amount-of-racism/445577)
**Author:** [@blinkingblinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blinkingblinking)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2008, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-country-has-the-least-amount-of-racism/445577 "2008-04-18T03:41:57Z")
There is an actual debate here. Not sure what protocol is but I thought I would start a new thread without all the lame humour and shite in the other thread. My two nominations go to New Zealand and Australia. --- ## [Effect of Cuban Reforms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-cuban-reforms/443725)
**Author:** [@50million](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/50million)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2008, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-cuban-reforms/443725 "2008-04-17T19:13:29Z")
I’m guessing most of you have heard about some of the current reforms that little brother Raul is implementing in Cuba these days. Here’s a link if you want to read one small article about what’s going on. Basically, r… --- ## [Fact Check PA Debate: Do lower capital gains taxes raise revenues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-check-pa-debate-do-lower-capital-gains-taxes-raise-revenues/445716)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2008, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-check-pa-debate-do-lower-capital-gains-taxes-raise-revenues/445716 "2008-04-17T15:43:52Z")
Such was a moderater claim during the PA Democratic debate last night. Is it true? Do lower capital gains taxes increase revenues and higher capital gains taxes raise revenues? Or were such both merely functions of othe… --- ## [The Cold War really is over! (Commies take over Nepal, nobody cares)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cold-war-really-is-over-commies-take-over-nepal-nobody-cares/445591)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2008, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-cold-war-really-is-over-commies-take-over-nepal-nobody-cares/445591 "2008-04-17T14:39:43Z")
The Communist Party of Nepal-Maoist is poised to take over the government after (probably) winning a near-majority of seats in parliament in the election. They intend to abolish the monarchy and declare a republic. Wha… --- ## [Wishful thinking and the Science of Religion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wishful-thinking-and-the-science-of-religion/443088)
**Author:** [@SentientMeat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SentientMeat)\ **Replies:** 212\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2008, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wishful-thinking-and-the-science-of-religion/443088 "2008-04-17T13:08:06Z")
Hi you lot, it’s nice to be back, if only briefly. I’ve recently reread a couple of excellent books by two of my favourite writers, Profs. Dawkins & Dennett: The God Delusion and Breaking the Spell. I’ve also had a loo… --- ## [If The USA Had Quit Vietnam in 1968?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-usa-had-quit-vietnam-in-1968/444713)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2008, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-usa-had-quit-vietnam-in-1968/444713 "2008-04-17T04:39:50Z")
How amny lives would have been saved? Since the war continued till 1973 or so, what was accomplished for the 5 years? Given the debate about iraq-would it have been better to have “cut and run” from Vietnam in 1968? --- ## [What if the US suddenly picked butter over guns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-us-suddenly-picked-butter-over-guns/445400)
**Author:** [@Bearflag70](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bearflag70)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2008, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-us-suddenly-picked-butter-over-guns/445400 "2008-04-17T03:51:54Z")
Let’s assume, in the aftermath of Iraq, the US public decides that a huge military is not the best way to spend our money and there are better ways to achieve our goals than kicking some ass. Rightly or wrongly, the ide… --- ## [Obama says he would, as POTUS, have his AG look into prosecuting Bush Admin crimes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2008, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-says-he-would-as-potus-have-his-ag-look-into-prosecuting-bush-admin-crimes/445442 "2008-04-17T02:49:52Z")
He’s still ruling out impeachment, but: Lots of caveats and reservations, not a “Nail the bastards!” message. Still, I haven’t heard anything of the kind from HRC yet. Anyway: Would such investigations of the prev… --- ## [Ticket/fine revenue - solution for abuse.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticket-fine-revenue-solution-for-abuse/445496)
**Author:** [@BlinkingDuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlinkingDuck)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2008, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ticket-fine-revenue-solution-for-abuse/445496 "2008-04-17T02:21:02Z")
inspired by this thread: Why not, instead of ticket/fine revenue going to the local area, have a national fund that all of this goes to. That fund then can be used to…support baby owls crack babies or something. The… --- ## [Was there ever a real "self esteem" crisis for young minorities and women?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-ever-a-real-self-esteem-crisis-for-young-minorities-and-women/445257)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2008, 10:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-there-ever-a-real-self-esteem-crisis-for-young-minorities-and-women/445257 "2008-04-16T22:33:12Z")
From the late 60’s onward it has often been claimed by various groups and researchers that American female and minority schoolchildren suffered from chronic social self esteem deficits, and that this was directly respons… --- ## [What if the U.S. had allowed Vietnam its national referendum in 1956?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-u-s-had-allowed-vietnam-its-national-referendum-in-1956/444771)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2008, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-u-s-had-allowed-vietnam-its-national-referendum-in-1956/444771 "2008-04-16T20:46:17Z")
A followup to this ongoing thread. From Wikipedia: If the election had gone forward: Would Ho and the Vietminh have won? What would have been the results for Vietnam? What would have been the effect on Southe… --- ## [A Demographic Theory of War](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-demographic-theory-of-war/445405)
**Author:** [@HoboStew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoboStew)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2008, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-demographic-theory-of-war/445405 "2008-04-16T20:25:22Z")
This article posits a couple of interesting ideas, including this one: Clearly from his wikipedia page this guy is a controversial figure, but this theory kinda sounds intruiging in an Occam’s Razor kind of way. What … --- ## [Latest Obama Scandal: Can he Survive This?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-obama-scandal-can-he-survive-this/445048)
**Author:** [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2008, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/latest-obama-scandal-can-he-survive-this/445048 "2008-04-16T20:09:42Z")
Brace yourselves, people. Chris Matthews has once again discovered an example of how out-of-touch the “elitist” Barack Obama is. Seems he was offered a cup of coffeee at a diner and… wait for it… asked for a glass of o… --- ## [Is McCain getting a free pass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mccain-getting-a-free-pass/442300)
**Author:** [@Anomalous\_Reading](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anomalous_Reading)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2008, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mccain-getting-a-free-pass/442300 "2008-04-16T18:06:33Z")
I’m watching Dan Abram in his new format. He’s making the case that Senator John McCain is getting a pass on a number of gaffes in recent weeks. It’s an interesting take and it seems he’s making a reasonable point - bu… --- ## [Re GWB's legacy - Is he one of the worst POTUS' ever will historians redeem him?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-gwbs-legacy-is-he-one-of-the-worst-potus-ever-will-historians-redeem-him/444711)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 140\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2008, 5:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/re-gwbs-legacy-is-he-one-of-the-worst-potus-ever-will-historians-redeem-him/444711 "2008-04-16T17:54:30Z")
At this point, even as registered Republican, I have to admit it seems GW Bush is likely to be regarded as one of the worst US President’s ever, but people thought the same of Nixon, and historians have revised his legac… --- ## [I have decided to become an atheist (hypothetical)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-decided-to-become-an-atheist-hypothetical/444723)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 361\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2008, 10:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-have-decided-to-become-an-atheist-hypothetical/444723 "2008-04-16T10:07:57Z")
As such, since God does not exist, I feel it is time to take stock of everything I ever thought I knew. The obvious place to start is: Morality. Well, atheists keep telling me that an atheist can be moral. But what i… --- ## [Most Powerful Country timeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-powerful-country-timeline/443413)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2008, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-powerful-country-timeline/443413 "2008-04-16T00:39:49Z")
It’s pretty much accepted that the US is the most powerful country in the world right now. When did this become the case? Who was the most powerful country before us? Has someone made a timeline? Something that says some… --- ## [Principals Meeting on Torture: Can We Impeach Now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/principals-meeting-on-torture-can-we-impeach-now/445301)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2008, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/principals-meeting-on-torture-can-we-impeach-now/445301 "2008-04-15T20:30:11Z")
We know that Cheney was on the team that approved the torture techniques, in great detail. Bush says he was aware of those meetings, and approved. As George Tenet might say, it’s a slam dunk. Hearings would be needed … --- ## [What if China had not discontinued Zheng He's explorations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-china-had-not-discontinued-zheng-hes-explorations/444758)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2008, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-china-had-not-discontinued-zheng-hes-explorations/444758 "2008-04-15T19:10:02Z")
In the early Fifteenth Century, Admiral Zheng He (a/k/a “The Eunuch Sanbao”) led several Chinese “Treasure Fleets” on voyages of exploration and trade around Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean. He might even have disco… --- ## [Religious types who absolve themselves of responsibility for their problems.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-types-who-absolve-themselves-of-responsibility-for-their-problems/443991)
**Author:** [@Lobsang](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lobsang)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2008, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religious-types-who-absolve-themselves-of-responsibility-for-their-problems/443991 "2008-04-15T15:27:43Z")
I don’t often post in GD so go easy pleez! I was watching a programme on tv yesterday about the world’s heaviest man. One thing that was obvious was how religious he was/is. Another thing was how much he was thanking … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=640) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=642)