# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=648 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 649 --- ## [Happy easter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-easter/442447)
**Author:** [@Gbro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gbro)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2008, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-easter/442447 "2008-03-24T14:15:34Z")
"He Is Risen Indeed" --- ## [Why was our intelligence wrong about Iraqi WMDs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-our-intelligence-wrong-about-iraqi-wmds/442339)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2008, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-our-intelligence-wrong-about-iraqi-wmds/442339 "2008-03-24T08:35:09Z")
I can see this one spiraling into Great Debates, but I am really and truly just looking for a factual answer. It seems as if the Clinton and Bush II administrations thought, along with most of the rest of the world, tha… --- ## [tent cities in Cal. on BBC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tent-cities-in-cal-on-bbc/441802)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2008, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tent-cities-in-cal-on-bbc/441802 "2008-03-24T04:14:02Z")
The people who walked out,were foreclosed on or otherwise lost their homes are being reported on on the BBC. Tent cities are springing up , The BBC is highlighting the ones in California. i have seen nothing in the Ame… --- ## [What Have Our Army Learning From Iraq? (Tactics -- Not Policy)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-our-army-learning-from-iraq-tactics-not-policy/442129)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2008, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-have-our-army-learning-from-iraq-tactics-not-policy/442129 "2008-03-24T02:12:17Z")
Let’s assume (I do) that GWB was/is essentially wrong in his rationale for justifying the war a priori; for declaring it successful (on somewhat elided grounds) a posteriori; and for just being a general dupe of a bunch … --- ## [Should the US have massively increased it's spy organization](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-us-have-massively-increased-its-spy-organization/442462)
**Author:** [@Paddy\_O\_Furniture](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paddy_O_Furniture)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2008, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-us-have-massively-increased-its-spy-organization/442462 "2008-03-24T01:19:36Z")
… instead of starting a war based on a couple of contacts? Well, of course. In retrospect, that’s easy. So my real question is : Should they do that now? Run out and hire and train a billion dollar’s worth of Arabic a… --- ## [Osama Bin Laden Threatens EU](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/osama-bin-laden-threatens-eu/442036)
**Author:** [@kitemaker\_chuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kitemaker_chuck)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2008, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/osama-bin-laden-threatens-eu/442036 "2008-03-24T00:19:15Z")
Have any fellow Dopers heard anything about Osama Bin Laden’s threat against the nations in the EU, for the republishing of those cartoons of the Prophet Mohammed? Will anything come of this threat or is this just Bin L… --- ## [Wouldn't it be better to have all the primaries in May, June & July?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldnt-it-be-better-to-have-all-the-primaries-in-may-june-july/442240)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2008, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldnt-it-be-better-to-have-all-the-primaries-in-may-june-july/442240 "2008-03-23T22:01:04Z")
That would make for a shorter primary season, in better weather (as one who has trudged through the streets of Manchester, NH, in January I would call that an improvement). It would also be closer to the party conventio… --- ## [The case for Israel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-for-israel/442163)
**Author:** [@danbar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/danbar)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2008, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-case-for-israel/442163 "2008-03-23T17:42:47Z")
Let me make a point: The land of Israel is occupied. By the Arabs. The following document will show it, factually and unambiguously. The document will be posted in parts b/c of its length, in this thread or in a new on… --- ## [The End of the United States?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-united-states/441288)
**Author:** [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2008, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-of-the-united-states/441288 "2008-03-23T13:24:36Z")
I tried this topic a few years ago and it got derailed. This time I’m going to be a little more specific about the debate topic and hope the thread fares better. How long will the United States last in its present form… --- ## [Should universities offer a major in a specific sport?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-universities-offer-a-major-in-a-specific-sport/442358)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2008, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-universities-offer-a-major-in-a-specific-sport/442358 "2008-03-23T13:07:09Z")
If it is bowl season or tournament time, the articles will appear about the poor graduation rates of student-athletes. So, why shouldn’t a university offer a major in basketball or football? You wouldn’t be surprised to… --- ## [Obama's Passport File Breached. Big Deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-passport-file-breached-big-deal/442165)
**Author:** [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2008, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obamas-passport-file-breached-big-deal/442165 "2008-03-23T01:24:42Z")
Breaking as I type this OP is news that Obama’s passport file at the State Department was breached three times in the last three months, January 9, February 21, and March 14. The people in the first two were contractors … --- ## [Should Obama give his superdelegates to Gore for the good of the Dem party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-obama-give-his-superdelegates-to-gore-for-the-good-of-the-dem-party/442288)
**Author:** [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2008, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-obama-give-his-superdelegates-to-gore-for-the-good-of-the-dem-party/442288 "2008-03-22T19:25:44Z")
While enduring a lengthy car trip yesterday, I was forced to listen to about three hours of Sean Hannity on am radio- it was either that, hardcore 70’s country, preachers, or static. Anyhoo, he had a Zogby poller on ther… --- ## [HRC member of a secretive RW Christian cult "The Family"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hrc-member-of-a-secretive-rw-christian-cult-the-family/442100)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2008, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hrc-member-of-a-secretive-rw-christian-cult-the-family/442100 "2008-03-22T12:09:44Z")
AKA The Fellowship. So Mother Jones reports: So far, so innocuous – but further down it gets effin’ scary. The Nation adds: Should we be worried about this? I know I am. What is encouraging to Chuck Colson shoul… --- ## [Roberts and Alito v. Scalia and Thomas.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roberts-and-alito-v-scalia-and-thomas/442297)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2008, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roberts-and-alito-v-scalia-and-thomas/442297 "2008-03-22T03:23:17Z")
I recently heard presidential candidate John McCain say that if elected he would appoint judges like John Roberts and Sam Alito. This seems a little strange, because most conservatives say they favor justices like Antoni… --- ## [Is Dean Radin a Respected Parapsychologist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dean-radin-a-respected-parapsychologist/442230)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2008, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dean-radin-a-respected-parapsychologist/442230 "2008-03-22T03:17:25Z")
Given the state of parapsychology today (Duke Univ. and Princeton U. have given up on it); is Prof. Radin’s work accepted as being scientifically sound? He claims that he has proven communication between people , with n… --- ## [Amateur Debunker, Or Killjoy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amateur-debunker-or-killjoy/441750)
**Author:** [@brujaja](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brujaja)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2008, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amateur-debunker-or-killjoy/441750 "2008-03-22T02:26:30Z")
I really wanted to start this thread in MPSIMS because I don’t like arguments; or rather, I don’t like arguments if they get nasty. But I thought I had better start it here because part of my reasoning involves religion… --- ## [Global Cooling ... has it begun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-cooling-has-it-begun/441694)
**Author:** [@Climate\_Zone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Climate_Zone)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2008, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-cooling-has-it-begun/441694 "2008-03-22T01:47:09Z")
There has been zero global warming for the past 10 years plus 2 months (see graph below). The CO2 level has continued to rise, yet the global temperature has not. In fact, there is now a trend towards global cooling. H… --- ## [Would it be better for USA, Dems if McCain wins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-better-for-usa-dems-if-mccain-wins/441839)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 11:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-better-for-usa-dems-if-mccain-wins/441839 "2008-03-21T23:43:01Z")
Yeah, I know, counterintuitive (read ‘dumb shit’ if you want :D) as all hell. But hear me out a moment. If Obama or Clinton gets elected: a) S/he won’t be able to get a damned thing of importance accomplished: 41+ GO… --- ## [Let's redraw the world](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-redraw-the-world/441983)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-redraw-the-world/441983 "2008-03-21T22:51:27Z")
This current thread has me pondering. You are aware of the Mercator projection of the earth. Differences in latitude are differences in relative distance no matter where you are on the earth. There’s no distortion on th… --- ## [How Prevalent is the Rev. Wright's stance amongst African Americans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-prevalent-is-the-rev-wrights-stance-amongst-african-americans/441494)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-prevalent-is-the-rev-wrights-stance-amongst-african-americans/441494 "2008-03-21T20:40:46Z")
On another forum I presented the idea that the Rev. Wright’s stance on 9/11 was a lot more prevalent among African Americans than many white people recognize. This has at least been my experience amongst young black pol… --- ## [Why are the Chinese Government such Dicks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-chinese-government-such-dicks/441908)
**Author:** [@xiix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/xiix)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-chinese-government-such-dicks/441908 "2008-03-21T19:26:43Z")
So I think it was likely one of the more recent articles about Chinese web-censorship (re: Tibet in this instance) that lead me to once again ask myself if there are there perfectly rationale (perhaps even ethical) reaso… --- ## [Passport Breaches...what's up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-breaches-whats-up/442238)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/passport-breaches-whats-up/442238 "2008-03-21T17:36:54Z")
I noticed that things are growing over at the state department. It went from first Obama, to Clinton…and now McCain’s passport was also apparently breached. Link . My question is…why? What’s going on here? Not sure … --- ## [Reading Bush's Mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-bushs-mind/442058)
**Author:** [@Baldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baldwin)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reading-bushs-mind/442058 "2008-03-21T17:36:19Z")
Not sure if this belongs in GD; but there’s no definite factual answer, and it’s not a rant. Yesterday, on the fifth anniversary (let’s see, 2003 to 2008, yep, five years, Jesus Christ) of our invading Iraq, GWB stated … --- ## [Tibet: Are the chinese Overreacting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tibet-are-the-chinese-overreacting/441484)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 2:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tibet-are-the-chinese-overreacting/441484 "2008-03-21T14:57:24Z")
Just read that 35 people have been killed in lasa. Does it seem that the Chinese are over-reacting a bit? Seems like China’s sovereingty is a fact-so what are the issues? --- ## [Obama March 18th, 2008 Speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-march-18th-2008-speech/441774)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 456\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-march-18th-2008-speech/441774 "2008-03-21T07:09:48Z")
I’m starting this thread to jump the gun on everyone by presenting my take on it in advance and test my understanding of where Obama is coming from. I believe that “black liberation theology” which Barack has been expos… --- ## [Registering with the "wrong" party to influence a primary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/registering-with-the-wrong-party-to-influence-a-primary/442134)
**Author:** [@Asimovian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asimovian)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/registering-with-the-wrong-party-to-influence-a-primary/442134 "2008-03-21T04:32:24Z")
I just got through reading this article, and I’m a bit sickened that this seems to be considered legitimate. It’s one thing to have open primaries where a member of one party is allowed by the rules to vote in the prima… --- ## [Mandated referrals for abortions.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mandated-referrals-for-abortions/441967)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mandated-referrals-for-abortions/441967 "2008-03-21T03:17:55Z")
On NPR this morning I heard a report regarding how Gynes are free to refuse to perform abortions or even to prescribe a morning after pill but are considered by their professional organization to be required to refer to … --- ## [Hillary's experience? Evidence from her papers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillarys-experience-evidence-from-her-papers/442182)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillarys-experience-evidence-from-her-papers/442182 "2008-03-21T03:05:42Z")
In a different thread I had bemoaned that CNN was using the newly released Hillary Clinton papers merely to pander to those curious about where she was whlist Bill was having his dalliances, rather than finding out if he… --- ## [brazil84's Global Warming Thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brazil84s-global-warming-thread/429693)
**Author:** [@aptronym](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aptronym)\ **Replies:** 353\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brazil84s-global-warming-thread/429693 "2008-03-21T03:01:20Z")
As requested, this thread is mostly to elucidate brazil84’s elusive stance on key questions of global warming. Things to be discussed: (1) Is global warming real? a. Is the Earth heating up at all? b. Can it be attri… --- ## [Racism isn't a substantial, it doesn't exist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racism-isnt-a-substantial-it-doesnt-exist/442137)
**Author:** [@Transcendence](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Transcendence)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2008, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racism-isnt-a-substantial-it-doesnt-exist/442137 "2008-03-21T02:15:59Z")
First take this quiz Read this word backwords: Reggin Does saying or typing out this word equte to making a racial remark? If a person says “nigger” is that person a racist? If you answered “yes” to the above q… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=647) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=649)