# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=650 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 651 --- ## [Of the three Presidential Candidates the World would like Obama the most.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-the-three-presidential-candidates-the-world-would-like-obama-the-most/440474)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-the-three-presidential-candidates-the-world-would-like-obama-the-most/440474 "2008-03-14T23:49:24Z")
This morning on NPR’s “On Point” Several scholars and journalists from around the world including Parag Khanna, geopolitical scholar and advisor, and author of the new book “The Second World: Empires and Influence in the… --- ## [Another Tipping Debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tipping-debate/441256)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-tipping-debate/441256 "2008-03-14T20:38:26Z")
iamthewalrus’s first post. My response iamthewalrus’s response. iamthewalrus reduces his tip amount by the amount of the delivery charge when tipping delivery drivers. He also argues that if a restaurant were to start… --- ## [How long could an atheist society last?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-an-atheist-society-last/441000)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-an-atheist-society-last/441000 "2008-03-14T17:44:13Z")
Imagine that an uninhabited island the size of Ireland appears, Brigadoon-like, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean (and that the very miraculousness of its appearance is explained by science). The land is sufficently fe… --- ## [God as Parent.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-as-parent/440874)
**Author:** [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-as-parent/440874 "2008-03-14T17:21:15Z")
A spinoff thread from this one. It’s been suggested in there and elsewhere in general that a good analogy for God’s interaction with the world and us is like that of a concerned, loving parent, and we his troublesome ch… --- ## [What would have happened if John Edwards stayed in?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-have-happened-if-john-edwards-stayed-in/441155)
**Author:** [@rikc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rikc)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-have-happened-if-john-edwards-stayed-in/441155 "2008-03-14T16:35:42Z")
It was pretty clear early on that John Edwards wasn’t exactly picking up speed in the Democratic primaries, but he certainly would have been able to argue himself a few reasons to stay in through Super Tuesday if he real… --- ## [S Corp? C Corp? Or LLC? Make your case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-corp-c-corp-or-llc-make-your-case/441259)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/s-corp-c-corp-or-llc-make-your-case/441259 "2008-03-14T13:12:16Z")
I’m looking to incorporate and would like to hear some of the pros and cons from Dopers. I operate as a consultant/freelance writer. More and more clients would be more comfortable if I was a corporation. And if I had bu… --- ## [Will the evr-rising price of oil (and consequently everything else) bring about anoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-evr-rising-price-of-oil-and-consequently-everything-else-bring-about-anoth/440622)
**Author:** [@Squarebubble1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squarebubble1)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-evr-rising-price-of-oil-and-consequently-everything-else-bring-about-anoth/440622 "2008-03-14T05:07:33Z")
What happens if (more like when) oil hits, say $1000.00 a barrel, meaning gas will be somewhere’s around $10-12. a gallon. Most working stiffs won’t be able to afford it, yet there’s nobody with any clout who can/will pr… --- ## [Lesser of two evils: jail or psych-ward?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lesser-of-two-evils-jail-or-psych-ward/440988)
**Author:** [@Squarebubble1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squarebubble1)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 4:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lesser-of-two-evils-jail-or-psych-ward/440988 "2008-03-14T04:20:05Z")
My brother, essentially unemployable (don’t ask), is about to have his unemployment benefits expire. Since nobody, including myself, can afford to support him, and Welfare in this area is limited pretty much to single wo… --- ## [Questions for Catholics - Heroism Virtue in Kidnapping/Brain-washing a Jewish child.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-catholics-heroism-virtue-in-kidnapping-brain-washing-a-jewish-child/441272)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-for-catholics-heroism-virtue-in-kidnapping-brain-washing-a-jewish-child/441272 "2008-03-14T04:11:12Z")
Why do you choose to be a part of an organization that says that a man who ordered the kidnapping and brain-washing of a Jewish child is “heroic in virtue”? This man also called Jews dogs, but the organization that yo… --- ## [Why not an online do-over for Mich., Fla. Dems?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-an-online-do-over-for-mich-fla-dems/441243)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-an-online-do-over-for-mich-fla-dems/441243 "2008-03-14T03:15:12Z")
Another trudge-to-your-polling-place primary, or a mail-in primary as some have suggested, would cost mebbe $10-20m, by most estimates. That’s money better spent defeating John McCain in November. Why not just do it on… --- ## [Would a Mail in do-over in MI and FL be better than Caucuses? What about mail fraud?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-mail-in-do-over-in-mi-and-fl-be-better-than-caucuses-what-about-mail-fraud/440954)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 14, 2008, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-mail-in-do-over-in-mi-and-fl-be-better-than-caucuses-what-about-mail-fraud/440954 "2008-03-14T01:35:16Z")
The cheapest way for FL and MI to have a do-over democratic primary vote would be caucuses, and if not caucuses a mail in do-over. Clinton has rejected what some democratic officials say would be the cheapest way to have… --- ## [House cites Bolten & Miers for contempt; Pubs stage walkout](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-cites-bolten-miers-for-contempt-pubs-stage-walkout/437677)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2008, 9:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-cites-bolten-miers-for-contempt-pubs-stage-walkout/437677 "2008-03-13T21:43:32Z")
In connection with its year-long investigation of the U.S.-attorney-firings scandal (remember that one?), the House has finally cited WH Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten and former WH Counsel Harriet Miers for their failure … --- ## [The asterixed HOF baseball](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-asterixed-hof-baseball/440558)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2008, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-asterixed-hof-baseball/440558 "2008-03-13T20:15:45Z")
So it looks like the baseball HOF will get Bond’s 756th HR ball. Assuming it will get some sort of special display - 2 questions: What story SHOULD the ball tell? What story WILL the ball tell? Possible choices are … --- ## [What Signals The Bottom of the Real Estate Market?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-signals-the-bottom-of-the-real-estate-market/440542)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2008, 8:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-signals-the-bottom-of-the-real-estate-market/440542 "2008-03-13T20:10:36Z")
I would like to buy some property-and I’m thinking that the bottom of the market is at ahnd. What are the classic signs that things have bottomed out? I believe that the cost of gasoline will have a huge effect on real e… --- ## [What's the proper way to wage a modern war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-proper-way-to-wage-a-modern-war/440388)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2008, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-proper-way-to-wage-a-modern-war/440388 "2008-03-13T20:03:14Z")
The US has the top military force, but lately, the results sure don’t reflect it. It was mentioned in another thread that the military is “being used in a way they were never designed to be used.” So, what’s the right … --- ## [What Would Happen (Politically) If Spitzer Doesn't Resign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-politically-if-spitzer-doesnt-resign/440880)
**Author:** [@zev\_steinhardt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zev_steinhardt)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2008, 5:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-politically-if-spitzer-doesnt-resign/440880 "2008-03-13T17:38:22Z")
Assume for the sake of this question that there is no criminal indictment - he was merely a customer and (for whatever reason) won’t be prosecuted. Also assume that he refuses to step down from office. So, what happens… --- ## [Who will be the first Madame President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-the-first-madame-president/440819)
**Author:** [@lissener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lissener)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2008, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-the-first-madame-president/440819 "2008-03-13T17:23:37Z")
Clearly Hillary has blown it. As much as I like her, personally, I believe she’s become too tied up in how she appears, as a candidate, to actually \*function \*as a candidate. Now it’s possible she may resurface in four … --- ## [I Tell Ya, I Get No Respect, No Respect - Treatment of Queens and Presidents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-tell-ya-i-get-no-respect-no-respect-treatment-of-queens-and-presidents/440038)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2008, 8:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-tell-ya-i-get-no-respect-no-respect-treatment-of-queens-and-presidents/440038 "2008-03-13T08:58:18Z")
In this Pit thread, there’s discussion about an encounter between noted photographer Annie Liebowitz and noted monarch Elizabeth II. As reported, Liebowitz was engaged to photograph the queen, and asked her to remove her… --- ## [Rethinking my position re: guns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rethinking-my-position-re-guns/441003)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2008, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rethinking-my-position-re-guns/441003 "2008-03-12T23:03:43Z")
Well, not really, to the extent that I’d prefer to be positioned behind a gun than in front… :wink: But as of late I’ve realized I am not nearly as opposed to gun ownership and as strong a fan of gun control as I had be… --- ## [Bush Admin fomented the Gaza Strip civil war?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-admin-fomented-the-gaza-strip-civil-war/440900)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2008, 5:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-admin-fomented-the-gaza-strip-civil-war/440900 "2008-03-12T17:16:08Z")
Vanity Fair reports: Urk. Just urk. Even for the Bush Admin this is . . . well, incredible. An overt betrayal of W’s purported commitment to ME democracy. A bloody crime. A monumental cock-up. All in one. And no… --- ## [China vs. Cuba--Who's the human rights violator?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-vs-cuba-whos-the-human-rights-violator/441066)
**Author:** [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2008, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-vs-cuba-whos-the-human-rights-violator/441066 "2008-03-12T14:35:21Z")
If this one’s been brought up before, please excuse me. A story today–U.S. Drops China From List of Top 10 Violators of Rights . Yeppers, sounds just like where I’d want to retire in a few years---------NOT! Still o… --- ## [Neal Adams - growing planets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neal-adams-growing-planets/440763)
**Author:** [@human\_extinction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/human_extinction)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2008, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/neal-adams-growing-planets/440763 "2008-03-12T14:23:19Z")
Please post how Neal’s theories can be tested via the scientific method - realistic tests that would prove/disprove the theories. If the planets are hollow, then their mass must be different than we imagine and/or gravi… --- ## [Iraq now costs $12 billion a month](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-now-costs-12-billion-a-month/440771)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2008, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-now-costs-12-billion-a-month/440771 "2008-03-12T13:38:17Z")
Studies: Iraq costs US $12B per month For those who support the continued occupation of Iraq, is there no upper limit to what you would spend to maintain troops in Iraq? At some point – $15 billion, $20 billion per mo… --- ## [We can't set a timetable for withdrawal because...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-set-a-timetable-for-withdrawal-because/439987)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2008, 9:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-cant-set-a-timetable-for-withdrawal-because/439987 "2008-03-12T09:21:11Z")
Let me start by stating that I’ve never come out in support of a US withdrawal from Iraq. What I support is drafting all Republicans of military age. Having said that… Apparently, the argument against setting a timeta… --- ## [Clinton/Obama Ticket](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-obama-ticket/440199)
**Author:** [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2008, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-obama-ticket/440199 "2008-03-12T03:37:09Z")
At this point, I would happily support a Clinton/Obama ticket. I want the primary season to be over, and their policy differences are not that great. As the older, more seasoned candidate, it makes more since for Hillary… --- ## [Is it a good thing for the WH and Congress to be controlled by different parties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-good-thing-for-the-wh-and-congress-to-be-controlled-by-different-parties/440841)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2008, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-a-good-thing-for-the-wh-and-congress-to-be-controlled-by-different-parties/440841 "2008-03-12T01:41:05Z")
I’ve encountered this meme several times in this forum in discussions of the elections. But why does anybody think such divided government (a situation that never arises in parliamentary systems, BTW) is a good thing in… --- ## [HBO's Joe Louis: America's Hero, Betrayed (?)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hbos-joe-louis-americas-hero-betrayed/441011)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2008, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hbos-joe-louis-americas-hero-betrayed/441011 "2008-03-11T21:03:53Z")
Lot of interesting boxing history in this recent documentary feature. Louis comes across as a solid guy, no question. His volunteering to do boxing exhibitions in the Army, at standard GI pay, certainly speaks to his p… --- ## [Animal Minds: Animal testing, emotion and why we do it.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animal-minds-animal-testing-emotion-and-why-we-do-it/440721)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2008, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/animal-minds-animal-testing-emotion-and-why-we-do-it/440721 "2008-03-11T18:21:32Z")
For at least two decades I have been fascinated with National Geographic Magazine. I’ve read it cover to cover for years and I name reading NAT GEO as one of my favorite pastimes each month. This month there is an inter… --- ## [Is The Post WWII World Order FINISHED?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-post-wwii-world-order-finished/440247)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2008, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-post-wwii-world-order-finished/440247 "2008-03-11T18:18:53Z")
I certainly hope so! I don’t like the USA as the only superpower-being the worlds policeman has bankrupted us and made us unpopular. furthermore, our military forces are unsustainable-as the wars we have so foolishly go… --- ## [What is the "best experience" one can have to be the U.S. President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-experience-one-can-have-to-be-the-u-s-president/440391)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2008, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-best-experience-one-can-have-to-be-the-u-s-president/440391 "2008-03-11T17:48:27Z")
The most often heard criticism of Obama (other than that he’s a closet Muslim radical who has sex and crack with crazed rednecks in the back of limos) is that he lacks the experience to be President. Hillary’s “red phon… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=649) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=651)