# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=657 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 658 --- ## [Is there some undiscovered factual necessity for slavery, sexism, racism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-some-undiscovered-factual-necessity-for-slavery-sexism-racism/438069)
**Author:** [@TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TLDRIDKJKLOLFTW)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2008, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-some-undiscovered-factual-necessity-for-slavery-sexism-racism/438069 "2008-02-20T00:24:09Z")
Whenever we find a modern and empirical fact through science and research, there’s often an anecdote that goes something like this (pure made-up for illustration) one : “Did you know that even though aspirin wasn’t inve… --- ## [Obama: Our law is by definition a codification of our morality.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-our-law-is-by-definition-a-codification-of-our-morality/437916)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2008, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-our-law-is-by-definition-a-codification-of-our-morality/437916 "2008-02-19T23:26:07Z")
\[QUOTE=Barack Obama\] Because I do not believe that religious people have a monopoly on morality. I would rather have someone who is grounded in morality and ethics and who is also secular, affirm their morality and the… --- ## [Californias treaty with the United Kingdom - on step towards independence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-treaty-with-the-united-kingdom-on-step-towards-independence/438141)
**Author:** [@Wildfire\_MM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildfire_MM)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2008, 9:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/californias-treaty-with-the-united-kingdom-on-step-towards-independence/438141 "2008-02-19T21:34:23Z")
In 2007 Californias governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed a global warming treaty with the United Kingdom’s Prime Minister Tony Blair Can a non-sovereign state do this ? According to Californian independence groups, th… --- ## [Racism and Barack Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racism-and-barack-obama/437048)
**Author:** [@raindog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/raindog)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2008, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racism-and-barack-obama/437048 "2008-02-19T18:27:40Z")
I guess I should start by saying I have no dog in this fight. I wouldn’t care if the winning ticket was Keyes/Forbes or Nader/Kucinich. I’m also interested in a rational (you know, a kinder, gentler kind of thing) disc… --- ## [Have the Reps already won MI and FL?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-reps-already-won-mi-and-fl/437810)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2008, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-the-reps-already-won-mi-and-fl/437810 "2008-02-19T16:34:18Z")
Candidate McCain is running against either HRC or Obama (but it works better with Obama) Rather than attacking the demo candidate in Michigan and Florida, the Reps attack the party basically saying “They don’t care abou… --- ## [Who will Edwards endorse? Will it matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-edwards-endorse-will-it-matter/437195)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2008, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-edwards-endorse-will-it-matter/437195 "2008-02-19T02:07:15Z")
John Edwards is expected to endorse either Clinton or Obama for the Dem presidential nomination this week. He is rumored to incline towards Obama, but Clinton is still trying to woo him. Which way will he go? Will his… --- ## [A suggestion for scheduling the primaries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-suggestion-for-scheduling-the-primaries/435584)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-suggestion-for-scheduling-the-primaries/435584 "2008-02-18T23:50:18Z")
Many oppose the idea of having all 50 state primaries/caucuses the same day because: That would necessarily favor the candidates with the most money to spend early in the race and Small, less-populous states would … --- ## [Obama likely to ban semi-automatic weapons if elected??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-likely-to-ban-semi-automatic-weapons-if-elected/437896)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-likely-to-ban-semi-automatic-weapons-if-elected/437896 "2008-02-18T21:49:01Z")
I’ve heard it said in other threads by pkbites that Obama seeks to ban all semi-automatic weapons if he is elected. Wikipedia says that he voted in favor of the “assault weapons” ban long ago, and that he was given a gra… --- ## [What will Al Gore Power brokering do for the Obama Campaign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-al-gore-power-brokering-do-for-the-obama-campaign/438097)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-al-gore-power-brokering-do-for-the-obama-campaign/438097 "2008-02-18T20:22:51Z")
Will Al Gore power brokering before the convention help or hinder the Obama Campaign? According to this article Gore has reason to broker in Obama’s favor. However, with the party’s deep divide among voters I’m wondering… --- ## [Asians turn out overwhelmningly for Clinton](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asians-turn-out-overwhelmningly-for-clinton/436578)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asians-turn-out-overwhelmningly-for-clinton/436578 "2008-02-18T20:06:42Z")
Despite all the rhetoric about the end of identity politics, it is alive and well. What everyone wants to know is why Hispanics turn out overwhelmingly for Clinton. What noone seems to be asking is why Asians turn out … --- ## [Should we partially repeal the 13th Amendment to help people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-partially-repeal-the-13th-amendment-to-help-people/437932)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-partially-repeal-the-13th-amendment-to-help-people/437932 "2008-02-18T19:27:22Z")
It is my understanding that the 13th amendment also bans indentured servitude. It is my position that we need to repeal this part the 13th amendment to help people living in 3rd world countries. Here is my reasoning: … --- ## [What exactly is The Daily Show effect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-daily-show-effect/437960)
**Author:** [@Windwalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Windwalker)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-the-daily-show-effect/437960 "2008-02-18T19:00:09Z")
And for this I mean anything involving The Colbert Report as well, since they’re essentially a combined one-hour program. John Stewart pokes fun at idiocies in politics, and is especially biting on vacuous, moronic and … --- ## [Will McCain's running mate be much more important than usual?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-mccains-running-mate-be-much-more-important-than-usual/436596)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-mccains-running-mate-be-much-more-important-than-usual/436596 "2008-02-18T17:56:34Z")
Personally, I doubt that the Republicans have much hope of winning the White House this time around. But with McCain the likely Republican nominee, I’m wondering if his choice of running mate will be particularly importa… --- ## [When are armed societies stable, and when do they lead to chaos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-are-armed-societies-stable-and-when-do-they-lead-to-chaos/438051)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-are-armed-societies-stable-and-when-do-they-lead-to-chaos/438051 "2008-02-18T17:53:37Z")
Please note that this is NOT about domestic crime, individual killings, etc. This is about how armed societies fare at the national-political level. Especially, the issue of civil war. One the one hand, we have the Swis… --- ## [Do Christians follow the 10 commandments?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-christians-follow-the-10-commandments/437403)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-christians-follow-the-10-commandments/437403 "2008-02-18T06:17:35Z")
I have never met a Christian that observes the Sabbath. Is this something they are supposed to do? I think they follow the other commandments, but I am not sure. So what is the deal with Christians and the 10 commandment… --- ## [Evolution vs Biblical Creationism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-vs-biblical-creationism/437620)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-vs-biblical-creationism/437620 "2008-02-18T03:57:55Z")
Premise: God exists and is responsible for the creation of the universe. God Created The Ten Comandments…AND the perfect, unbreakable laws of chemistry, based upon perfect, unbreakable laws of physics, based upon perfec… --- ## [Jews and Valentines Day](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jews-and-valentines-day/437711)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jews-and-valentines-day/437711 "2008-02-18T03:09:09Z")
I know there are plenty of Jews that celebrate Christian holidays (especially ones that are basically secular), but do observant Jews have any issues with celebrating Valentine’s day? --- ## [Obama leads in delegate count](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-leads-in-delegate-count/436633)
**Author:** [@JohnnieEnigma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnnieEnigma)\ **Replies:** 210\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2008, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-leads-in-delegate-count/436633 "2008-02-18T02:16:07Z")
"The Obama campaign attached an Excel spreadsheet containing “state-by-state estimates of the pledged delegates we won last night, which total 845 for Obama and 836 for Clinton — bringing the to-date total of delegates t… --- ## [Civilian casualties in war up from 10% to 90% from World War1 to the Gulf War](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/civilian-casualties-in-war-up-from-10-to-90-from-world-war1-to-the-gulf-war/437928)
**Author:** [@Wildfire\_MM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildfire_MM)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2008, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/civilian-casualties-in-war-up-from-10-to-90-from-world-war1-to-the-gulf-war/437928 "2008-02-17T23:23:06Z")
According to the Canadian 2007-documentary War made Easy, civilian casualties in war rose from 10% in 1WW to 90 in the Gulf War Here are the figures: 1WW: 10% of the dead where civilians 2WW: 50% Vietnam-War: 70% G… --- ## [I guess that makes Chelsea the Ho](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-guess-that-makes-chelsea-the-ho/436960)
**Author:** [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2008, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-guess-that-makes-chelsea-the-ho/436960 "2008-02-17T22:01:19Z")
So does anyone think that Hillary’s continued outrage over some guy at MSNBC saying she was “pimping” Chelsea is a manufactured attempt to win votes and sympathy as a mom protecting her baby? Because, really, the insult … --- ## [What would happen if Clinton or McCain used the "n-word"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-clinton-or-mccain-used-the-n-word/437390)
**Author:** [@Dilton\_Doiley\_Philosopher\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dilton_Doiley_Philosopher_King)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2008, 6:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-clinton-or-mccain-used-the-n-word/437390 "2008-02-17T18:45:33Z")
Let’s pretend that a grainy cellphone video of Hillary Clinton or John McCain is posted on Youtube and in the video, the respective candidate is shown talking about Barack Obama, and the candidate uses the “n-word”, eith… --- ## [Life After People (anyone seen this documentary)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-people-anyone-seen-this-documentary/437021)
**Author:** [@Wildfire\_MM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildfire_MM)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2008, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-after-people-anyone-seen-this-documentary/437021 "2008-02-17T18:28:26Z")
It was aired on history channel in January, but haven’t been aired in Europe yet. It’s supposed to show what will happen to earth and the remains of our civilization in the days, weeks, months and decades after humans … --- ## [Why did Hitler besiege Stalingrad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-hitler-besiege-stalingrad/436118)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2008, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-hitler-besiege-stalingrad/436118 "2008-02-17T17:35:34Z")
As I understand it, the strategic aim of Hitler’s push towards the Caucasus was to seize control of the oilfields there, thereby both denying petroleum supplies to the Soviets’ mechanized forces and securing them for his… --- ## [Existence, nothingness, the universe: I don't understand them...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/existence-nothingness-the-universe-i-dont-understand-them/435561)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2008, 3:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/existence-nothingness-the-universe-i-dont-understand-them/435561 "2008-02-17T03:07:36Z")
\[Note: Most or all of the theories, terms and questions below are not original and have been thought and discussed before. I apologize for any boredom I might cause.\] A clever dead greek named Socrates liked to convey c… --- ## [Obama loses. Do the young take their ball and go home?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-loses-do-the-young-take-their-ball-and-go-home/436518)
**Author:** [@yojimbo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yojimbo)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2008, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-loses-do-the-young-take-their-ball-and-go-home/436518 "2008-02-16T17:01:33Z")
This is something I was thinking about last night while watching some of the coverage of Super Tuesday. Obama has turned a lot of people onto politics of that there is no doubt. Young people in particular seem to be mor… --- ## [How could the free market have effected the switch to unleaded fuel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-the-free-market-have-effected-the-switch-to-unleaded-fuel/437139)
**Author:** [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2008, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-could-the-free-market-have-effected-the-switch-to-unleaded-fuel/437139 "2008-02-16T16:14:10Z")
The switch to unleaded fuel for ordinary road vehicles has already happened in many parts of the developed world, but this was achieved largely by government intervention in the form of differential taxes and eventually … --- ## ["Scarlet letter" for drunk drivers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlet-letter-for-drunk-drivers/437311)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2008, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scarlet-letter-for-drunk-drivers/437311 "2008-02-16T06:01:33Z")
A state legislator has proposed a new law requiring anyone convicted of drunk driving to bear a fluorescent-yellow license plate attesting to same. It’s still in committee, but the bill being sponsored by Washington Sta… --- ## [Pentagon to shoot down satellite -- safety measure or weapons test?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-to-shoot-down-satellite-safety-measure-or-weapons-test/437731)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2008, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-to-shoot-down-satellite-safety-measure-or-weapons-test/437731 "2008-02-16T04:47:10Z")
The Pentagon has announced plans to fire a missile at a spy satellite in decaying orbit, ostensibly to prevent it from reaching Earth with its load of toxic hydrazine fuel. But some speculate they’re really doing this j… --- ## [Would an Edwards endorsement lock up the Dem nomination? (+ethics question)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-an-edwards-endorsement-lock-up-the-dem-nomination-ethics-question/437831)
**Author:** [@Dilton\_Doiley\_Philosopher\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dilton_Doiley_Philosopher_King)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2008, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-an-edwards-endorsement-lock-up-the-dem-nomination-ethics-question/437831 "2008-02-16T03:48:17Z")
Right now, Clinton and Obama are neck-in-neck. If Edwards gives his endorsement for either Senator, will that Senator be pretty much guaranteed to win the nomination? Does Edwards’ have that much of an influence in the… --- ## [Why is Reagan so loved by so many Republicans (and some Democrats)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-reagan-so-loved-by-so-many-republicans-and-some-democrats/437666)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2008, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-reagan-so-loved-by-so-many-republicans-and-some-democrats/437666 "2008-02-16T00:17:53Z")
The question pretty much says it all, but… He’s continually lauded as a god who walked among men in the Republican debates. People proudly say they’re “Republicans in the Reagan sense of the word” and go out of their w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=656) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=658)