# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=666 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 667 --- ## [Should we tax fat people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-tax-fat-people/434139)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2008, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-tax-fat-people/434139 "2008-01-19T14:16:11Z")
Fat people are gross. We should discourage their disgusting appearance. Fat people are less healthy. They should be encouraged to lose weight for their own good. If we ever get national health care fat people wil… --- ## [CREW sues WH for info about FIVE MILLION missing e-mails](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crew-sues-wh-for-info-about-five-million-missing-e-mails/405288)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2008, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crew-sues-wh-for-info-about-five-million-missing-e-mails/405288 "2008-01-19T14:12:36Z")
CREW (Committee for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington) is suing the WH for refusing to comply with its FOIA request regarding five million apparently missing e-mails generated between March 2003 and October 2005. Y… --- ## ['Opt-out' Organ Donation plans for UK and other issues...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opt-out-organ-donation-plans-for-uk-and-other-issues/433400)
**Author:** [@pretend\_my\_name\_is\_witty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pretend_my_name_is_witty)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [January 19, 2008, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opt-out-organ-donation-plans-for-uk-and-other-issues/433400 "2008-01-19T01:41:18Z")
The PM has show his support today for a radical change in the organ donation system in the UK. Under the current system, you are only a donor if you opt-in by carrying a donor card and even then family consent is necess… --- ## [Atheist Dopers - would you raise your children religious?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dopers-would-you-raise-your-children-religious/433724)
**Author:** [@Illuminatiprimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Illuminatiprimus)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2008, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dopers-would-you-raise-your-children-religious/433724 "2008-01-18T21:47:26Z")
Prompted by another thread and, coincidentally, an unrelated conversation I had with a friend of mine recently. Would you as an atheist be willing to bring up your children religious? If so why? Would you be happy to br… --- ## [Mike Huckabee is strongly opposed to abortion - including in cases of rape or incest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-huckabee-is-strongly-opposed-to-abortion-including-in-cases-of-rape-or-incest/432598)
**Author:** [@Wildfire\_MM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildfire_MM)\ **Replies:** 257\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2008, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mike-huckabee-is-strongly-opposed-to-abortion-including-in-cases-of-rape-or-incest/432598 "2008-01-18T19:30:22Z")
This according to wikipedia Isn’t that pretty extreme, even for an evangelical baptist pastor? Does he have even a chance to be elected as the president candidate for the Rep with these believes? :confused: --- ## [How did Opportunism get a bad reputation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-opportunism-get-a-bad-reputation/433975)
**Author:** [@fatgail](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fatgail)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2008, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-opportunism-get-a-bad-reputation/433975 "2008-01-18T17:57:48Z")
It occurred to me today, as I listened to an angry screed about Rod Blago…yavvv…oecvich? that the labeling of someone as an opportunist is not done in a loving manner, at least when I’d ever heard it. And yet, the simp… --- ## [What are people fairly held responsible for?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-people-fairly-held-responsible-for/432990)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2008, 7:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-people-fairly-held-responsible-for/432990 "2008-01-18T07:43:25Z")
This may be too much of a broad, unfocused question, I admit. But a little rambling: in the “teenage maternity leave” thread, the OP made a comment about “rural values” that unmarried teens shouldn’t be getting pregnant … --- ## [Question for Ron Paul Supporters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-ron-paul-supporters/433993)
**Author:** [@Neptunian\_Slug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Neptunian_Slug)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2008, 6:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-ron-paul-supporters/433993 "2008-01-18T06:48:38Z")
If Paul doesn’t win the nomination, which candidate would you support? --- ## [Long-term legacy of Bush Admin on the balance/separation of powers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-legacy-of-bush-admin-on-the-balance-separation-of-powers/433040)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2008, 5:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-legacy-of-bush-admin-on-the-balance-separation-of-powers/433040 "2008-01-18T05:50:42Z")
The Bush Administration has claimed an expanded role for the presidency that would have made Nixon blush: The power to enact what amounts to an irreversible line-item veto through presidential signing statements; the un… --- ## [David Frum's recipe for conservative revival](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/david-frums-recipe-for-conservative-revival/433324)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [January 18, 2008, 12:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/david-frums-recipe-for-conservative-revival/433324 "2008-01-18T00:03:49Z")
I saw David Frum on A Daily Show the other night plugging his new book, Comeback: Conservatism That Can Win Again. I haven’t read it (commentary invited from anyone who has), but, according to the book description: (N… --- ## [If God exists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-god-exists/433920)
**Author:** [@If\_God\_Exists](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/If_God_Exists)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-god-exists/433920 "2008-01-17T22:57:24Z")
Why are children born to abusive parents, then suffer a life full of mental illness? Why do cute little kitty cats get run over by cars? How did Hitler, World War 2, and the Holocaust happen? How can Bush get away wit… --- ## [Bush's Back Bulge](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge/433909)
**Author:** [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-back-bulge/433909 "2008-01-17T22:05:20Z")
Remember all the hoopla about Bush’s mysterious box-shaped bulge on his back? Check out the picture of Obama on Drudge Report today. It looks like there is something underneath his jacket that has sharp edges. A high-tec… --- ## [Can Objective and Absoulte Morality Exist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-objective-and-absoulte-morality-exist/433096)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-objective-and-absoulte-morality-exist/433096 "2008-01-17T21:19:31Z")
We have nine people - A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I. Persons A and B take action Z that has a direct effect on persons C and D. Person A and Person B both judge action Z to be good. The two persons directly affected, Per… --- ## [If Hillary Clinton becomes POTUS, who will be First Lady?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-hillary-clinton-becomes-potus-who-will-be-first-lady/433201)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 8:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-hillary-clinton-becomes-potus-who-will-be-first-lady/433201 "2008-01-17T20:57:33Z")
The First Lady is the unofficial social hostess of the WH and, thereby, the nation. The role has always been filled by a woman – usually the president’s wife; if he has none, a female relative or friend. If we have a w… --- ## [Executive Experience vs Inspirational Ability](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/executive-experience-vs-inspirational-ability/433017)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/executive-experience-vs-inspirational-ability/433017 "2008-01-17T17:21:07Z")
Obviously this dynamic has been discussed much this election cycle but I’d like to avoid discussing the current specifics and instead look at historical precedents. Of past effective presidents (whether you’ve agreed wi… --- ## [Would President Obama be at extra-high risk for assassination?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-president-obama-be-at-extra-high-risk-for-assassination/433510)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-president-obama-be-at-extra-high-risk-for-assassination/433510 "2008-01-17T17:06:21Z")
I’ve heard that he’s already received many death threats; don’t know if that’s true. --- ## [Could we have another depression?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-have-another-depression/433249)
**Author:** [@petew83](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/petew83)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-have-another-depression/433249 "2008-01-17T16:57:59Z")
My experience in talking with people about this issue tends to flow along these patterns: most old people (80+) expect a depression soon, and most younger people say it can’t happen. Could the U.S. have another depressi… --- ## [Is Mormonism false?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mormonism-false/433581)
**Author:** [@Two\_and\_a\_Half\_Inches\_of\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_and_a_Half_Inches_of_Fun)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mormonism-false/433581 "2008-01-17T15:10:27Z")
The linked Wikipedia entry goes through some of the criticism of Mormonism. Including: And it just goes on. All this information looks pretty damning to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Is there an… --- ## [What would be a fair and effective way to test for psychic abilities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-a-fair-and-effective-way-to-test-for-psychic-abilities/433594)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-a-fair-and-effective-way-to-test-for-psychic-abilities/433594 "2008-01-17T14:58:11Z")
Not mentioning any previous people and/or associations dedicated to either side of this issue, what would be an effective means to determine if someone has a paranormal ability? Should those who do the testing be a neut… --- ## [Why I won't vote for Obama.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-wont-vote-for-obama/433346)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-wont-vote-for-obama/433346 "2008-01-17T13:06:56Z")
Because I want him to be Hillary’s Secretary of State. I believe he can do more than anyone else to heal the wounds that our current administration has inflicted worldwide. He has the ability to connect eloquently with … --- ## [Which Hillary is the real Hillary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-hillary-is-the-real-hillary/433300)
**Author:** [@Anomalous\_Reading](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anomalous_Reading)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2008, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-hillary-is-the-real-hillary/433300 "2008-01-17T10:23:38Z")
We’ve all heard the story of her “breakdown” and it’s linger effects which may well have led to her victory in New Hampshire. Now she’s running ads about how she found her voice by listening to New Hampshire voters… an… --- ## [Double amputee banned from Olympics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-amputee-banned-from-olympics/433624)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/double-amputee-banned-from-olympics/433624 "2008-01-16T21:35:12Z")
Oscar Pistorius, a South African sprinter, is billed as “the fastest thing on no legs.” Pistorious was born without fibulae in his legs, and runs with the aid of prosthetic devices – carbon fibre transtibial artificial l… --- ## [Obama or Clinton?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-or-clinton/433087)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-or-clinton/433087 "2008-01-16T20:28:46Z")
I think it’s safe, at this point, to rule out the possibility of any of the other Dem canididates getting the nomination. So – Obama or Clinton? Make your case. I incline to Obama because: He’s just a little bit fu… --- ## [Will Super Tuesday 2/5/08 settle both parties' nominations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-super-tuesday-2-5-08-settle-both-parties-nominations/433631)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-super-tuesday-2-5-08-settle-both-parties-nominations/433631 "2008-01-16T19:04:13Z")
On this year’s Super Tuesday, 24 states will hold primaries or caucuses for one or both parties’ presidential nominations; when it’s over, more than 40% of the delegates will have been chosen – which is unprecedented. I… --- ## [Reverends Huckabee,Sharpton & Jackson](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverends-huckabee-sharpton-jackson/433702)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reverends-huckabee-sharpton-jackson/433702 "2008-01-16T17:51:20Z")
The only three preachers I’m aware of who have run for president. They are all Baptists. Now I’ve been noticing that Huckabee’s name has never been prefaced by the title “reverend” in the media (that I’ve heard", though… --- ## [Has ubiquitous internet access and validation changed the nature of sound bites?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-ubiquitous-internet-access-and-validation-changed-the-nature-of-sound-bites/433274)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-ubiquitous-internet-access-and-validation-changed-the-nature-of-sound-bites/433274 "2008-01-16T12:28:30Z")
Witness the brouhaha over “Hillary’s Tearful Breakdown.” I assume x number of sheeple bought the sound bite hook line and sinker. Then again, a significant amount of the masses thought “whoa, I better check out this brea… --- ## [Is Venezuela current proof of the failure of state socialism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-venezuela-current-proof-of-the-failure-of-state-socialism/433410)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-venezuela-current-proof-of-the-failure-of-state-socialism/433410 "2008-01-16T04:34:23Z")
Chavez’s latest idiocy here. Venezuela’s going to hell in a handbasket. Chavez has even started blaming the Jews. I think few will argue with that, so that’s not the debate. Those of us who are older remember the econ… --- ## [Build your government: Cabinet Card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-your-government-cabinet-card/433218)
**Author:** [@tds1273](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tds1273)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/build-your-government-cabinet-card/433218 "2008-01-16T02:20:34Z")
mods: if this is more of IMHO territory, consider this pre-paid postage So on top of the who would you pick for PotUS, I am curious how people would fill out the rest of the spots in the administration, but using the cu… --- ## [Do we really have to capitalize Soldier and Sailor now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-really-have-to-capitalize-soldier-and-sailor-now/433406)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 16, 2008, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-really-have-to-capitalize-soldier-and-sailor-now/433406 "2008-01-16T00:21:42Z")
The Pentagon does it. See http://www.army.mil/-news/2007/07/18/4066-the-armys-post-traumatic-stress-disorder-and-mild-traumatic-brain-injury-ptsdmtbi-chain-teaching-program/index.html and http://www.navy.mil/search/disp… --- ## [The addictive properties of marijuana, and discussion of other drugs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-addictive-properties-of-marijuana-and-discussion-of-other-drugs/433183)
**Author:** [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2008, 11:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-addictive-properties-of-marijuana-and-discussion-of-other-drugs/433183 "2008-01-15T23:10:26Z")
Hi, for once I am not trying to derail a thread, so I’m starting a new one in GD regarding drugs and addiction. Wee Bairn and I are disagreeing about the addictive properties of marijuana in a Cafe thread: \[QUOTE=Wee B… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=665) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=667)