# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=687 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 688 --- ## [No outrage here about the UF taser incident at the Kerry speach?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-outrage-here-about-the-uf-taser-incident-at-the-kerry-speach/419643)
**Author:** [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Replies:** 176\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2007, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-outrage-here-about-the-uf-taser-incident-at-the-kerry-speach/419643 "2007-09-25T13:10:23Z")
I’m surprised, it’s all over the blogs, and there are a number of people here who monitor them religiously. Anyhow, here’s some video: Long version Shorter, clearer version of the time from when Meyer is escorted away … --- ## [Are there military needs for commercial airlines?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-military-needs-for-commercial-airlines/420309)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2007, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-military-needs-for-commercial-airlines/420309 "2007-09-25T03:02:47Z")
I was reading the Freakonomics Blog (free registration may be required to read) and came across something I had not considered before. The blog post in question is basically a rant about how horrible Delta’s service was … --- ## [Does Bill O'Reilly make more sense in this interview than Michael Moore?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-bill-oreilly-make-more-sense-in-this-interview-than-michael-moore/420076)
**Author:** [@gyushi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gyushi)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2007, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-bill-oreilly-make-more-sense-in-this-interview-than-michael-moore/420076 "2007-09-25T02:23:48Z")
Michael Moore vs. Bill O’Reilly While I of course disagree with O’Reilly’s debate style and just about every word that comes out of his mouth, I was surprised at how much more logically consistent he seemed in this inte… --- ## [Can we afford much more Iraq progress?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-afford-much-more-iraq-progress/420120)
**Author:** [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2007, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-afford-much-more-iraq-progress/420120 "2007-09-24T22:17:04Z")
This Los Angeles Times story details the 2008 Iraq war budget request and shows the history of Iraq-Afghanistan war funding. Here isand enhanced version of the graph accompanying the article. It is at least conceivable… --- ## [Why do we sleep](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-sleep/420088)
**Author:** [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2007, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-sleep/420088 "2007-09-24T19:00:53Z")
Scientists have no answer despite trying to find the reason why we need sleep for yonks. It was once thought that sleep was required to make up for energy lost while we were awake but this has proven to be false as the… --- ## [Why are Americans (and some Canucks) SOOOOO conservative about metric?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-americans-and-some-canucks-sooooo-conservative-about-metric/417507)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2007, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-americans-and-some-canucks-sooooo-conservative-about-metric/417507 "2007-09-24T17:04:46Z")
In theory, metric conversion should not be a big thing. Almost all the world except America uses metric. America is a rich, educated developed country. All we are talking about is making life simpler in this age of inst… --- ## [NYT gives MoveOn deep ad discount. Does this harm the Times' reputation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyt-gives-moveon-deep-ad-discount-does-this-harm-the-times-reputation/419096)
**Author:** [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2007, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyt-gives-moveon-deep-ad-discount-does-this-harm-the-times-reputation/419096 "2007-09-24T16:23:46Z")
Right off the bat, let’s stipulate that there are three parts of a newspaper’s content - news coverage, opinion and feature writing, and advertising. And I think we can all agree as a general rule that the content of al… --- ## [Why is Israel a U.S. ally?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-israel-a-u-s-ally/419827)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2007, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-israel-a-u-s-ally/419827 "2007-09-24T14:24:46Z")
In realpolitik terms, why is Israel a U.S. ally? It seems like they are more trouble than they are worth. True, they are the only democracy in the region (at least for the portion of the population that is enfranchised… --- ## [Chinesse population](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinesse-population/420180)
**Author:** [@copperwindow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/copperwindow)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2007, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chinesse-population/420180 "2007-09-23T23:11:41Z")
I know this question must have been asked before, but why are there so many people in China? What factor(s) made the population grow so much bigger than any other country? And finally, what forum should this question b… --- ## [Why don't Americans care about Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-americans-care-about-canada/418908)
**Author:** [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2007, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-americans-care-about-canada/418908 "2007-09-23T22:15:45Z")
Today in the news I saw that the Prime Ministers of both Japan and Russia resigned suddenly. This prompted a discussion with a friend about how confusing the political titles in other countries are, and from there a gene… --- ## [Is military invasion/occupation of foreign countries no longer feasible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-military-invasion-occupation-of-foreign-countries-no-longer-feasible/420103)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2007, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-military-invasion-occupation-of-foreign-countries-no-longer-feasible/420103 "2007-09-23T17:29:31Z")
I was thinking about all the wars and conflicts which occurred in the 20th and 21st century. It seemed like a lot of territory conquered over this 100-odd years was only briefly held. In WWII in particular, even though … --- ## [Is the N-word worse than "the N-word"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-n-word-worse-than-the-n-word/418733)
**Author:** [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2007, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-n-word-worse-than-the-n-word/418733 "2007-09-23T15:45:48Z")
This weekend’s column by Larry Meeks had a question by a white male who frequents karaoke bars. His concern was that he does songs which contain “the N-word”. His question to Larry was concerned whether it was ever ok … --- ## [Repudiations: MoveOn 'Betray Us' ad v. Boehner's "Small Price to Pay" comment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repudiations-moveon-betray-us-ad-v-boehners-small-price-to-pay-comment/419227)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2007, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/repudiations-moveon-betray-us-ad-v-boehners-small-price-to-pay-comment/419227 "2007-09-23T12:54:35Z")
It looks like Rudy Rudy Rudy Rudy! (apologies to the Kaiser Chiefs) is demanding that Democrats denounce MoveOn for its criticism of Gen. Petraeus. Wonder if he’ll also ask Republicans to denounce House GOP Leader John … --- ## ["Black" = Unaccomplished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-unaccomplished/419483)
**Author:** [@Nzinga\_Seated](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nzinga_Seated)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2007, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-unaccomplished/419483 "2007-09-23T12:44:15Z")
I am starting to notice that the word “Black” in many people’s mind is synonamous with, “never accomplished anything.” Therefore, the moment a black person accomplishes anything, the ‘black’ label is removed from them. … --- ## [Stop calling her 'pumpkin' please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-calling-her-pumpkin-please/419856)
**Author:** [@blinkingblinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blinkingblinking)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2007, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-calling-her-pumpkin-please/419856 "2007-09-23T08:44:40Z")
for references. We have now known her real name for many days now. The media here still call her ‘pumpkin’. Is this racism? Because it seems like it is. --- ## [Unintended effects of biofuels (e.g., ethanol)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unintended-effects-of-biofuels-e-g-ethanol/419698)
**Author:** [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2007, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unintended-effects-of-biofuels-e-g-ethanol/419698 "2007-09-23T01:43:11Z")
A Cafe Society thread reminded me of this problem, which I think is under reported worldwide, but still very real. I didn’t want to highjack a CS thread, so I’m starting this one. It’s starting to be called the “biofue… --- ## [What currency might replace the US dollar as the world's reserve currency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currency-might-replace-the-us-dollar-as-the-worlds-reserve-currency/420056)
**Author:** [@LonesomePolecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonesomePolecat)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-currency-might-replace-the-us-dollar-as-the-worlds-reserve-currency/420056 "2007-09-22T18:33:40Z")
I didn’t want to hijack this thread , so I decided to start another. What currency might eventually replace the US dollar as the world’s reserve currency? I’m guessing that political stability is a huge part of a curren… --- ## [Will a judge throw the book at OJ because of who he is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-judge-throw-the-book-at-oj-because-of-who-he-is/419565)
**Author:** [@Fireclown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fireclown)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-judge-throw-the-book-at-oj-because-of-who-he-is/419565 "2007-09-22T17:58:36Z")
Assuming OJ gets convicted of these new charges, how likely is it that the judge will sentence him harshly because he got away with murder (IMHO). If I understand the law correctly (and tell me if I don’t) the judge is n… --- ## [Race to the Arctic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/race-to-the-arctic/420029)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/race-to-the-arctic/420029 "2007-09-22T16:58:44Z")
I was reading this article on Time called Fight for the Top of the World. Its about the fact that the sea ice in the Artic is melting…and that this is opening up the Artic in ways never before possible. For example a t… --- ## [Bye Bye Belgium?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bye-bye-belgium/420036)
**Author:** [@treis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/treis)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bye-bye-belgium/420036 "2007-09-22T16:55:39Z")
NY Times The Economist thinks it might not be a bad idea: The Economist I have to admit that I am largely ignorant of the current issues, but I find the possibility that a major(ish) European country might be no mor… --- ## [Immigration is a human right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-is-a-human-right/418043)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-is-a-human-right/418043 "2007-09-22T16:05:15Z")
I just got done listening to a speaker that had two major points. Anti-illegal-immigration is equal to anti-immigration. In other words, there are only two sides to the argument: close the borders and don’t let anyon… --- ## [Public Schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-schools/419430)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-schools/419430 "2007-09-22T12:55:04Z")
I would like some clarification as to the various issues associated with public school education in the US. Are public schools doing a mediocre-to-poor job of teaching across the board? Or is there wide school-by-schoo… --- ## [What will happen when the US dollar tanks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-when-the-us-dollar-tanks/419895)
**Author:** [@Corvid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corvid)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 8:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-when-the-us-dollar-tanks/419895 "2007-09-22T08:55:41Z")
Riots? Martial law? Will manufacturing return to America? --- ## [We work to live?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-work-to-live/419874)
**Author:** [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/we-work-to-live/419874 "2007-09-22T05:58:43Z")
Is it sad that we spend so much time and energy during our, relatively few, years of existence trying to acquire money? --- ## [Do corporations have any moral responsibility?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-corporations-have-any-moral-responsibility/419857)
**Author:** [@coberst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coberst)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 4:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-corporations-have-any-moral-responsibility/419857 "2007-09-22T04:02:10Z")
Do corporations have any moral responsibility? The Chinese police state is a great investment says US hedge funds. The US economy may be on decline but US hedge funds investors considers the Chinese police state to be … --- ## [Why were the 60s The Golden Era of U.S. Assassinations (and why so few since)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-the-60s-the-golden-era-of-u-s-assassinations-and-why-so-few-since/419880)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-were-the-60s-the-golden-era-of-u-s-assassinations-and-why-so-few-since/419880 "2007-09-22T00:50:02Z")
I’m not a conspiracy theorist, and I’m not saying that all of the assassinations of high profile controversial figures in the 60s were connected, but there would seem to be a reason that so many people did die by assassi… --- ## [UK has 100 tonnes of Plutonium](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-has-100-tonnes-of-plutonium/419976)
**Author:** [@chowder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chowder)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2007, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-has-100-tonnes-of-plutonium/419976 "2007-09-22T00:45:44Z")
According to reports we have stockpiled enough Plutonium to manufacture 17,000 nuclear bombs, that’s right Seventeen fucking thousand!! So why and for what, are we planning on taking over the world or are we just doolal… --- ## [Ethics of using this news video (drunk guy, abusive woman)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethics-of-using-this-news-video-drunk-guy-abusive-woman/419771)
**Author:** [@Garfield226](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Garfield226)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2007, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethics-of-using-this-news-video-drunk-guy-abusive-woman/419771 "2007-09-21T22:55:53Z")
In summary: guy gets stuck in chimney trying to play Santa for his “girlfriend”, emergency crews get him out, a news channel tracks him down after he gets out of the hospital. He keeps rambling on about how he’s drunk, a… --- ## [Where the First Humans Black?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-first-humans-black/419376)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2007, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-the-first-humans-black/419376 "2007-09-21T15:04:15Z")
All that I know is that it is apparently a source of great pride for some African Americans today: the first humans were black. But is it true and where did this notion come from? --- ## [Physicists: Will the laws of physics will work tomorrow?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-will-the-laws-of-physics-will-work-tomorrow/419422)
**Author:** [@Public\_Animal\_No.9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Public_Animal_No.9)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2007, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/physicists-will-the-laws-of-physics-will-work-tomorrow/419422 "2007-09-21T14:34:21Z")
A while back I got to wondering whether there is anything in the generally accepted physics that demonstrates that the laws of physics are applicable in the future. In the classes I’ve taken (pretty much restricted to s… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=686) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=688)