# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=690 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 691 --- ## [Arctic ice twice the area of the UK melted last week](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arctic-ice-twice-the-area-of-the-uk-melted-last-week/418119)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2007, 3:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arctic-ice-twice-the-area-of-the-uk-melted-last-week/418119 "2007-09-09T03:10:50Z")
From The Guardian: Now, the melting of arctic ice, which is free-floating in the first place, does not by itself threaten a rise in sea levels. But what does this bode for the Antarctic and Greenland ice caps?! --- ## [Republicans, The Priesthood and repressed homosexuality (interalized homophobia)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-the-priesthood-and-repressed-homosexuality-interalized-homophobia/418416)
**Author:** [@Iknewit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iknewit)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2007, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-the-priesthood-and-repressed-homosexuality-interalized-homophobia/418416 "2007-09-08T18:58:06Z")
In the past few years we have experienced a phenomenon…oops…let’s not use that word…a trend, of closet or repressed homosexuals being exposed in circles, organizations, etc. where homosexuality is generally frowned up… --- ## [Use of Arrest Statistics in Police Department Management](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-arrest-statistics-in-police-department-management/418473)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2007, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/use-of-arrest-statistics-in-police-department-management/418473 "2007-09-08T17:07:30Z")
Anybody who’s seen HBO’s The Wire is familiar with how police departments use arrest statistics to make funding decisions. I’ve learned recently that this is not artistic license. At least in NYC, arrest statistics pla… --- ## [Now Sen. Craig says he may not resign after all. Can he do that?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-sen-craig-says-he-may-not-resign-after-all-can-he-do-that/418080)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2007, 7:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-sen-craig-says-he-may-not-resign-after-all-can-he-do-that/418080 "2007-09-08T07:23:32Z")
His resignation was to take effect on Sept. 30. Can he now say, “Never mind, I’m staying,” and make it stick? By whom, if anyone, does the resignation have to be accepted in order to be final - the Vice President, as… --- ## [NAACP on Vick and African American celebs in general. Huh?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naacp-on-vick-and-african-american-celebs-in-general-huh/416540)
**Author:** [@Cubsfan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cubsfan)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2007, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naacp-on-vick-and-african-american-celebs-in-general-huh/416540 "2007-09-08T04:15:13Z")
I’ve really started wondering if there will ever be a high-profile (aka celebrity) African American criminal that the NAACP won’t go to bat for. It seems as if any time an AA celeb (movies/music/sports/politics) gets … --- ## [Inevitable - The Whoppie defends Vick](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inevitable-the-whoppie-defends-vick/418104)
**Author:** [@Hail\_Ants](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hail_Ants)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2007, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/inevitable-the-whoppie-defends-vick/418104 "2007-09-08T04:08:28Z")
I was wondering how long it would take and who it would be (I figured Jesse Jackson or Sharpton) but Whoppie Goldberg has actually tried to defend Vick by saying that people from the South aren’t aware that dog-fighting … --- ## [Will we ever come to understand one another?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-ever-come-to-understand-one-another/416895)
**Author:** [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2007, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-ever-come-to-understand-one-another/416895 "2007-09-08T00:23:48Z")
When I pause to consider some of the obstacles to people understanding each other, I’m intellectually overwhelmed. Just enumerating them is a daunting (and frankly, depressing) task. There are so very many reasons I can’… --- ## [Talking warts away](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talking-warts-away/417796)
**Author:** [@Iknewit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iknewit)\ **Replies:** 498\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2007, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/talking-warts-away/417796 "2007-09-07T22:13:49Z")
I was reading here a couple days ago and ran across a reference to this Randi guy that offers a million bucks for proof of the paranormal, mystical, etc. I checked out a bunch of stuff I found about him and was contempl… --- ## [Tony Snow. Good guy or douchebag?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-snow-good-guy-or-douchebag/417696)
**Author:** [@randwill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randwill)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2007, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-snow-good-guy-or-douchebag/417696 "2007-09-07T21:31:58Z")
With the news that White House press secretary Tony Snow is stepping down to get a better paying gig, I’m hearing a lot of praise and kind words about him from the press corp. Sure he’s got cancer and a family and kids … --- ## [Paying to avoid war](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paying-to-avoid-war/418011)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2007, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paying-to-avoid-war/418011 "2007-09-07T17:04:53Z")
Suppose a costly, unnecessary war is about to be waged by a western Democracy. Also suppose the reason for the war is corruption (i.e. the leader in power figures he can enrich himself and his friends by waging this war… --- ## [U.S. officers: Iraq's police force should be disbanded](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-officers-iraqs-police-force-should-be-disbanded/418240)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2007, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-officers-iraqs-police-force-should-be-disbanded/418240 "2007-09-07T15:41:15Z")
But they also say the U.S. should turn over security duties to them. I are confused. From WaPo: :confused: More on corruption in the Iraqi government. Apparently, no matter how bad you think it is, it’s worse. How… --- ## [What Could Halt Chinese Economic Growth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-halt-chinese-economic-growth/418176)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2007, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-could-halt-chinese-economic-growth/418176 "2007-09-07T11:05:28Z")
Can China keep on growing at 15-16% per year? My investment advisor claims that China and India will surpass the USA in GNP, by 2015 or so. I was just wondering though-does China have any big weaness that could halt the … --- ## [Intelligent Design](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intelligent-design/418061)
**Author:** [@b\_wad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/b_wad)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2007, 10:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intelligent-design/418061 "2007-09-07T10:11:29Z")
This is not a religious debate. Ok I dont know the exact number of genetic strands which need to be place in the correct order for life…but lets put it in the millions. remember…they have to be in the correct order…one… --- ## [Venezula's currency plummets in value](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venezulas-currency-plummets-in-value/417978)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2007, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venezulas-currency-plummets-in-value/417978 "2007-09-07T06:57:39Z")
According to the International Herald Tribune. An official devaluation is expected despite government denials. What caused this? Does it discredit Chavez’ economic policies and his “socialism for the 21st Century” (di… --- ## [Is it better to die or live in misery, rather than do something icky?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-better-to-die-or-live-in-misery-rather-than-do-something-icky/416981)
**Author:** [@scjas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scjas)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2007, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-better-to-die-or-live-in-misery-rather-than-do-something-icky/416981 "2007-09-07T01:05:57Z")
I ask because of my interest in helminthic therapy. This involves attempting to put a disorder of the immune system, Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, asthma, hay fever, multiple sclerosis, into remission by infectin… --- ## [Suppose the Iranians Did This?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-the-iranians-did-this/418047)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2007, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-the-iranians-did-this/418047 "2007-09-06T23:32:21Z")
All this talk about bombing Iran scares me; so telly, suppose the Iranians manage to enrich enough uranium, to build 20-30 small atomic bombs. They also manage to perfect their guidance system (on their SHAHAB III missil… --- ## [Why do politicians take junkets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-politicians-take-junkets/417669)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2007, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-politicians-take-junkets/417669 "2007-09-06T22:25:19Z")
Inspired by this story. Four members of Congress traveled to Iraq and their plane was fired upon on their way home. What is the purpose of these trips? Senator Inhofe is my senator and although I’m a Republican, I can… --- ## [Should We Be Driving Wider, Shorter Cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-be-driving-wider-shorter-cars/418050)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2007, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-be-driving-wider-shorter-cars/418050 "2007-09-06T21:40:36Z")
I’m of the opinion that our cars should be wide enoiugh to put 3 people per seat row. A shorter wheelbase would also make cars easier to handle in confined spaces, and the shorter wheelbase would also make them more resi… --- ## [Drunken Consent.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drunken-consent/417778)
**Author:** [@Khampelf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khampelf)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2007, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drunken-consent/417778 "2007-09-06T15:21:03Z")
OK, I must admit, this the one forum where I never go, but I don’t where else to put this, really. In several contexts lately, it’s come up that consent given while intoxicated is not really consent, for legal purposes. … --- ## [Newsweek: Shi'ites have ethnically cleansed Baghdad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newsweek-shiites-have-ethnically-cleansed-baghdad/417890)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2007, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/newsweek-shiites-have-ethnically-cleansed-baghdad/417890 "2007-09-06T14:12:46Z")
I’m gonna do a BG here, because I just don’t have much to add: Now if someone can do the same in Kirkuk, Iraq will be all ready for ethnic partition. :rolleyes: --- ## [What's up with Steorn's "Orbo" (free-energy perpetual-motion promises)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-steorns-orbo-free-energy-perpetual-motion-promises/407373)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 210\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2007, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-up-with-steorns-orbo-free-energy-perpetual-motion-promises/407373 "2007-09-05T19:19:09Z")
Inspired by this thread on the “Oil Crash.” Wikipedia article here. Steorn website here. Possibilities: They’ve actually got something. It’s an elaborate fraud. But why? How can they make money out of it if th… --- ## [The 75% Solution and The Propaganda Offensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-75-solution-and-the-propaganda-offensive/417981)
**Author:** [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2007, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-75-solution-and-the-propaganda-offensive/417981 "2007-09-05T17:50:03Z")
(With all due apologies to Sir A.C. Doyle, justly famed biographer of Sherlock Homes…) A propaganda offensive has begun in earnest. As to the title, the first shot I really noticed was a ballistic meme from the WH and … --- ## [What is the evolutionary advantage of the placebo effect?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-advantage-of-the-placebo-effect/417977)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2007, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-evolutionary-advantage-of-the-placebo-effect/417977 "2007-09-05T13:15:05Z")
Why would an organism’s immune system not always do its best to save the organism. Why should the immune system do a better job when the host “believes” they’ll get better? How could this bizarre behavior on the part o… --- ## [Scientists recreate Out-of-Body Experience](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientists-recreate-out-of-body-experience/416807)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 288\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2007, 12:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientists-recreate-out-of-body-experience/416807 "2007-09-05T12:57:17Z")
The BBC Article: It sounds like quite a complicated VR setup to replicate what otherwise occurs au naturel, but the upshot is that the OBE’s sensation of being disconnected from the physical body can be reproduced. N… --- ## [Koran Translations...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/koran-translations/417889)
**Author:** [@b\_wad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/b_wad)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2007, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/koran-translations/417889 "2007-09-05T04:38:33Z")
I keep hearing that the people who think the Koran promotes killing is due to mis translation. every translation (8) that I have read all called for killing. To live among the infidels till you are strong enough to kil… --- ## [Rape, and the lasting effect it has on humans emotionally](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-and-the-lasting-effect-it-has-on-humans-emotionally/417921)
**Author:** [@Euthanasiast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euthanasiast)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2007, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-and-the-lasting-effect-it-has-on-humans-emotionally/417921 "2007-09-05T00:58:20Z")
I have a theory regarding the psychological ramifications of rape, particularly where it applies to heterosexual rape and women, and I’d like for the Doper collective to bring their considerable intellectual expertise to… --- ## [Could an American state secede?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-an-american-state-secede/417817)
**Author:** [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2007, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-an-american-state-secede/417817 "2007-09-04T21:31:30Z")
How likely would it be that a state or group of states might attempt to secede from the union and what would be the likely ramifications of the state or group’s secession? Would the US army invade, could a state peacibly… --- ## [All things "Gray Rape", Date Rape, and Drunk Sex. . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-things-gray-rape-date-rape-and-drunk-sex/417651)
**Author:** [@Superfreaknduper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Superfreaknduper)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2007, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-things-gray-rape-date-rape-and-drunk-sex/417651 "2007-09-04T21:16:08Z")
Well, this is just what the title says, stemming from this thread that continually changed from the OP. So, I figured i’d start a nice new debate about it, because it is debatable. --- ## [California EV Ballot Initiative: Constitutional or Not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-ev-ballot-initiative-constitutional-or-not/418008)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2007, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-ev-ballot-initiative-constitutional-or-not/418008 "2007-09-04T16:45:56Z")
As discussed in a previous thread that I’d just as soon not reopen, some Republicans are trying to get an initiative on the California ballot for next year which would require that, from then on, only two of CA’s elector… --- ## [Do you think "intellectual property" has gotten out of control vs. "fair use"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-intellectual-property-has-gotten-out-of-control-vs-fair-use/417901)
**Author:** [@Micro\_Dot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Micro_Dot)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2007, 9:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-intellectual-property-has-gotten-out-of-control-vs-fair-use/417901 "2007-09-04T09:42:31Z")
Copyright for books and music were once 20 years. After that, it was in the public domain and anybody could play a Steven Foster song or add it to their saloon’s player piano without paying more royalties. And if you’d b… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=689) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=691)