# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=692 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 693 --- ## [Military Brass Distance Themselves From Iraq Choices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-brass-distance-themselves-from-iraq-choices/417479)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2007, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-brass-distance-themselves-from-iraq-choices/417479 "2007-08-31T10:20:22Z")
It’s all yours, Dubya. Have fun, Shrub. The military has just called your bluff on the whole “I’ll listen to the generals” bullshit. Now they can’t come to a decision, and they’re dumping it in your lap. As Truman … --- ## [Crossbow vs Gun what if question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossbow-vs-gun-what-if-question/417235)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2007, 9:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/crossbow-vs-gun-what-if-question/417235 "2007-08-31T09:48:02Z")
I was recently re-reading Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series (in the vain hope that by re-reading the series it will somehow mystically spark the author to actually get moving on writing the next book…hope springs eter… --- ## [Would it make sense to standarize wills and make odd bequests irrelevant?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-make-sense-to-standarize-wills-and-make-odd-bequests-irrelevant/417533)
**Author:** [@Micro\_Dot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Micro_Dot)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2007, 8:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-make-sense-to-standarize-wills-and-make-odd-bequests-irrelevant/417533 "2007-08-31T08:49:47Z")
You probably heard of Leona Helmsley’s will with a $12million trust for her dog and "In a truly remarkable will released on Tuesday, she stipulated, for example, that she be buried wearing her gold wedding ring, and that… --- ## [Would you have a designer baby?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-designer-baby/417501)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2007, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-have-a-designer-baby/417501 "2007-08-31T08:35:50Z")
Let’s assume that the technology exists, this is legal, and not expensive. Let’s assume that if you want to create a baby, besides the traditional methods, you could go to a medical clinic and have your own genetic mate… --- ## [In response to primary date change, DNC strips Florida of its 2008 delegates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-response-to-primary-date-change-dnc-strips-florida-of-its-2008-delegates/417001)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2007, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-response-to-primary-date-change-dnc-strips-florida-of-its-2008-delegates/417001 "2007-08-31T02:05:41Z")
Story here. Isn’t this, well, overreacting? (Especially considering it was a Republican-dominated state legislature that approved moving up the state primaries to January 29.) Why are they doing this? The DNC is the … --- ## [During the "surge," internal refugees in Iraq have more than doubled (to 1.1M)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-the-surge-internal-refugees-in-iraq-have-more-than-doubled-to-1-1m/417103)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2007, 12:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/during-the-surge-internal-refugees-in-iraq-have-more-than-doubled-to-1-1m/417103 "2007-08-31T00:29:41Z")
According to the Red Crescent, and the UN’s International Organization for Migration. Whether the “surge” caused this is debatable, but it definitely is not a good sign. How (if at all) will it affect policymaking and … --- ## [Jena Six: Thoughts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jena-six-thoughts/416560)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jena-six-thoughts/416560 "2007-08-30T17:53:21Z")
Anyone who hooks up to black media outlets has heard of this story. Even ignoring the more controversial things, it’s clear that this community is not a poster child for “We Are the World”. I also think it’s obvious t… --- ## [Affirmative Action Backfires Have racial preferences reduced the # of black lawyers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/affirmative-action-backfires-have-racial-preferences-reduced-the-of-black-lawyers/417041)
**Author:** [@Plan\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plan_B)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/affirmative-action-backfires-have-racial-preferences-reduced-the-of-black-lawyers/417041 "2007-08-30T17:31:00Z")
The link above is to a WSJ article on the subject. The gist of the article is that racial preferences in law school admissions have led to a lower number of practicing black attorneys. Why? Because with affirmative … --- ## [Bush wants $50 billion more for the war. Will he get it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-wants-50-billion-more-for-the-war-will-he-get-it/417369)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-wants-50-billion-more-for-the-war-will-he-get-it/417369 "2007-08-30T16:50:12Z")
From WaPo: In the current political climate on the war, will this calculation work? --- ## [Are they going to announce Castro's death today? \[08-24-2007\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-they-going-to-announce-castros-death-today-08-24-2007/416831)
**Author:** [@GrandWino](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GrandWino)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-they-going-to-announce-castros-death-today-08-24-2007/416831 "2007-08-30T12:56:56Z")
Obviously not a reliable source, but Perez Hilton (he of Cuban descent) is reporting all over his website today that he has sources claiming that Castro’s death will be announced by the US government today and that they … --- ## [Invasion and Elections](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invasion-and-elections/417366)
**Author:** [@SuaSponte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuaSponte)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 12:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/invasion-and-elections/417366 "2007-08-30T12:28:39Z")
On October 28, 2008, the rogue nation of Dystopia launches an amphibious assault on the northern coast of California. Achieving total surprise, Dystopian marines quickly push inland, and within a week (November 4, 2008)… --- ## [Could Gonzales succeed himself as the next AG?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-gonzales-succeed-himself-as-the-next-ag/417359)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-gonzales-succeed-himself-as-the-next-ag/417359 "2007-08-30T12:09:37Z")
Suppose Bush offers just political hacks for the AG position, and the Senate rejects them all. In desperation, could he reinstate Gonzales and insist that by law, a confirmation hearing is unnecessary because the Senate … --- ## [Politicians who disapprove of something morally but still fight hard for it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-who-disapprove-of-something-morally-but-still-fight-hard-for-it/417145)
**Author:** [@Windwalker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Windwalker)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-who-disapprove-of-something-morally-but-still-fight-hard-for-it/417145 "2007-08-30T10:27:45Z")
I don’t follow politics all that closely, but I still find it strange that I can’t remember a single instance of a politician disagreeing morally with a stance, but still fighting hard for its implementation/legalization… --- ## [A Sam Nunn/Michael Bloomberg candidacy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-sam-nunn-michael-bloomberg-candidacy/416733)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2007, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-sam-nunn-michael-bloomberg-candidacy/416733 "2007-08-30T03:52:25Z")
Some weeks ago we discussed the repercussions of a possible independent run for the presidency by Michael Bloomberg: Which party would a Bloomberg independent bid hurt most? Now it seems that Sam Nunn may be coming to t… --- ## ["Opus" comic strip suppressed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opus-comic-strip-suppressed/416907)
**Author:** [@LonesomePolecat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LonesomePolecat)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2007, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opus-comic-strip-suppressed/416907 "2007-08-29T18:44:47Z")
There are no details, but Berkeley Breathed states on his website that many newspapers are not going to print his “Opus” comic strips for August 26 and September 2. Apparently, they don’t want to offend Muslims. Here w… --- ## [Let's discuss Solictor General (Acting-AG) Paul Clement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-discuss-solictor-general-acting-ag-paul-clement/417143)
**Author:** [@Billdo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billdo)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2007, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-discuss-solictor-general-acting-ag-paul-clement/417143 "2007-08-29T16:50:07Z")
When the resignation of Alberto Gonzales takes effect, Solicitor General Paul Clement will be the senior Justice Department official and the acting Attorney General. I really don’t know too much about him. I know that … --- ## [The Mountain Meadows Massacre (now in Technicolor!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mountain-meadows-massacre-now-in-technicolor/415715)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2007, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mountain-meadows-massacre-now-in-technicolor/415715 "2007-08-29T13:59:12Z")
There’s a new movie (sort of- it was completed more than a year ago but is about to come into release) entitled September Dawn and about the events of September 11, 1857, known to history as The Mountain Meadows Massacre.… --- ## [Dingell Proposes Elimination of Mortgage Interest Deduction for Houses \> 3000 Sq Ft](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dingell-proposes-elimination-of-mortgage-interest-deduction-for-houses-3000-sq-ft/417024)
**Author:** [@Carol\_Stream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carol_Stream)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2007, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dingell-proposes-elimination-of-mortgage-interest-deduction-for-houses-3000-sq-ft/417024 "2007-08-29T12:04:23Z")
“To properly address climate change”, natch. Link here: Does anyone think this is a good idea? --- ## ["A War We Just Might Win"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-war-we-just-might-win/413749)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 351\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2007, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-war-we-just-might-win/413749 "2007-08-29T03:01:24Z")
There’s a very interesting op-ed in the NY Times today, by Michael O’Hanlon and Kenneth Pollack, describing their recent fact-finding mission to Iraq. As background, both O"Hanlon and Pollack are liberals, and they work… --- ## [Politicians keep bringing up "The Draft." Would people even go if conscripted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-keep-bringing-up-the-draft-would-people-even-go-if-conscripted/416122)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2007, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/politicians-keep-bringing-up-the-draft-would-people-even-go-if-conscripted/416122 "2007-08-28T19:10:41Z")
My view of the contemporary scene may not be accurate, but it seems to me that if they were to reinstate the draft, a whole lot more people than back in the sixties and seventies would be a whole lot more willing to refu… --- ## [Will AG Gonzalez have to resign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-ag-gonzalez-have-to-resign/395642)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2007, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-ag-gonzalez-have-to-resign/395642 "2007-08-28T16:44:56Z")
Leading Senate Democrats Chuck Schumer and Joe Biden have called on Gonzalez to resign. Even Arlen Specter has speculated on the possibility. Gonzalez is being dogged by two scandals, or scandals-in-the-making, that ca… --- ## [One Life Over Another](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-life-over-another/417146)
**Author:** [@jali](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jali)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2007, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-life-over-another/417146 "2007-08-28T12:46:25Z")
I’d like to hear opinions please. I don’t understand how GWB can state in his argument against stem cell research that (paraphrase)“one can’t put the life of one human over the life of another”, then argue his case for … --- ## [Can we have the Placebo Effect without falsehood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-have-the-placebo-effect-without-falsehood/415680)
**Author:** [@Staggerlee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Staggerlee)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2007, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-have-the-placebo-effect-without-falsehood/415680 "2007-08-28T05:02:02Z")
I’m both a big fan of truthfulness, and also of anything which benefits people in a practical manner. The fact that the Placebo Effect relies on the belief of the patient in the treatment, regardless of the pharmaceutica… --- ## [Might Dr. Javier Solana be THE anti-Christ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/might-dr-javier-solana-be-the-anti-christ/417014)
**Author:** [@GuyNblueJeans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuyNblueJeans)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2007, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/might-dr-javier-solana-be-the-anti-christ/417014 "2007-08-28T01:25:02Z")
A little while ago I was listening to the radio program Coast to Coast (which I recorded Friday night), and some fellow from Washington State called in (“John”) during the open-phone segment of the show and gave some rea… --- ## [I stab you and destroy your kidney, should you get one of mine?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-stab-you-and-destroy-your-kidney-should-you-get-one-of-mine/417131)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2007, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-stab-you-and-destroy-your-kidney-should-you-get-one-of-mine/417131 "2007-08-27T23:09:21Z")
I attempt to rob you at knifepoint. You struggle. I stab you in the back. Your kidney is so badly damaged that it can’t be repaired. I have two kidneys. Should you get one of mine? Or, we struggle even longer and b… --- ## [Bush getting bad political advice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-getting-bad-political-advice/417125)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2007, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-getting-bad-political-advice/417125 "2007-08-27T20:34:01Z")
I’m really surprised how the White House handled the resignation of Gonzales. It would make sense to announce this on the dead news day of this Friday right before the Labor Day holiday weekend. Second, rather than “than… --- ## [which party is more underhanded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-party-is-more-underhanded/416934)
**Author:** [@netsplit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/netsplit)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2007, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-party-is-more-underhanded/416934 "2007-08-27T16:53:15Z")
not wanting to hijack so continued from here \[QUOTE=InvisibleWombat\] How can you make generalizations this gross with a straight face? Because GWB acted on bad information (I’ve still not seen it proven that Bush knew … --- ## [Ivory-billed woodpecker. Worth the cost for the hunt?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivory-billed-woodpecker-worth-the-cost-for-the-hunt/416955)
**Author:** [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2007, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ivory-billed-woodpecker-worth-the-cost-for-the-hunt/416955 "2007-08-27T16:41:39Z")
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/26/us/26woodpecker.html?ref=us An article in today’s NY Times. I don’t have an opinion. I’ve searched for the elusive pecker on this board. And found threads by our expert Colibri sayi… --- ## [Lmitations of speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lmitations-of-speech/417038)
**Author:** [@Iknewit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iknewit)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2007, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lmitations-of-speech/417038 "2007-08-27T02:32:59Z")
I will try to “couch” this idebate in more neutral terms than the previous attempt. Yet another attempt at establishing a control was criticized for not providing adequate context of the speech in question. Provide con… --- ## [SDMB views on punishment for speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-views-on-punishment-for-speech/417032)
**Author:** [@Iknewit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iknewit)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2007, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sdmb-views-on-punishment-for-speech/417032 "2007-08-27T00:27:05Z")
Greetings to the Straight Dope Message Board. I have come here with a specific purpose and topic in mind. There is no way to truely “settle” the debate at hand but I think the input of a “control group” may go a long w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=691) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=693)