# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=698 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 699 --- ## [Joe Lieberman is president: how do the parties' positions on the wars change?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-lieberman-is-president-how-do-the-parties-positions-on-the-wars-change/413609)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2007, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-lieberman-is-president-how-do-the-parties-positions-on-the-wars-change/413609 "2007-07-31T12:35:38Z")
Imagine, if you will, that Al Gore had won a marginally better campaign in 2000 and won the electoral vote as well as the popular. Imagine further that Mr. Gore chokes on a chicken bone at a victory party and thus the vi… --- ## [The John Birch Society](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-john-birch-society/412693)
**Author:** [@kitemaker\_chuck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kitemaker_chuck)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2007, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-john-birch-society/412693 "2007-07-31T02:51:04Z")
Hi Everyone! Is the John Birch Society still in business, and if so, where have their targets shifted to after the fall of the Soviet Union? China? North Korea? Cuba? Radical Islam?? I remember when I was a kid, we… --- ## [Is Morality a Joke?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-morality-a-joke/413476)
**Author:** [@pool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pool)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2007, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-morality-a-joke/413476 "2007-07-30T22:42:45Z")
I don’t believe there is such a thing as right or wrong in an objective sense, you can’t prove that something is either right or wrong. I believe most morals come from an innate sense of right and wrong that likely devel… --- ## [Old Shoe v. Reformer: a Grand Unified Theory of Dem Nomination Contests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-shoe-v-reformer-a-grand-unified-theory-of-dem-nomination-contests/413682)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2007, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-shoe-v-reformer-a-grand-unified-theory-of-dem-nomination-contests/413682 "2007-07-30T21:20:10Z")
Blogger Chris Bowers (now at OpenLeft, formerly of MyDD) has been repeatedly comparing the 2008 Dem nomination contest with that of 2004, expecting this year to ultimately behave like 2004, and (as of yesterday) asking w… --- ## [Maerzie's Theory of Homosexuality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maerzies-theory-of-homosexuality/413029)
**Author:** [@Miller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Miller)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2007, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maerzies-theory-of-homosexuality/413029 "2007-07-29T23:02:25Z")
Continued from this thread: Okay, let’s take this apart. First of all, define “physiological” homosexual. To date, there is no evidence of a physiological cause for homosexuality, so any information you have to share… --- ## [Professionals: What is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professionals-what-is/413424)
**Author:** [@Small\_British\_Shop\_Owner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_British_Shop_Owner)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2007, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/professionals-what-is/413424 "2007-07-29T22:48:41Z")
Inspired by the pharmacist thread (which I can’t be bothered to read through, so this point has already been made, I should imagine). A chemist is a profession. Despite, speaking as someone with lust for the free market… --- ## [Most Significant Presidential Election in US History?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-significant-presidential-election-in-us-history/412605)
**Author:** [@Frostillicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frostillicus)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2007, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-significant-presidential-election-in-us-history/412605 "2007-07-29T22:31:50Z")
By significant, I mean an election in which the policies and beliefs of the winner vs. the policies and beliefs of the loser would have drastically altered the history of this nation had the loser instead won the electio… --- ## [Is it likely intelligent life will be violent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-likely-intelligent-life-will-be-violent/412774)
**Author:** [@Small\_British\_Shop\_Owner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_British_Shop_Owner)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2007, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-likely-intelligent-life-will-be-violent/412774 "2007-07-29T20:59:44Z")
Inspired by this post by BrainGlutton. My understanding of evolution leads me to believe that any truely intelligent life will probably be pretty blood thirsty. This is because intelligence tends to be a trait of carniv… --- ## [A weapon more destructive than the atom bomb](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-weapon-more-destructive-than-the-atom-bomb/412764)
**Author:** [@Small\_British\_Shop\_Owner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_British_Shop_Owner)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2007, 8:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-weapon-more-destructive-than-the-atom-bomb/412764 "2007-07-29T20:17:05Z")
Is there any conceivable reason why one would want a weapon more potent than an atom bomb? I can’t see why the former would be more of a deterrant than the latter, and it would surely be even more useless in actual comba… --- ## [If the Next President is A Democrat...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-next-president-is-a-democrat/413045)
**Author:** [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2007, 7:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-next-president-is-a-democrat/413045 "2007-07-29T07:18:39Z")
How would you feel if the Patriot Act weren’t repealed in the first day or, at wors, week? --- ## [Can the growing gulf between those in the military and civilians ever be bridged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-growing-gulf-between-those-in-the-military-and-civilians-ever-be-bridged/413342)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2007, 8:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-the-growing-gulf-between-those-in-the-military-and-civilians-ever-be-bridged/413342 "2007-07-28T20:55:01Z")
There was in interesting article in the Washington Post Magazine (requires signin) this weekend about the ever-widening gap between people in the military and their civilian counterparts. Here are some facts/opinions me… --- ## [Are White People in Denial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-white-people-in-denial/412164)
**Author:** [@Sumisu\_919](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sumisu_919)\ **Replies:** 344\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2007, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-white-people-in-denial/412164 "2007-07-28T15:40:53Z")
Are White People in Denial? Tim Wise seems to think so. From this link: http://www.lipmagazine.org/~timwise/whatcard.html I think Tim Wise has a point and that whites in the US are in denial with respect to the effe… --- ## [The Fairness Doctrine: a good idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fairness-doctrine-a-good-idea/410636)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2007, 10:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fairness-doctrine-a-good-idea/410636 "2007-07-28T10:42:14Z")
It seems that some Democrats in the current Senate are using their newfound majority to suggest enacting the Fairness Doctrine into law. Now, I’ve read some about it, but I still don’t feel like I know enough about it. … --- ## [USA Tim Griffin/"caging lists" redux](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-tim-griffin-caging-lists-redux/403850)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-tim-griffin-caging-lists-redux/403850 "2007-07-27T20:30:50Z")
This thread got locked for too many ad hominems. Let us resume but remember the rules. Let us also avoid hijacks; Bush’s National Guard record and Dan Rather’s firing are not relevant. This is about an alleged Republi… --- ## [Congress' options: "Inherent contempt" vs. reviving Office of the Independent Counsel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-options-inherent-contempt-vs-reviving-office-of-the-independent-counsel/412673)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/congress-options-inherent-contempt-vs-reviving-office-of-the-independent-counsel/412673 "2007-07-27T18:20:46Z")
Harriet Miers has refused to comply with a subpoena from the House Judiciary Committee in connection with the investigation of the firings of U.S. Attorneys (and, more broadly, of the Administration’s apparent plot to dr… --- ## [Military needs until Novermber to evaluate Iraq surge effect](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-needs-until-novermber-to-evaluate-iraq-surge-effect/412582)
**Author:** [@David\_Simmons](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/David_Simmons)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 4:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-needs-until-novermber-to-evaluate-iraq-surge-effect/412582 "2007-07-27T16:51:48Z")
This Los Angeles Times articlecomes as no surprise. The Operations Officer for Iraq stated that although a report will be made in September, the military really needs until November to make a good assessment of the surg… --- ## [What are the successful preemptive attacks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-successful-preemptive-attacks/413289)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-successful-preemptive-attacks/413289 "2007-07-27T15:50:58Z")
In a recent thread, Plan B asserted that “sometimes the preemptive attacks are the best way to go.” This question is for Plan B or anybody else who wishes to defend the Bush doctrine, or some other philosophy that suppo… --- ## ["Self proclaimed" black leaders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-proclaimed-black-leaders/411320)
**Author:** [@pizzabrat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pizzabrat)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-proclaimed-black-leaders/411320 "2007-07-27T13:28:53Z")
Are there any instances of public figures actually proclaiming themselves to be “black leaders”? Particularly Jesse Jackson or Al Sharpton. I’ve personally never, ever heard anyone call themselves that, and I want to s… --- ## [If a hot war broke out involving the United States would Iraq just be forgoten about](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-hot-war-broke-out-involving-the-united-states-would-iraq-just-be-forgoten-about/412610)
**Author:** [@ChrisBooth12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChrisBooth12)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-hot-war-broke-out-involving-the-united-states-would-iraq-just-be-forgoten-about/412610 "2007-07-27T13:06:06Z")
Say North Korea starts shelling our bases or Aircraft Carriers or something and the US decides that is enough and goes in. We dont have the man power to do so without pulling out of Iraq. Just how much would we have to p… --- ## [Is it possible that George really believes this stuff?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-george-really-believes-this-stuff/413064)
**Author:** [@hlanelee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hlanelee)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-that-george-really-believes-this-stuff/413064 "2007-07-27T11:32:56Z")
Our noble leader was making a speech near home yesterday and this was what it was mostly about: Bush ties Al Qaeda in Iraq to Sept. 11. I just wonder, does he really believe the things that he has been saying about 9/11… --- ## [Explain the vitriol directed towards Jesse Jackson, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-vitriol-directed-towards-jesse-jackson-please/411461)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explain-the-vitriol-directed-towards-jesse-jackson-please/411461 "2007-07-27T08:16:50Z")
pizzabrat has a thread about alleged self-proclaimed Black leaders in GQ. As usual when the names Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton are mentioned, there are denigrating comments about both. I’m curious to learn specific ins… --- ## [On killing animals for fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-killing-animals-for-fun/412677)
**Author:** [@Small\_British\_Shop\_Owner](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_British_Shop_Owner)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-killing-animals-for-fun/412677 "2007-07-27T03:20:28Z")
Inspired by an exchange earlier today, I submit the following: There is no difference, morally, between eating meat through choice and killing animals for fun. In both cases, you are causing an animal to be killed for y… --- ## [Ignorant stupid vs, negligent stupid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-stupid-vs-negligent-stupid/413225)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ignorant-stupid-vs-negligent-stupid/413225 "2007-07-27T02:20:53Z")
With daily news stories about them there is no doubt we have absolutely no shortage of stupid people in the world. And while my recreational outrage (RO) reaction level is seriously lacking these days I’m still puzzled … --- ## [Will Bush make it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-bush-make-it/412773)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2007, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-bush-make-it/412773 "2007-07-27T01:10:38Z")
Almost two years ago, I mocked George W. Bush for receiving an approval rating of 37%, which everybody agreed was absurdly low. Now he’s been below 30% for several weeks, with one poll putting him at 26%. The all-time … --- ## [House votes to ban permanent U.S. bases in Iraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-votes-to-ban-permanent-u-s-bases-in-iraq/413202)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2007, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-votes-to-ban-permanent-u-s-bases-in-iraq/413202 "2007-07-26T21:42:05Z")
From The Gavel: Will this pass the Senate? Will the Pubs filibuster? If so, will the Admin dare to veto it? If it passes, do we have to give up that enormous fortified embassy too? --- ## [Debating Conservation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debating-conservation/413250)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2007, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debating-conservation/413250 "2007-07-26T21:16:29Z")
I pride myself in supporting conservation. I consider the planet already overpopulated, so I am very careful with not being wasteful. To that end: I minimize my energy usage and carbon footprint. I use energy effic… --- ## [Impeach Karl Rove!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impeach-karl-rove/412960)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2007, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/impeach-karl-rove/412960 "2007-07-26T19:35:53Z")
Per Talking Points Memo this morning: This is prima facie evidence of a systematic effort by Rove’s office to politicize the Cabinet departments and other Executive Branch agencies that are supposed to carry out the la… --- ## [Are all terrorists Musims today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-terrorists-musims-today/412642)
**Author:** [@bob\_co](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_co)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2007, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-terrorists-musims-today/412642 "2007-07-26T17:29:13Z")
Haven’t seen an Irish bombing in a while. Recently, I read a report that all but one of the wars going on had at least one side Islamic. What gives? --- ## [Is the Office of the Vice President part of the Executive Branch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-office-of-the-vice-president-part-of-the-executive-branch/391610)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2007, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-office-of-the-vice-president-part-of-the-executive-branch/391610 "2007-07-26T16:40:28Z")
Not exactly, according to filings from that office: This was submitted by the OVP in lieu of a list of Executive appointees in that office that would normally have gone in something called the Plum Book, an annual rost… --- ## [Celibacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celibacy/412983)
**Author:** [@Maerzie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maerzie)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2007, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/celibacy/412983 "2007-07-26T16:25:07Z")
Does any scholarly, educated person know WHY the Pope doesn’t get rid of the unnatural celibacy requirement for priests? Anyone who has taken college Sociology I has learned Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and knows that th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=697) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=699)