# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=702 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 703 --- ## [Why do people hate "wiggers?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-hate-wiggers/407256)
**Author:** [@Argent\_Towers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Argent_Towers)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2007, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-hate-wiggers/407256 "2007-07-10T00:25:23Z")
In the zombie thread which was closed, Diogenes opined that the derision cast upon “wiggers” comes from the fact that they’re “lampooning and parodying” black culture and that their affectation of this culture is actuall… --- ## [The Fallacy of Reductionism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fallacy-of-reductionism/410964)
**Author:** [@the\_PC\_apeman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_PC_apeman)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2007, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fallacy-of-reductionism/410964 "2007-07-09T22:18:24Z")
Within a wide-ranging discussion on another board, I had the following (paraphrased) exchange:X: Are you saying we are ‘nothing but’ a biochemistry? PC: Loosely, yes. X: Well, we could say we’re nothing but atomic part… --- ## [Do You Support The War In Iraq?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-support-the-war-in-iraq/410617)
**Author:** [@Zambini57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zambini57)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2007, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-support-the-war-in-iraq/410617 "2007-07-09T17:36:44Z")
Simple question. Do you or don’t you? And tell us why or why not. I’ve been seeing alot of prevaricating lately, people afraid to come right out and say why or why not. So, let’s hear it. Out in the clear. Myself, I t… --- ## [What will be your country's next crusade?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-be-your-countrys-next-crusade/410462)
**Author:** [@SSG\_Schwartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SSG_Schwartz)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2007, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-be-your-countrys-next-crusade/410462 "2007-07-08T19:38:09Z")
For example, the United States practiced genocide. OK, we didn’t call it that, but we did try to clear the lands of the Native Americans. Years later, we saw that the Germans were committing genocide against the Jewish… --- ## [Understanding: a way of seeing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-a-way-of-seeing/410830)
**Author:** [@coberst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coberst)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2007, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-a-way-of-seeing/410830 "2007-07-08T11:48:59Z")
Understanding: a way of seeing Know is see. Understand is grasp. These are rather common metaphors. Such metaphors help us comprehend. Empathy is a technique for understanding. We can try to understand another pers… --- ## [Who will end up controlling Iraq's oil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-end-up-controlling-iraqs-oil/389984)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2007, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-end-up-controlling-iraqs-oil/389984 "2007-07-08T01:13:25Z")
U.S. policy towards the final disposition of Iraq’s oilfields and oil industry has gone through several reversals since the war started. See this thread. The “privatization” side is down – but not out. The oilfields c… --- ## [Asymmetric warfare and WW2](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asymmetric-warfare-and-ww2/410483)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2007, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/asymmetric-warfare-and-ww2/410483 "2007-07-07T23:11:35Z")
Inspired by this thread. In WW2 the Nazis spent a lot of energy - troops, materiel, etc - occupying countries in Europe. Partly through bureaucracy, partly through resistance movements. What if they’d ‘simply’ extermina… --- ## [Paging Jehovah's Witnesses and bible scholars: need a few things cleared up](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-jehovahs-witnesses-and-bible-scholars-need-a-few-things-cleared-up/410302)
**Author:** [@NajaNivea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NajaNivea)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2007, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paging-jehovahs-witnesses-and-bible-scholars-need-a-few-things-cleared-up/410302 "2007-07-07T16:00:49Z")
I’ve got a friend at work who’s a JW, or rather a lapsed JW who’s earnestly trying to rejoin the fold. As a bit of background, I’m an atheist who was raised half-heartedly Catholic, so while I have some very general fami… --- ## [Hemp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hemp/409365)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2007, 8:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hemp/409365 "2007-07-07T08:34:18Z")
And we would bond in the face of oppression from big business and the deans, But I knew there was a problem, every time the group would meet everyone would light up, That made it difficult to discuss glaucoma and human… --- ## [Voting is pointless- discuss](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-is-pointless-discuss/410432)
**Author:** [@RedRosesForMe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RedRosesForMe)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2007, 6:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voting-is-pointless-discuss/410432 "2007-07-07T06:39:56Z")
I just discovered that my boyfriend does not vote, and not for the usual excuses, either- i.e. one vote doesn’t matter; you’re only choosing the lesser of 2 evils; etc. Instead, he believes that each election’s outcome … --- ## [To what extent are Western democracies chrysocracies in disguise?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-are-western-democracies-chrysocracies-in-disguise/410345)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2007, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-are-western-democracies-chrysocracies-in-disguise/410345 "2007-07-07T06:19:51Z")
Let’s take three models of Western government: the Westminster model, the American model and the German model (mostly because I’m relatively ignorant of German politics). To what extent is wealth a prerequisite for succ… --- ## [Al Gore- do the concert; Don't let your ADULT son piss on your big event.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/al-gore-do-the-concert-dont-let-your-adult-son-piss-on-your-big-event/410719)
**Author:** [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2007, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/al-gore-do-the-concert-dont-let-your-adult-son-piss-on-your-big-event/410719 "2007-07-07T03:19:13Z")
Politically, I’m in great disagreement with Al Gore. Yes, even on the great sacred subject on Human-caused/fixable Global Warming. BUT I’m on his side in this one. His grown son decided to speed while carrying around a p… --- ## [Does humanity have a deep seated need for apocalypse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-humanity-have-a-deep-seated-need-for-apocalypse/410678)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2007, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-humanity-have-a-deep-seated-need-for-apocalypse/410678 "2007-07-07T03:16:38Z")
Does humanity have a deep seated need for apocalypse? If so, why? I was watching a show on the History Channel earlier about how the Mayan calender supposedly predicts the destruction of the world in 2012…and how a num… --- ## [Swarm Theory & Group Psychology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swarm-theory-group-psychology/410482)
**Author:** [@coberst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coberst)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2007, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/swarm-theory-group-psychology/410482 "2007-07-07T02:07:59Z")
Swarm Theory & Group Psychology Scientists are studying and trying to develop an ability to emulate the actions of animal swarms. The birds and the bees can do it; why cannot humans emulate their behavior to our advant… --- ## [Michael Moore takes Ground Zero responders to Cuba](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-moore-takes-ground-zero-responders-to-cuba/401190)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 202\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2007, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/michael-moore-takes-ground-zero-responders-to-cuba/401190 "2007-07-06T23:15:06Z")
According to the New York Post, anyway: If true, is this good practice? Some people are up in arms about it. But the people involved went willingly, didn’t they? --- ## [Can (other) animals be evil?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-other-animals-be-evil/409987)
**Author:** [@Revenant\_Threshold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revenant_Threshold)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2007, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-other-animals-be-evil/409987 "2007-07-06T21:49:30Z")
I think there’s a few things at play here. First of course is whether or not animals understand what they’re doing. When a bird of prey kills another bird, does it know it’s taking life? Is there a mental decision there … --- ## [Bush says Israel should be the model for Iraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-says-israel-should-be-the-model-for-iraq/409959)
**Author:** [@XaMcQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XaMcQ)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2007, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-says-israel-should-be-the-model-for-iraq/409959 "2007-07-06T15:33:58Z")
link :smack: That is such a stupid thing to say, I have trouble deciding where to start. The two countries are nothing alike, to begin with, and Israel’s situation isn’t one to strive for, even if they were. And once… --- ## [Is energy independence a Good Thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-energy-independence-a-good-thing/410393)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2007, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-energy-independence-a-good-thing/410393 "2007-07-06T01:14:50Z")
On one hand energy independence would allow us to treat the Middle East like we do Africa. On the other hand, an I am not an economist so bear with me, we have the Law of Comparative Advantage which says its better for … --- ## ['A Science of Man' to transcend 'The Man of Science'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-science-of-man-to-transcend-the-man-of-science/410253)
**Author:** [@coberst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coberst)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2007, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-science-of-man-to-transcend-the-man-of-science/410253 "2007-07-06T01:05:22Z")
‘A Science of Man’ to transcend ‘The Man of Science’ Psychology, which began as protest against religion, has evolved into a reaffirmation of a non material aspect of our human nature. I would say that this non materia… --- ## [Who Was The First To Suggest That Post-Religious Movements Look A Lot Like Religions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-first-to-suggest-that-post-religious-movements-look-a-lot-like-religions/410627)
**Author:** [@Huerta88](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Huerta88)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2007, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-the-first-to-suggest-that-post-religious-movements-look-a-lot-like-religions/410627 "2007-07-05T20:35:13Z")
I had the misfortune (YMMV) to read the sententious, self-satisfied Rolling Stone issue on Teh Environment etc. (though I have long wondered about Roger Daltrey’s and Ludacris’s views on climate change). But that’s not … --- ## [Long distance travel and transport in 2057](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-distance-travel-and-transport-in-2057/409827)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2007, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-distance-travel-and-transport-in-2057/409827 "2007-07-05T11:12:36Z")
n.b. I don’t think there’s a factual answer to this, so I put it here. If a mod deems it better suited for GQ, please feel free to move it. I don’t think we’ll ever run out of oil, but in time, it’ll be to expensive to … --- ## [Anyone In Canada Recognize the Utopia Michael Moore Sees There?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-in-canada-recognize-the-utopia-michael-moore-sees-there/410202)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2007, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyone-in-canada-recognize-the-utopia-michael-moore-sees-there/410202 "2007-07-05T01:41:43Z")
If Michael Moore is to be believed, Canada is more than just a pleasant, prosperous neighboring nation: it’s Paradise! It’s a place where nobody bothers to lock their doors, and everyone gets stellar health care with no … --- ## [What will Gordon Brown do as PM of the UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-gordon-brown-do-as-pm-of-the-uk/410036)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2007, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-gordon-brown-do-as-pm-of-the-uk/410036 "2007-07-04T21:02:05Z")
And how will it be any different from what Blair has been doing? --- ## [A Study from Northwestern Points to Error rates in non-capital prosecutions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-study-from-northwestern-points-to-error-rates-in-non-capital-prosecutions/410221)
**Author:** [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2007, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-study-from-northwestern-points-to-error-rates-in-non-capital-prosecutions/410221 "2007-07-04T19:18:26Z")
And it offers some support for an argument that I’ve been making for years. According to this study, due to be released soon, from Northwestern a comprehensive survey of the accuracy of the US justice system puts the ac… --- ## [Which would have been worse: a nuclear war in 1963 or in 1983?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-would-have-been-worse-a-nuclear-war-in-1963-or-in-1983/410464)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2007, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-would-have-been-worse-a-nuclear-war-in-1963-or-in-1983/410464 "2007-07-04T08:42:32Z")
I didn’t want to hijack the Could “civilzation” have survived a global nuclear war?" thread so I’m asking here. The mid 60s and the mid 80s are generally considered two of the most worrisome periods of the Cold War. I wa… --- ## [Most ridiculous candidate wins?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-ridiculous-candidate-wins/410282)
**Author:** [@parthenokinesis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/parthenokinesis)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2007, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-ridiculous-candidate-wins/410282 "2007-07-04T08:16:45Z")
Now, I’m not real up on my history, so I’m not sure how far this goes back, but it seems to me that at least post Nixon, the Presidential election is won by the candidate that is easiest to make fun of. Since clumsy Ger… --- ## [Could Africa be like China?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-africa-be-like-china/409518)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2007, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-africa-be-like-china/409518 "2007-07-04T07:59:42Z")
I was reading an article in the Atlantic about the Chinese manufacturing juggernaut and I was wondering if something like that couldn’t be done in Africa, at least in countries that weren’t involved in active civil war. … --- ## [From a Military perspective were our "victories" in Afghanistan and Iraq impressive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-a-military-perspective-were-our-victories-in-afghanistan-and-iraq-impressive/409811)
**Author:** [@Dob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dob)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2007, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/from-a-military-perspective-were-our-victories-in-afghanistan-and-iraq-impressive/409811 "2007-07-03T16:28:52Z")
Putting aside the right or wrong of us going to war in the first place, I would like peoples thoughts on this. I put victory in quotes because I realize we are far from done, I am referring more to the quickness in whic… --- ## [New York Times: JFK conspiracy theorists need to be shunned. Agree?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-york-times-jfk-conspiracy-theorists-need-to-be-shunned-agree/404934)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_Hildo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Hildo)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2007, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-york-times-jfk-conspiracy-theorists-need-to-be-shunned-agree/404934 "2007-07-03T16:08:50Z")
I was reading this excerpt of a review of Vincent Bugliosi’s new book on the JFK assassination the other day. It’s a 20-year-in-the-making 1600+ page book that includes a CD-ROM with over 1000 pages of research notes. If… --- ## [Is Global Warming Being Overhyped?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-global-warming-being-overhyped/410153)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2007, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-global-warming-being-overhyped/410153 "2007-07-03T15:18:33Z")
I’ve stated before that I accept that manmade sources of CO2 and methane are contributing to global warming, but that it’s still unclear what the real effect of the warming will be, both economically and physically on th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=701) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=703)