# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=711 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 712 --- ## [Who Has The Right To Offend You, Cashier? (Free speech)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-right-to-offend-you-cashier-free-speech/405409)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-has-the-right-to-offend-you-cashier-free-speech/405409 "2007-05-25T22:08:21Z")
In a column in today’s Washington Post, Marc Fisher describes an incident at the Maryland Food Collective, sandwich shop in the student union on the University of Maryland’s College Park campus. Briefly, a student wearin… --- ## [Would the US extradite the assassin of a hostile leader?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-us-extradite-the-assassin-of-a-hostile-leader/405467)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-us-extradite-the-assassin-of-a-hostile-leader/405467 "2007-05-25T19:35:54Z")
Let’s say that an American citizen gets it into his mind to assassinate the leader of a hostile country, and that he does so entirely of his own volition and without the knowledge or help of the US government. Let’s fur… --- ## [Libertarians what about defending your country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarians-what-about-defending-your-country/404681)
**Author:** [@Plan\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plan_B)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarians-what-about-defending-your-country/404681 "2007-05-25T16:46:49Z")
First of all, a bit of self-disclosure. I was a registered Libertarian for several years but resigned from the party in disgust shortly after 9/11 because of the appalllingly high number, IMHO of course, of Libertarians… --- ## [W authorizes CIA action against Iran; GOP candidates blast . . . ABC for reporting it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/w-authorizes-cia-action-against-iran-gop-candidates-blast-abc-for-reporting-it/405260)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 246\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/w-authorizes-cia-action-against-iran-gop-candidates-blast-abc-for-reporting-it/405260 "2007-05-25T16:43:22Z")
ABC News just broke the story: Mitt Romney and Tom Tancredo reacted immediately: So there are really two debates here: Foreign policy – Is the proposed CIA action wise and/or justified? Journalistic ethics – Wh… --- ## [I believe mandating fuel efficiency standards for cars is silly.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-mandating-fuel-efficiency-standards-for-cars-is-silly/405005)
**Author:** [@T\_SQUARE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/T_SQUARE)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-believe-mandating-fuel-efficiency-standards-for-cars-is-silly/405005 "2007-05-25T14:37:06Z")
With record high gas prices and lots of talk about climate change of late, I have heard lots of claims that the government should tighten fuel efficiency standards for auto makers. If the goal of the policy makers is to… --- ## [Is the situation in Iraq improving?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-situation-in-iraq-improving/399335)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 269\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-situation-in-iraq-improving/399335 "2007-05-25T13:14:53Z")
I hesitate to ask this question here for fear of the deluge of responses I’m likely to get indicating my possible penchant for delusion…but, is the situation in Iraq noticeably improving lately? I’m talking about the vi… --- ## [Do we have a responsibility to accept transgendered individuals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-a-responsibility-to-accept-transgendered-individuals/404235)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 436\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-a-responsibility-to-accept-transgendered-individuals/404235 "2007-05-25T04:15:22Z")
The above thread inspired me to ask this question. The way I see it is this. Getting a sex change is the choice of an individual. No matter how weighty it is for them it is still merely a choice that they have made.… --- ## [What did Malcolm X mean by "self-determination"? Would it have worked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-malcolm-x-mean-by-self-determination-would-it-have-worked/404949)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 3:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-malcolm-x-mean-by-self-determination-would-it-have-worked/404949 "2007-05-25T03:41:59Z")
I just listened to a piece on Malcolm X on Democracy Now! (Transcript here.) Manning Marable says: What exactly did “self-determination” mean, back then? A separate black homeland within the territory of the U.S., o… --- ## [Is SETI a Waste of Time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-seti-a-waste-of-time/402775)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2007, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-seti-a-waste-of-time/402775 "2007-05-25T00:16:20Z")
Radio astronomers have been listening for radio signals (which would indicate extraterrestrial intelligence0, for more than 40 years now. As far as I know, nothing approaching an intelligence-based signal has been found.… --- ## [NYC to make Taxi Fleet Green (Hybrids); is it time for every city to do the same?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-to-make-taxi-fleet-green-hybrids-is-it-time-for-every-city-to-do-the-same/405129)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 4:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nyc-to-make-taxi-fleet-green-hybrids-is-it-time-for-every-city-to-do-the-same/405129 "2007-05-24T16:05:56Z")
New York’s yellow cabs to go green by 2012 \[QUOTE=reuters\] New York City’s famed yellow taxi cabs will go green within five years under a plan that could serve as a model for other large cities, Mayor Michael Bloomberg… --- ## [Let Theists agree before they have the nerve to criticize atheists!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-theists-agree-before-they-have-the-nerve-to-criticize-atheists/403785)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 588\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/let-theists-agree-before-they-have-the-nerve-to-criticize-atheists/403785 "2007-05-24T15:52:51Z")
Last night I was watching an interview on Canadian TV with Richard Dawkins. He was interviewed alone, and made some wonderfully lucid points. I have decided to get a copy of “The God Delusion”. But what interested me wa… --- ## [Living a cruelty-free life.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-a-cruelty-free-life/404319)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/living-a-cruelty-free-life/404319 "2007-05-24T14:42:33Z")
I understand that living a “cruelty-free life” is among the top reasons for people to choose a vegan or even a vegetarian lifestyle (discounting medical or health reasons, which I don’t think makes it that high on the li… --- ## ["Second surge": WH planning to nearly double combat troops in Iraq by Christmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-surge-wh-planning-to-nearly-double-combat-troops-in-iraq-by-christmas/405139)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/second-surge-wh-planning-to-nearly-double-combat-troops-in-iraq-by-christmas/405139 "2007-05-24T14:08:45Z")
Story here. :confused: The first “surge” was announced by Bush in a televised national address. Why is this second surge being handled so quietly? Will it make any difference in Iraq? Will it make any difference in … --- ## [Reporting of new info in West Memphis 3 case- biased or unbelievably stupid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reporting-of-new-info-in-west-memphis-3-case-biased-or-unbelievably-stupid/404656)
**Author:** [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reporting-of-new-info-in-west-memphis-3-case-biased-or-unbelievably-stupid/404656 "2007-05-24T14:04:24Z")
I am visiting family in Memphis TN and saw last night that Michael Biden of HBO’s Autopsy show and a couple of other high name guys are in West Mem studying the West Mem 3 case. Obvious to anyone with a remote knowledge … --- ## [What is the point of Liberal Christianity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-liberal-christianity/404462)
**Author:** [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 12:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-point-of-liberal-christianity/404462 "2007-05-24T12:48:26Z")
I was raised as a liberal Christian. Throughout my childhood, and beginning of adolescence I was very involved in my church. The people were kind, and there was a strong emphasis on love for everyone, and respect and tol… --- ## [Plan would make Bush leader of entire government (not just executive) in an emergency](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-would-make-bush-leader-of-entire-government-not-just-executive-in-an-emergency/404988)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plan-would-make-bush-leader-of-entire-government-not-just-executive-in-an-emergency/404988 "2007-05-24T01:05:12Z")
Story here. Presidential Directives in question here. Is this routine federal emergency planning, or an unprecedented power grab? What’s this about “comity” between the three branches?! They’re not supposed to work … --- ## ["All news is local" -True? Should it be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-news-is-local-true-should-it-be/404961)
**Author:** [@henrijohns](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/henrijohns)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-news-is-local-true-should-it-be/404961 "2007-05-24T00:26:51Z")
The saying “all news is local” is honored daily by all the media. When a passenger ferry sinks off Crete, the headline will say whether anyone from your country was aboard. A report on a new postage rate will be domina… --- ## [Former Rove aid takes Fifth on WH contacts with Abramoff, e-mails (but makes offer)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-rove-aid-takes-fifth-on-wh-contacts-with-abramoff-e-mails-but-makes-offer/405151)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2007, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/former-rove-aid-takes-fifth-on-wh-contacts-with-abramoff-e-mails-but-makes-offer/405151 "2007-05-24T00:21:19Z")
Story here. Suppose Ralston gets her immunity. What then? Has she got anything useful? --- ## [Is there such a thing as a "civil" war ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-civil-war/405060)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2007, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-such-a-thing-as-a-civil-war/405060 "2007-05-23T18:48:20Z")
Local kid, age 20, returned this week from Iraq. He is a medic and was stationed in Ramadi- a name we all hear on the news. It’s a particularly dangerous place in a country full of dangerous places. As I read the articl… --- ## [Libertarian wing of the Republican party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-wing-of-the-republican-party/404686)
**Author:** [@DMC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMC)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2007, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-wing-of-the-republican-party/404686 "2007-05-23T16:31:34Z")
Plan B mentioned something in this thread that I’ve wondered about for some time, the libertarian wing of the Republican party. While I like to think I have a basic understanding of libertarian philosophy, my understand… --- ## [He's basically an atheist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hes-basically-an-atheist/404176)
**Author:** [@Sal\_Ammoniac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sal_Ammoniac)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2007, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hes-basically-an-atheist/404176 "2007-05-23T13:57:23Z")
We’re always talking about atheism here, and we each willingly put ourselves into the camp of atheist/agnostic or not. But there’s another category of people out there – I would say a very large category – of what I cal… --- ## [Global Warming debunked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-debunked/404754)
**Author:** [@Silk\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Silk_One)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2007, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-debunked/404754 "2007-05-23T05:23:40Z")
--- ## [Gay man does cross-dressing blackface - Deal or No Deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-man-does-cross-dressing-blackface-deal-or-no-deal/405089)
**Author:** [@Built\_To\_Last](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Built_To_Last)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2007, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-man-does-cross-dressing-blackface-deal-or-no-deal/405089 "2007-05-23T01:30:29Z")
Mr. Knipp claims no harm is intended and “we’re all scared to death of offending each other.” A sentiment apparently held by one of his supporters, RuPaul. Mr. Knipp claims his act is no different than David Chappelle’… --- ## [Life Is What You Make Of It (a faith tangent) (with cite!)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-is-what-you-make-of-it-a-faith-tangent-with-cite/405074)
**Author:** [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2007, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/life-is-what-you-make-of-it-a-faith-tangent-with-cite/405074 "2007-05-22T21:55:52Z")
Here’s some evidence that our beliefs about what happens to us can be far more important than the facts about what transpired. From the NY Times I think this also explains why books like The Secret contain just enou… --- ## [If every species that ever existed could live contemporaneously...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-every-species-that-ever-existed-could-live-contemporaneously/404729)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2007, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-every-species-that-ever-existed-could-live-contemporaneously/404729 "2007-05-22T15:08:33Z")
…how do you think things would shake out? Which would survive and which would lose the survival of the fittest race? My guesses are: (1). Transitional forms would fare very badly. That is, creatures that were half-adapt… --- ## [What if Lincoln had survived?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-lincoln-had-survived/404673)
**Author:** [@Largo62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Largo62)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2007, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-lincoln-had-survived/404673 "2007-05-22T14:44:24Z")
Comcast News poased an interesting question: whether Abraham Lincoln might have survived his gunshot wound if he had had today’s trauma center and medical technology. This site just poses the basic question of whether he… --- ## [Prescription drug costs and drug research](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prescription-drug-costs-and-drug-research/404718)
**Author:** [@zhongguorenmin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zhongguorenmin)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2007, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prescription-drug-costs-and-drug-research/404718 "2007-05-22T04:32:25Z")
Hello all, I have heard many people say things along the lines of “Canada leeches off US drug prices” and “90% of all drugs are developed in the US, the rest of the world gets a free ride”. What is the straight dope on … --- ## [Let's revise the Recess Appointments clause.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-revise-the-recess-appointments-clause/404654)
**Author:** [@Billdo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Billdo)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2007, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-revise-the-recess-appointments-clause/404654 "2007-05-21T23:55:16Z")
Under Article II, section 2 of the Constitution, the President must obtain the “Advice and Consent” of the Senate for the appointment of all “Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, … --- ## [U.S.-Syrian relations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-syrian-relations/404416)
**Author:** [@HighFructose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HighFructose)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2007, 6:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-syrian-relations/404416 "2007-05-21T18:27:24Z")
Correct me if I am wrong, but I recall John Kerry calling for meetings between U.S. officials and Iraq’s neighbors quite a while back (Syria, Iran). This was received with great resistance and anguish by conservative ta… --- ## [What issues would you most like to see debated in...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-issues-would-you-most-like-to-see-debated-in/404287)
**Author:** [@GuyNblueJeans](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GuyNblueJeans)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2007, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-issues-would-you-most-like-to-see-debated-in/404287 "2007-05-21T17:52:34Z")
the upcoming presidential campaign debates? I know the election is aways away, but I’d be curious about the things you feel most strongly about. Listed in order of terms of their importance, my choices would be: 1.) Ir… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=710) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=712)