# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=728 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 729 --- ## [Bush Admin countering Iran by -- funding Sunni groups with al-Qaeda connections???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-admin-countering-iran-by-funding-sunni-groups-with-al-qaeda-connections/394222)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2007, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-admin-countering-iran-by-funding-sunni-groups-with-al-qaeda-connections/394222 "2007-03-03T17:33:13Z")
So says Seymour Hersh of The New Yorker. Story here. Original TNY article here. Interview with Hersh on the issue here. Is this true? If it is – OK, this is getting just too bizarre, even by the standards to which w… --- ## [End of Terror War in sight](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-terror-war-in-sight/394353)
**Author:** [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2007, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/end-of-terror-war-in-sight/394353 "2007-03-03T17:19:47Z")
Great news, everyone! There’s no longer a need to fret over the dangers of terrorism, because our Fearless Leaders are already envisioning the end of the Global War on Terror: Gosh, I have absolutely no idea what fun … --- ## [Has the US ever committed perfidy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-ever-committed-perfidy/394093)
**Author:** [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2007, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-us-ever-committed-perfidy/394093 "2007-03-03T15:33:33Z")
Has the United States military, or any military commander thereof, ever been convicted of perfidy? If so, I’d be interested in hearing the details. --- ## [New push in Congress to reverse "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy on gays in military](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-push-in-congress-to-reverse-dont-ask-dont-tell-policy-on-gays-in-military/394221)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2007, 7:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-push-in-congress-to-reverse-dont-ask-dont-tell-policy-on-gays-in-military/394221 "2007-03-03T07:45:57Z")
Story here. Will this make it to a floor vote in either house? If so, will it pass? If so, will Bush sign it or veto it? If he signs it – what happens then, in the military? What will be the political fall… --- ## [homosexuality is not normal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality-is-not-normal/394328)
**Author:** [@Wildfire\_MM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildfire_MM)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2007, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality-is-not-normal/394328 "2007-03-03T02:34:03Z")
why? because the most primal “task” for mankind (and other species) is to reproduce and increase we must try to diverse the political/cultural side from the topic of sexual orientation. questions about gay marriage, g… --- ## [Conservatives: When would it be ok to admit we lost in Iraq?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-when-would-it-be-ok-to-admit-we-lost-in-iraq/393567)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2007, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-when-would-it-be-ok-to-admit-we-lost-in-iraq/393567 "2007-03-03T01:26:55Z")
I’m not trying to be overly rude or confrontational here. I’m asking because I want to know what’s going on in the minds of those who still support President Bush’s Iraq strategy. I’m interested in simple, honest answers… --- ## [Maybe John Edwards Isn't Really Such An Impressive Candidate After All](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-john-edwards-isnt-really-such-an-impressive-candidate-after-all/393887)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [March 3, 2007, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-john-edwards-isnt-really-such-an-impressive-candidate-after-all/393887 "2007-03-03T00:58:46Z")
Blogger Lindsay “Majikthise” Beyerstein was offered a position with the Edwards campaign before Amanda Marcotte and Melissa McEwan were. She turned them down. Her tale is one of a campaign that apparently didn’t think … --- ## [In what ways does "the cancer of McGovernism" still infect the Democratic Party?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-ways-does-the-cancer-of-mcgovernism-still-infect-the-democratic-party/393611)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-what-ways-does-the-cancer-of-mcgovernism-still-infect-the-democratic-party/393611 "2007-03-02T22:53:59Z")
In this post in the “Opposition to the war could cost the Democratic Party” thread, Mr. Moto says: Rather than hijack that thread, I thought it was worth a new thread to ask whether the Dems are still infected with “th… --- ## [Interesting same-sex relationship inheritance case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-same-sex-relationship-inheritance-case/393926)
**Author:** [@ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ComeToTheDarkSideWeHaveCookies)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 6:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-same-sex-relationship-inheritance-case/393926 "2007-03-02T18:29:37Z")
Link First half or so of the article: As indicated in the article, different states have different rules regarding people in same-sex relationships being able to adopt their same-sex partner, and different rules regar… --- ## [Free Will is an illusion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-will-is-an-illusion/392891)
**Author:** [@Randy\_Seltzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Randy_Seltzer)\ **Replies:** 221\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 9:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-will-is-an-illusion/392891 "2007-03-02T09:15:51Z")
Conclusion: There is no such thing as “free will.” Premise #1: In our universe, no event happens without cause. The movement of every particle can be traced to a cause. Likewise the transfer of every nanojoule of ener… --- ## [So, what happens if top US generals do resign after a US strike on Iran?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [March 2, 2007, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-happens-if-top-us-generals-do-resign-after-a-us-strike-on-iran/393892 "2007-03-02T00:25:54Z")
So, what would be the effect of this? Even though protest resignations by active-duty brass–or criticism of any kind, even from retired brass–is pretty much unheard of in the US, I can’t see that 4 or 5 generals resig… --- ## [Joe Rogan vs. Phil Plait](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-rogan-vs-phil-plait/393515)
**Author:** [@SkeptiJess](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SkeptiJess)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2007, 6:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-rogan-vs-phil-plait/393515 "2007-03-01T18:32:12Z")
I’m not sure where to put this, but since it is regarding the Moon Hoax I’m going to start it right here. On Penn Jillette’s radio show – also available on podcast – there has been a two-part debate between Bad Astronom… --- ## [OpenID: Magic bullet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/openid-magic-bullet/393739)
**Author:** [@Improv\_Geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improv_Geek)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2007, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/openid-magic-bullet/393739 "2007-03-01T13:58:34Z")
I admit I’m still wrapping my head around it, but from what I understand a lot of people are excited about it. Is this the answer to logins and registration online or is it going to fail? – IG --- ## [Deal cut with North Korea: For real, this time?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deal-cut-with-north-korea-for-real-this-time/392264)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2007, 10:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deal-cut-with-north-korea-for-real-this-time/392264 "2007-03-01T10:53:21Z")
The six-nation talks have finally produced a settlement: Will this be the one that does it? No more fear of a nuclear-armed NK? --- ## [So these are the heroes that will step up as we stand down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-these-are-the-heroes-that-will-step-up-as-we-stand-down/390126)
**Author:** [@tagos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tagos)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2007, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-these-are-the-heroes-that-will-step-up-as-we-stand-down/390126 "2007-02-28T23:06:35Z")
Iraq army almost defeated by band of loons The Army of Heaven is/was apparently a millenarianist cult. Estimated at about 500 these cultists required the US airpower and ground troops to deal with. The Army of Heave… --- ## [Clinton camp wants Obama to do what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-camp-wants-obama-to-do-what/393212)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2007, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clinton-camp-wants-obama-to-do-what/393212 "2007-02-28T05:28:24Z")
HRC insulted by comments made by former Clinton supporter now major Obama donor and fundraiser, wants Obama to give money back. First Geffen is spot on in his assessment. HRC is foolish to call more attention to these a… --- ## [HRC vs Obama ... who should I be more worried about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hrc-vs-obama-who-should-i-be-more-worried-about/393610)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2007, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hrc-vs-obama-who-should-i-be-more-worried-about/393610 "2007-02-28T05:24:53Z")
I’m an anti-liberal/conservative/libertarian type who grew to and still despise Hillary. They claim she’s to the right of many of the other Dem candidates but I don’t buy that for a minute … although she may have tried … --- ## [does Britain and co. flee Iraq before USA attack Iran?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-britain-and-co-flee-iraq-before-usa-attack-iran/393122)
**Author:** [@Wildfire\_MM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildfire_MM)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-britain-and-co-flee-iraq-before-usa-attack-iran/393122 "2007-02-27T22:08:47Z")
Britain and Denmark have decided to withdraw their troops within months, meanwhile the US are sending warships to the Persian gulf. Are they fleeing before a war between USA and Iran burst out? Any thoughts about this ? … --- ## [Important evolutionary biologists who were Christians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/important-evolutionary-biologists-who-were-christians/393772)
**Author:** [@ragerdude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ragerdude)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/important-evolutionary-biologists-who-were-christians/393772 "2007-02-27T21:46:58Z")
“Darwin was fully aware that his idea was a frontal assault on the very notion of an intelligent Designer behind the world. In fact, he might very well have formulated it precisely for that purpose. The idea of a spir… --- ## [What was Hitler's biggest blunder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-hitlers-biggest-blunder/392277)
**Author:** [@The\_Hamster\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Hamster_King)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-was-hitlers-biggest-blunder/392277 "2007-02-27T20:56:54Z")
Hitler was a gambler. Defeating France, Great Britain AND Russia was always a long shot, and yet, he almost managed to pull it off. A few more lucky breaks, a few fewer mistakes, and he might actually have wound up as … --- ## [U.S. ties Iranian leader to bombs killing U.S. troops](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-ties-iranian-leader-to-bombs-killing-u-s-troops/391757)
**Author:** [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/u-s-ties-iranian-leader-to-bombs-killing-u-s-troops/391757 "2007-02-27T19:33:47Z")
This afternoon, CNN.com: U.S. ties Iranian leader to bombs killing U.S. troops. Where’s the evidence?:\*The U.S. military Sunday presented evidence it says shows an elite Iranian force under the command of Iran’s suprem… --- ## [Why do so many skeptics give believers a free pass?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-skeptics-give-believers-a-free-pass/393113)
**Author:** [@Quentin\_S.Smith](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quentin_S.Smith)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 7:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-so-many-skeptics-give-believers-a-free-pass/393113 "2007-02-27T19:21:26Z")
I get the impression that this board is one that promotes skepticism and rational thinking. Question for you: why do you think that honest, well-meaning skeptics will debunk many unfounded superstitions but steer away fr… --- ## [Would the US be better off without a fixed term executive branch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-us-be-better-off-without-a-fixed-term-executive-branch/393622)
**Author:** [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-us-be-better-off-without-a-fixed-term-executive-branch/393622 "2007-02-27T16:54:56Z")
All that seems to do is create the situation where we have a majority that don’t like what’s happening and they have to look two years away to envision any change. The vote of no confidence, scheduling new elections whe… --- ## [European vs American Sexual Attitudes.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-vs-american-sexual-attitudes/392677)
**Author:** [@deanc2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/deanc2000)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-vs-american-sexual-attitudes/392677 "2007-02-27T14:47:10Z")
If you’ve ever been to Germany, Holland, or France, you may have noted the very liberal attitude towards sex, fetishes, and the like. A sex shop there will cater to most if not all the fetishes. In America, it’s the co… --- ## [Where do you stand on conspicuous consumption?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-stand-on-conspicuous-consumption/393306)
**Author:** [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-do-you-stand-on-conspicuous-consumption/393306 "2007-02-27T12:27:18Z")
Forbes lists top priciest homes in the world Not Like Hearst’s San Simeon castle, (or any actual royal castle) but still grand enough. So, is that sort of thing all right “if the guy can afford it”, or is he doing som… --- ## [IQ and the Wealth of Nations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iq-and-the-wealth-of-nations/392637)
**Author:** [@catpower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/catpower)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iq-and-the-wealth-of-nations/392637 "2007-02-27T09:46:12Z")
Am I crazy? Strange question to ask I know, but I feel I must ask it because I am just not getting something. To explain, I just finished reading this Wikipedia article and it seems that the article claims some things… --- ## [Is there any good way to shift people from incandescent bulbs to fluorescents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-good-way-to-shift-people-from-incandescent-bulbs-to-fluorescents/391679)
**Author:** [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2007, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-good-way-to-shift-people-from-incandescent-bulbs-to-fluorescents/391679 "2007-02-27T03:04:51Z")
Lawmaker takes on light bulbs While that effort will not succeed as written, what is the path from here to there vis-à-vis bulbs? The simple first idea would be to make the fluorescents cheaper than the others, taxing … --- ## [Opposition to the war could cost the Democratic Party.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opposition-to-the-war-could-cost-the-democratic-party/393094)
**Author:** [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2007, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opposition-to-the-war-could-cost-the-democratic-party/393094 "2007-02-26T18:38:22Z")
So warns Lawrence Haas, former Al Gore communications director and current vice-president of the Committee on the Present Danger. I think he is exactly right. As unpopular as this war may be now, its loss may be even … --- ## [presidential debates-who should be invited](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-debates-who-should-be-invited/393383)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2007, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-debates-who-should-be-invited/393383 "2007-02-26T15:07:25Z")
I am old enough to remember when the debates includes third and fourth parties. In the last few years they refused to invite others because they either had to get a certain percentage of votes or raise enough money. Thi… --- ## [If God is spirit why is the Holy spirit separate from The father who is spirit also?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-god-is-spirit-why-is-the-holy-spirit-separate-from-the-father-who-is-spirit-also/391198)
**Author:** [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [February 26, 2007, 2:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-god-is-spirit-why-is-the-holy-spirit-separate-from-the-father-who-is-spirit-also/391198 "2007-02-26T14:37:13Z")
After reading many post about the existence or non existence of a God I wonder why The Trinity is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit? If The father is spirit and spirit is not material or like the wind we can not see but feel.… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=727) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=729)