# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=732 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 733 --- ## [Should corporations be allowed to use human bar code technology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-corporations-be-allowed-to-use-human-bar-code-technology/391772)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-corporations-be-allowed-to-use-human-bar-code-technology/391772 "2007-02-13T16:09:24Z")
The technology is now available to implant tiny chips in human beings that can track their movements. See this article. There’s plenty more out there on the Web. In Kansas (IIRC) they are already debating whether corpor… --- ## [Should Canada toss the Canada–U.S. "Safe Third Country Agreement"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-canada-toss-the-canada-u-s-safe-third-country-agreement/391723)
**Author:** [@Muffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muffin)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-canada-toss-the-canada-u-s-safe-third-country-agreement/391723 "2007-02-13T14:56:23Z")
Should Canada toss the Canada–U.S. “Safe Third Country Agreement”? http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/policy/menu-safethird.html http://www.web.net/~ccr/10reasons.html In a nutshell, if a refugee from a country other than t… --- ## [Could Giuliani put NY in play in '08?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-giuliani-put-ny-in-play-in-08/391210)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-giuliani-put-ny-in-play-in-08/391210 "2007-02-13T14:44:09Z")
Suppose Giuliani gets the Republican nomination. Does that put New York in play in the '08 general election? Assume for the sake of this thread that Hillary Clinton does not get the Democratic nomination - that it goes… --- ## [Is punctuality a choice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-punctuality-a-choice/390553)
**Author:** [@AHoosierMama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHoosierMama)\ **Replies:** 626\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-punctuality-a-choice/390553 "2007-02-13T13:57:53Z")
To mitigate my slight hijacking of this thread My friends who are late for lunch dates My friends who are late for lunch dates - The BBQ Pit - Straight Dope Message Board found in the Pit, let’s explore punctuality vs… --- ## [The war spreads, only this time it hits home.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-war-spreads-only-this-time-it-hits-home/391953)
**Author:** [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Airman_Doors_USAF)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-war-spreads-only-this-time-it-hits-home/391953 "2007-02-13T01:17:42Z")
Michigan Muslims Feel Sectarian Ripples The report states up front that officials do not think that this is a mirror of sectarian violence happening in Iraq, but nonetheless, this is not a good thing. Is this a sign of… --- ## [What kind of conservative is George Bush?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-conservative-is-george-bush/391695)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 1:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-kind-of-conservative-is-george-bush/391695 "2007-02-13T01:04:48Z")
He does not seem to be particularly concerned about fiscal prudence which is (or was) one of the hallmarks of classic conservatism. What is the nature of his conservative credentials? --- ## [$Billions given to CPA for Iraq reconstruction are missing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billions-given-to-cpa-for-iraq-reconstruction-are-missing/391538)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 13, 2007, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/billions-given-to-cpa-for-iraq-reconstruction-are-missing/391538 "2007-02-13T00:13:13Z")
Paul Bremer can’t say where they went. His assistant and budget chief, David Oliver, says, “Frankly, it not important.” Because, “This wasn’t American money.” ( :confused: Wasn’t it appropriated by Congress?) But Rep… --- ## [Whatever happened to carpooling?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-carpooling/391332)
**Author:** [@blinkingblinking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blinkingblinking)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2007, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-carpooling/391332 "2007-02-12T22:01:51Z")
I walk to work. I walk down a very busy road. I would say that 95% of cars have only one person. I tried to start a carpooling initiative at work. I only got 3 people.The problem is it is shift work and people live all … --- ## [Solution to Increased Atmospheric CO2: Iron Fertilization of the Oceans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solution-to-increased-atmospheric-co2-iron-fertilization-of-the-oceans/390634)
**Author:** [@ex747mech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ex747mech)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2007, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solution-to-increased-atmospheric-co2-iron-fertilization-of-the-oceans/390634 "2007-02-12T09:14:50Z")
Hi all, I wanted a wise bunch to ask this question: If it is true that humans are altering the climate with carbon dioxide, then why don’t we make a serious effort to reduce it with the simplest, cheapest method we can … --- ## [Pentagon/OSP manipulated intelligence to link Hussein to al-Qaeda](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-osp-manipulated-intelligence-to-link-hussein-to-al-qaeda/391582)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2007, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-osp-manipulated-intelligence-to-link-hussein-to-al-qaeda/391582 "2007-02-11T23:36:42Z")
I expect some mod to lock this zombie thread from '03 in short order, as is the usual procedure, so we’ll need a fresh thread to continue the discussion. Story reported in: The Washington Post The New York Times AP/E… --- ## [Using, trusting and citing Wikipedia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-trusting-and-citing-wikipedia/389481)
**Author:** [@alterego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alterego)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2007, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/using-trusting-and-citing-wikipedia/389481 "2007-02-11T23:03:23Z")
I have been exposed to a massive anti-Wikipedia mindset in college. Students are not allowed to cite Wikipedia, but there is no problem with citing other websites, so long as you use the correct format. Yesterday, I saw … --- ## [Office of Special Plans reincarnated as the Iran Directorate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/office-of-special-plans-reincarnated-as-the-iran-directorate/391619)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2007, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/office-of-special-plans-reincarnated-as-the-iran-directorate/391619 "2007-02-11T22:51:02Z")
Actually, this is old news – dating from about June '06 – but it seems to have dropped off the radar since then, and the latest hearings about the OSP give it fresh timeliness. The Iranian Directorate is an office withi… --- ## [All 435 House members will get to see the classified version of the NIE](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-435-house-members-will-get-to-see-the-classified-version-of-the-nie/391589)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2007, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-435-house-members-will-get-to-see-the-classified-version-of-the-nie/391589 "2007-02-11T21:53:10Z")
. . . and every single one will get five minutes to talk on the floor. Next week. They will have to look at the document in the House Intelligence Committee’s office and sign a secrecy oath. Which means . . . if they … --- ## [More than 90% chance that global warming is due to human activity...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-than-90-chance-that-global-warming-is-due-to-human-activity/390528)
**Author:** [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2007, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/more-than-90-chance-that-global-warming-is-due-to-human-activity/390528 "2007-02-11T21:47:18Z")
…says an international council of scientists. link Well, I’ve always been a “yep, things are warming; nope, we don’t know it’s us doing it” gal, but I guess I’ll eat my share of crow.\* They’re supposed to come out with… --- ## [Redo requirements for federal judges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redo-requirements-for-federal-judges/391743)
**Author:** [@JustAnotherGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustAnotherGeek)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2007, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/redo-requirements-for-federal-judges/391743 "2007-02-11T19:40:45Z")
Based on yesterday’s column, I’m curious to see how people would change the requirements of federal judges if they had the power to do so. I have been saying (for quite some time now) that there should be term limits fo… --- ## [Does the Federal Reserve cause inflation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-federal-reserve-cause-inflation/390736)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2007, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-federal-reserve-cause-inflation/390736 "2007-02-11T06:56:21Z")
This thread on the current presidential candidacy of Ron Paul (onetime Libertarian candidate for POTUS) was getting hijacked into a discussion of the Federal Reserve, inflation, and “hard currency,” so I thought I’d spin… --- ## [Do you think the US should reciprocate for N.Korea printing our banknotes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-us-should-reciprocate-for-n-korea-printing-our-banknotes/391260)
**Author:** [@According\_to\_Pliny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/According_to_Pliny)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-the-us-should-reciprocate-for-n-korea-printing-our-banknotes/391260 "2007-02-10T23:21:11Z")
We know they do it, the so-called “super notes” that are basically indistinguishable from the real thing except for individual serial number comparisons. The treasury says basically that there is no real way to stop “sta… --- ## [What happened to Nigeria?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-nigeria/391450)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-to-nigeria/391450 "2007-02-10T21:02:28Z")
A few decades back, Nigeria was going okay for a third world nation. Nothing great but they were getting by. Then major oil fields were discovered. From an objective standpoint, this would be a good thing. Basically, Ni… --- ## [Joe Kennedy and Venezuela](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-kennedy-and-venezuela/391470)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Joe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Joe)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/joe-kennedy-and-venezuela/391470 "2007-02-10T19:26:02Z")
Joseph P. Kennedy II has been doing commercials promoting Venezuela and by proxy their America hating fearless leader Hugo Chavez. In case you haven’t seen it Joe talks about how great Venezualla is to give poor America… --- ## [Assuming anthropogenic climate change is real, what can/should we do about it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-anthropogenic-climate-change-is-real-what-can-should-we-do-about-it/391376)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 6:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assuming-anthropogenic-climate-change-is-real-what-can-should-we-do-about-it/391376 "2007-02-10T18:53:40Z")
A followup on this thread, and particularly this post where Sam Stone suggests approaches/solutions not involving treaties or government regulation. For purposes of this thread, let us assume the mainstream view of clim… --- ## [can America get its rep back](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-america-get-its-rep-back/391259)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-america-get-its-rep-back/391259 "2007-02-10T14:46:58Z")
In the last 7 years ,we have become a country that attacks another that did not attack us. We have become torturers and publicly justify it. We have insinuated ourselves into Iraqs economy and many believe we are after i… --- ## [Murtha presses for closure of Guantanamo Bay prison, & to start bringing troops home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/murtha-presses-for-closure-of-guantanamo-bay-prison-to-start-bringing-troops-home/391577)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/murtha-presses-for-closure-of-guantanamo-bay-prison-to-start-bringing-troops-home/391577 "2007-02-10T02:05:20Z")
. . . and for other measures, which he hopes to get by making the $100 billion Bush wants for continuing the war contingent on meeting his demands. (Murtha being chairman of the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee… --- ## [Pentagon Office of Special Plans (OSP): What's the Deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-office-of-special-plans-osp-whats-the-deal/190084)
**Author:** [@PatriotX](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatriotX)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2007, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pentagon-office-of-special-plans-osp-whats-the-deal/190084 "2007-02-10T02:03:45Z")
I just heard the name of this group tonight. A quick google turned up a little: What’s the deal? Fellow Dopers, ( I hope that I’m worthy of the appellation Doper), what do you know about this group and when did … --- ## [Again; Should Pharmacists Be Allowed To Refuse To Dispense Drugs They Object To?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/again-should-pharmacists-be-allowed-to-refuse-to-dispense-drugs-they-object-to/389448)
**Author:** [@AskNott](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AskNott)\ **Replies:** 296\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2007, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/again-should-pharmacists-be-allowed-to-refuse-to-dispense-drugs-they-object-to/389448 "2007-02-09T19:31:33Z")
I’m reviving this because the original thread was posted by a poster who was soon banned. The thread was removed, Banning - About This Message Board - Straight Dope Message Board so here is another one, in case some mor… --- ## [Trial Lawyers, Edwards, and "Helping the Downtrodden"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trial-lawyers-edwards-and-helping-the-downtrodden/391203)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2007, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trial-lawyers-edwards-and-helping-the-downtrodden/391203 "2007-02-09T18:12:18Z")
In the debate over whether John Edwards is a good candidate for 2008, many have leveled criticisms at his career as a trial lawyer. This one is representative: \[QUOTE=DSeid\] The merits of the case as to if it was negl… --- ## [A blueprint for religious harmony.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-blueprint-for-religious-harmony/391151)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2007, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-blueprint-for-religious-harmony/391151 "2007-02-09T17:33:48Z")
ATHEISTS: I know you have a lot of reasons not to believe. But stop trying to convince people of faith that they are wrong. And stop painting all theists as ignorant homophobe hicks. Sure some are, but bigotry and pr… --- ## [Venezuelan Congress grants Chavez power to rule by decree -- Bonapartism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venezuelan-congress-grants-chavez-power-to-rule-by-decree-bonapartism/390427)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2007, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venezuelan-congress-grants-chavez-power-to-rule-by-decree-bonapartism/390427 "2007-02-09T15:08:51Z")
We already have a Pit thread on this, but I think the issue is important enough to merit the more sober and measured treatment typical of GD (oh, stop that snickering!). Venezuela’s Congress just granted President Hugo … --- ## [What if we moved Iraq to Africa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-we-moved-iraq-to-africa/391099)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2007, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-we-moved-iraq-to-africa/391099 "2007-02-09T11:49:13Z")
I am not talking about digging the whole thing out and plopping it in front of the shores of Angola, of course. I mean what would happen if we put all the effort that is being pumped into Iraq and diverted it to Africa. … --- ## [Religion based on rational belief? Then why the geographic variation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-based-on-rational-belief-then-why-the-geographic-variation/390955)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [February 9, 2007, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-based-on-rational-belief-then-why-the-geographic-variation/390955 "2007-02-09T03:50:19Z")
I realize that this is my fourth or fifth thread propagating my militant atheism. But please bear with me. As I explained in another thread, Satan gives prizes for the most zealous efforts. I already have two bronzed Re… --- ## [Leading Senate Dems and Pubs join forces on anti-surge resolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leading-senate-dems-and-pubs-join-forces-on-anti-surge-resolution/390415)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2007, 11:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leading-senate-dems-and-pubs-join-forces-on-anti-surge-resolution/390415 "2007-02-08T23:50:48Z")
Senators Carl Levin (D-MI) and John Warner (R-VA) have merged their proposed non-binding resolutions against the “surge” – in hopes of putting together a filibuster-proof majority. Will they succeed? Will it matter? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=731) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=733)