# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=743 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 744 --- ## [Will the U.S. be at war with Iran before January '09?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-u-s-be-at-war-with-iran-before-january-09/386117)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2007, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-u-s-be-at-war-with-iran-before-january-09/386117 "2007-01-03T18:14:36Z")
Defining “war” broadly enough to include any kind of direct military action by either government on the other. E.g., an airstrike on Iran’s known or suspected nuclear facilities would count as war. (And, according to t… --- ## [Drake vs Mandelbrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drake-vs-mandelbrot/386055)
**Author:** [@Sapo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sapo)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2007, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drake-vs-mandelbrot/386055 "2007-01-03T17:21:30Z")
Are unique events really possible? Excuse the musings of an ignorant for a minute. I am wondering about the possibility of unique events in a massive universe such as ours. There is the Drake equation (the one about th… --- ## [How will global warming play out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-global-warming-play-out/365496)
**Author:** [@Geiselcat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Geiselcat)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2007, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-global-warming-play-out/365496 "2007-01-03T05:29:19Z")
I watched Al Gore’s documentary An Inconvenient Truth, and I have studied meteorology a little. I would like to hear your opinions on what will actually happen, climatologically, in the coming 50 years or so. How will th… --- ## [What's the point of "liberal" Christianity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-liberal-christianity/385932)
**Author:** [@Cisco](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cisco)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2007, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-point-of-liberal-christianity/385932 "2007-01-03T03:25:39Z")
I’m getting weary of The Great Atheist War of 2006 and all the ad hominem attacks therein, but I believe there are still many questions it has left unanswered and I’d like to do discuss these in a - hopefully - calmer en… --- ## [Should false rape claims face more prosecution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-false-rape-claims-face-more-prosecution/385546)
**Author:** [@athelas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/athelas)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2007, 3:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-false-rape-claims-face-more-prosecution/385546 "2007-01-03T03:13:27Z")
As the Duke rape case is coming close to imploding, it seems fairly obvious that the accuser, even if lying, faces very little risk of any legal penalty. Granted, a few cases, such as this rather light sentence (conside… --- ## [Maybe we should just let the Iranians have Iraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-we-should-just-let-the-iranians-have-iraq/386027)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2007, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maybe-we-should-just-let-the-iranians-have-iraq/386027 "2007-01-02T21:49:53Z")
Every now and then we hear reports of the Iranian government backing the Iraqi insurgency (or at least one of its factions) . . . or plotting how it’s going to take over Iraq, or at least bring it within an Iranian spher… --- ## [Is the US military a partisan organisation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-military-a-partisan-organisation/384605)
**Author:** [@Sevastopol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sevastopol)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2007, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-us-military-a-partisan-organisation/384605 "2007-01-02T20:01:54Z")
We are at the tail end of decisions about the Iraq war. Without going into the merits of the decisions bringing us to the present, I think it is generally agreed that those decisions were implemented enthusiastically. T… --- ## [Please explain US Healthcare to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-us-healthcare-to-me/384775)
**Author:** [@Bibliovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliovore)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2007, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-explain-us-healthcare-to-me/384775 "2007-01-02T17:19:17Z")
Please explain the US healthcare system to me in words of one syllable and with lots of diagrams. As far as I can make out there is no such thing as free healthcare in the US - no matter how poor you are, you have to pay… --- ## [Saddam to hang 'no later than Saturday'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saddam-to-hang-no-later-than-saturday/386017)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2007, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saddam-to-hang-no-later-than-saturday/386017 "2007-01-02T03:46:08Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061229/ap\_on\_re\_mi\_ea/iraq\_061229142350 Why the hurry? Is it a good move to get it over with quickly, before the other trials? How, if at all, will this affect the various insurgencies? … --- ## [So WHAT Were Nostradamus's "Prophecies" All About?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-were-nostradamuss-prophecies-all-about/386298)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2007, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-were-nostradamuss-prophecies-all-about/386298 "2007-01-02T00:26:39Z")
I saw the show on the History Channel about this, and I was not impressed-they guy wrote some very obscure stuff, which can be interpreted in any one of a dozen ways. His “hit” rate is pretty low, too. So, I really doub… --- ## [Shouldn't we be pledging allegiance to the constitution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldnt-we-be-pledging-allegiance-to-the-constitution/386122)
**Author:** [@Can\_Handle\_the\_Truth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Can_Handle_the_Truth)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2007, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shouldnt-we-be-pledging-allegiance-to-the-constitution/386122 "2007-01-01T20:29:41Z")
The flag is a decorated piece of fabric that says nothing about what this country should stand for. Either a communist or a fascist government could still fly the flag unchanged. Not so the constitution. When school kids… --- ## [Should some groups be ineligible for political office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-some-groups-be-ineligible-for-political-office/385679)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2007, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-some-groups-be-ineligible-for-political-office/385679 "2007-01-01T17:08:29Z")
Well, should they? And should different restrictions apply at different levels? I’d suggest: Ministers of a religion - they hold themselves to a Higher power. Currently serving prisoners, and those on parole. Basicall… --- ## [Do we really need two Dakotas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-really-need-two-dakotas/385973)
**Author:** [@The\_Controvert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Controvert)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2006, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-really-need-two-dakotas/385973 "2006-12-31T21:01:40Z")
Why not merge North and South Dakota? --- ## [Which politicians do you admire, and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-politicians-do-you-admire-and-why/382972)
**Author:** [@Agnostic\_Pagan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agnostic_Pagan)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2006, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-politicians-do-you-admire-and-why/382972 "2006-12-31T18:20:33Z")
I am not sure if this is the right forum, but it’s politics, so I figure this is a good place to start. I am currently very uninspired by most politicians - not that they are required to be inspiring, but its a very goo… --- ## [Is it EVER OK to Let Politics Steer Science?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ever-ok-to-let-politics-steer-science/386181)
**Author:** [@Don26](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don26)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2006, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ever-ok-to-let-politics-steer-science/386181 "2006-12-31T18:05:16Z")
Reading this article begs the question: Is it EVER OK for political persuasions to steer or prevent scientific research? Does the fact that a segment of the population has a vested intrest in something make ignoring or … --- ## [Will the Constitution be amended so Schwarzenegger can be president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-constitution-be-amended-so-schwarzenegger-can-be-president/385460)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2006, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-constitution-be-amended-so-schwarzenegger-can-be-president/385460 "2006-12-31T17:03:10Z")
I think the idea is preposterous, but I promised a friend I’d pose the question here. (He’s absolutely convinced Schwarzenegger is going to be on the Pub presidential ticket in 2008, just for his star quality.) --- ## [Will any Bush Admin members face criminal charges?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-any-bush-admin-members-face-criminal-charges/385782)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2006, 6:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-any-bush-admin-members-face-criminal-charges/385782 "2006-12-31T06:23:45Z")
Inspired by this article. I’m not proposing here to debate their guilt on any particular point, only whether things will ever get far enough for any of them to be haled into court, in the U.S. or abroad, before or after… --- ## [Bush to expand size of military](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-to-expand-size-of-military/384855)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2006, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-to-expand-size-of-military/384855 "2006-12-31T06:15:02Z")
Story here. Fuck. Just fuck. You couldn’t teach this man a lesson if you pounded it into his head with a hammer. --- ## [On the posting of Saddam Execution Videos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-posting-of-saddam-execution-videos/386126)
**Author:** [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-the-posting-of-saddam-execution-videos/386126 "2006-12-30T17:55:18Z")
\[ Moderator Note \] There have been some questions raised about permitting links from the SDMB to the complete video when it (inevitably) makes it out onto the internet. Current staff opinion is that we are not going to… --- ## [Gerald Ford passes -- let's debate his legacy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gerald-ford-passes-lets-debate-his-legacy/385765)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 5:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gerald-ford-passes-lets-debate-his-legacy/385765 "2006-12-30T17:48:25Z")
Just found out about this – not from the media but from an MPSIMS thread. Debating a just-deceased U.S. president’s legacy is, of course, obligatory. But I don’t expect this thread to get nearly as contentious as the R… --- ## [Is Iran working on nuclear weapons or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-iran-working-on-nuclear-weapons-or-not/384725)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-iran-working-on-nuclear-weapons-or-not/384725 "2006-12-30T15:52:48Z")
The CIA can find no proof . . . but, then, it’s not like the CIA has never made a mistake before. --- ## [NASA wants a permanent Moonbase -- good idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-wants-a-permanent-moonbase-good-idea/383218)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 10:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nasa-wants-a-permanent-moonbase-good-idea/383218 "2006-12-30T10:12:38Z")
NASA is planning to build a Moonbase at one of the Moon’s poles (located there for uninterrupted sunlight for solar power). It will be permanently staffed by 2024. Expensive, pointless boondoggle, or stepping-stone to … --- ## [Teenage boys Being "Dissed"=fate Worse than death?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teenage-boys-being-dissed-fate-worse-than-death/385887)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 5:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teenage-boys-being-dissed-fate-worse-than-death/385887 "2006-12-30T05:22:09Z")
My stepson seems to have an inordinate obsession with (not0 being “dissed” (disrespected. apparently, being “dissed” by one’s associates 9and not challenging this) are pretty serious issues-your standing in the group ca… --- ## [There's no caliph anyway, any more, so why can't the Shi'a and Sunni get along?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-no-caliph-anyway-any-more-so-why-cant-the-shia-and-sunni-get-along/384983)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 5:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/theres-no-caliph-anyway-any-more-so-why-cant-the-shia-and-sunni-get-along/384983 "2006-12-30T05:06:45Z")
The Shi’a sect of Islam split from the Sunni shortly after Muhammad’s death in 632 C.E. over the question of who should be the caliph or “successor” to the prophet, the new political/religious leader of the Islamic commu… --- ## [Israel plans new WB settlement -- in the Jordan Valley!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-plans-new-wb-settlement-in-the-jordan-valley/385791)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-plans-new-wb-settlement-in-the-jordan-valley/385791 "2006-12-30T04:44:02Z")
Sevastopol brought this to my attention. Story: :eek: The Jordan Valley?! That’s not only east of the Green Line, it’s east of the Wall! How can they do this and expect anyone believe they have any intention of allow… --- ## [Resolved for Debate: Some things exist which do not exhibit empirical signs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-for-debate-some-things-exist-which-do-not-exhibit-empirical-signs/385648)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-for-debate-some-things-exist-which-do-not-exhibit-empirical-signs/385648 "2006-12-30T02:51:59Z")
From here. I said: I am not such a person. I have seen that some (not all) of the atheists on this board believe Christians and Christianity get a free ‘bye’ on this board to make theistic assertions that strike them… --- ## [FDA says no to clone label](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fda-says-no-to-clone-label/385870)
**Author:** [@Dob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dob)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [December 30, 2006, 12:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fda-says-no-to-clone-label/385870 "2006-12-30T00:24:03Z")
From CNN Right or wrong? Per the article some 64% polled said they were “uncomfortable” with cloned food. Should the FDA require companies to alert consumers to cloned meat for relgious, or just for simple moral reaso… --- ## ["Fiasco," by Thomas Ricks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiasco-by-thomas-ricks/385708)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2006, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fiasco-by-thomas-ricks/385708 "2006-12-29T22:23:34Z")
I did a search on this and Ricks’s book “Fiasco” has been mentioned a number of times, but generally only briefly; I’ve never seen a discussion of the book itself. I just finished the book. I frankly have a lot of diff… --- ## [Why was Britain in economic and military decline after WWI?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-britain-in-economic-and-military-decline-after-wwi/384713)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2006, 6:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-britain-in-economic-and-military-decline-after-wwi/384713 "2006-12-29T18:13:32Z")
From The American Way of Strategy, by Michael Lind, pp. 100-101: OK, but why? Britain had not suffered a major military defeat since 1783, it still controlled the markets and resources of two-fifths of the Earth’s sur… --- ## [Are managers just ratifiers, and if so, why pay them so much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-managers-just-ratifiers-and-if-so-why-pay-them-so-much/385853)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2006, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-managers-just-ratifiers-and-if-so-why-pay-them-so-much/385853 "2006-12-29T16:55:29Z")
One of the more interesting theories I’ve heard bruited about in conjunction with the obscenely high pay that many CEOs in the US get, is that not only is the pay extremely high, but there’s very little value to be had f… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=742) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=744)