# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=765 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 766 --- ## [Does religion benefit atheists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-religion-benefit-atheists/373471)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2006, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-religion-benefit-atheists/373471 "2006-09-21T18:47:14Z")
For me, it does in the narrow sense, but not in a wider perspective. If believers in religion spend their time worshipping a non-existent God, attending pointless church services, think about specious interpretations of … --- ## [Abortions: should the father have a say in it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortions-should-the-father-have-a-say-in-it/372685)
**Author:** [@diggleblop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggleblop)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2006, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortions-should-the-father-have-a-say-in-it/372685 "2006-09-21T05:37:35Z")
Should the father of the baby/clumps of cells in question have any say in abortions? Because when the baby is born and the parents split up, the court definitely feels the father has a say when it comes time to pay that… --- ## [Interdependence in our universe and gaming winning field goals.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interdependence-in-our-universe-and-gaming-winning-field-goals/373010)
**Author:** [@Wordy\_Dirts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wordy_Dirts)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2006, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interdependence-in-our-universe-and-gaming-winning-field-goals/373010 "2006-09-21T00:47:59Z")
I have a superstition that falls along the lines of, if I don’t watch my favorite football team play, they will lose. Last years AFC divisional playoff game, I quit watching during halftime because it was looking grim fo… --- ## [A question for religious literalists](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-religious-literalists/373245)
**Author:** [@Mustafa\_Al-Habib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mustafa_Al-Habib)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2006, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-religious-literalists/373245 "2006-09-20T22:22:12Z")
This question is directed toward anyone who takes their religious scripture of choice literally. Why aren’t there any miracles anymore? Or do they only manifest themselves before believers? --- ## [Why is filesharing immoral?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-filesharing-immoral/373130)
**Author:** [@Mustafa\_Al-Habib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mustafa_Al-Habib)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2006, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-filesharing-immoral/373130 "2006-09-20T20:46:40Z")
What is the basis for the argument that filesharing is equivalent to theft? To paraphrase Jeff Tweedy from Wilco, people would think it was awfully strange if authors suddenly banded together against libraries to keep p… --- ## [In Iran will the US open up an Embassy again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-iran-will-the-us-open-up-an-embassy-again/372973)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2006, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-iran-will-the-us-open-up-an-embassy-again/372973 "2006-09-20T18:39:52Z")
I was harping back to the time when China was unrecogised, and how a simple ping pong tournament gave way to the establishment of bilateral relations between the two countries, and the establishment of embassies. Now I k… --- ## [Does abortion prevent crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-abortion-prevent-crime/372184)
**Author:** [@Wildfire\_MM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildfire_MM)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2006, 6:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-abortion-prevent-crime/372184 "2006-09-20T18:20:56Z")
This study seams to cunclude with that http://www.slate.com/id/33569/entry/33571/ --- ## [Tony Blair's Departure: Whither Britain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-blairs-departure-whither-britain/371849)
**Author:** [@Baron\_Greenback](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baron_Greenback)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2006, 11:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tony-blairs-departure-whither-britain/371849 "2006-09-20T11:53:20Z")
Tony Blair is on his last legs as Prime Minister. He’s been PM since 1997 and to be honest he’s showing the signs of fatigue and delusion of indispensibility that can effect a long term leader. Happened to Thatcher, happ… --- ## [Should Bankrupts be Prohibited from Giving to Charity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-bankrupts-be-prohibited-from-giving-to-charity/373126)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2006, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-bankrupts-be-prohibited-from-giving-to-charity/373126 "2006-09-20T04:09:06Z")
I read this story in the Deseret News and got to wondering. One aspect of the issue is (as mentioned in the article) the Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation Protection Act of 1998. Another aspect is a bankruptcy … --- ## [When should kids get graded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-kids-get-graded/373067)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2006, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-should-kids-get-graded/373067 "2006-09-20T03:01:06Z")
So it appears that Sweden has it up for debate whether they should start grading kids who aren’t yet in high school. Of course, in the US kids are graded from their first year in school all the way until they leave for … --- ## [Powell: Torture puts our troops at risk.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powell-torture-puts-our-troops-at-risk/372747)
**Author:** [@Sweet\_Mercury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sweet_Mercury)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2006, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/powell-torture-puts-our-troops-at-risk/372747 "2006-09-20T01:45:39Z")
Placed in Great Debates because I foresee debate on the topic. From Think Progress : Now, I think the bold portion above says it all. The majority of both leftists and libertarians has been saying this for a while. Wh… --- ## [Deciphering Far-Right Wing Bumper Sticker.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deciphering-far-right-wing-bumper-sticker/373230)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2006, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deciphering-far-right-wing-bumper-sticker/373230 "2006-09-19T20:50:25Z")
A little while back I noticed this bumper sticker on the car of an apparently otherwise sweet old lady. It said “Abortion, Euthanasia, AIDS: Don’t Liberals Just Kill Ya?” I understand how she thought abortion and euthana… --- ## [How will we know when we have won The War Against Terror?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-we-know-when-we-have-won-the-war-against-terror/372715)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2006, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-we-know-when-we-have-won-the-war-against-terror/372715 "2006-09-19T19:26:54Z")
Now that Bush has committed us to a war that “will not be over until either we or the extremists emerge victorious,” has anyone given any thought to just what victory will look like? The way I see it, the total victory … --- ## [What makes a hero?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-hero/372302)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2006, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-hero/372302 "2006-09-18T22:06:50Z")
Recently I’ve heard those that dies in the 9/11 attacks refered to as heros, but is every victim a hero? Sure the first responders are, as is anyone who tried to help get other people out of the builiding, but what abo… --- ## [Is it necessary to give press to terrorists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-necessary-to-give-press-to-terrorists/372551)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2006, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-necessary-to-give-press-to-terrorists/372551 "2006-09-18T21:30:21Z")
In an effort to keep the scope a bit narrower, let’s turn a blind eye to the immense political power to be gained by tapping into the old “The terrorists are after us!” schtick. But if an entity were truly dedicated to … --- ## [Arte celebrity Product endorsements Dishonest?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arte-celebrity-product-endorsements-dishonest/372432)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2006, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arte-celebrity-product-endorsements-dishonest/372432 "2006-09-18T19:50:50Z")
I mean, does it really matter that Tiger Woods endorses Buick, even though he probably drives a Porsche? Or more mundane things-local has-been athletes shilling for a local furniture store. Why do advertisers still do th… --- ## [Bush is in a big sweat to rewrite history](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-is-in-a-big-sweat-to-rewrite-history/372986)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2006, 7:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-is-in-a-big-sweat-to-rewrite-history/372986 "2006-09-18T19:14:46Z")
Yesterday, on his Countdown show, Keith Olbermann asked if Bush is trying to cover his ass by pressuring Congress into rewriting General Article 4 of the Geneva Convention. It certainly seems that way, opined Jonathan … --- ## [Islamic "End of Times"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islamic-end-of-times/373192)
**Author:** [@Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bippy_the_Beardless)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2006, 6:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islamic-end-of-times/373192 "2006-09-18T18:30:32Z")
Is there an Islamic “End of Times” belief? What form(s) does it take? --- ## [Hoping to be born again \[purpose of prayer -- ed. title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoping-to-be-born-again-purpose-of-prayer-ed-title/372354)
**Author:** [@sctrojan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sctrojan)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2006, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoping-to-be-born-again-purpose-of-prayer-ed-title/372354 "2006-09-18T18:12:16Z")
During the last several months, I have tried to revive my understanding of the Christian religion… I have read many books, some of which I found cited or referred to in “Great Debates”. I tried a post to see if members… --- ## [Is this a serious agenda by US Neo-cons & Israel?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-serious-agenda-by-us-neo-cons-israel/372194)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2006, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-a-serious-agenda-by-us-neo-cons-israel/372194 "2006-09-18T16:49:45Z")
I was looking at the “What does Hezbollah really want (from Israel)?” thread, and in googling ran across this article "What Does Israel Want? - It isn’t just Lebanon…" which seems to lay out the case that the war in Ir… --- ## [Please Texan Dopers, hurry up and vote for Kinky Friedman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-texan-dopers-hurry-up-and-vote-for-kinky-friedman/372803)
**Author:** [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2006, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-texan-dopers-hurry-up-and-vote-for-kinky-friedman/372803 "2006-09-18T14:33:36Z")
The more I read about this man the more I like him. What’s the straight dope on this fella? What are his odds of winning? Now I know the governership in Texas is not that powerful a position but I still think he could… --- ## [Probability and Prayer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-and-prayer/373047)
**Author:** [@SparrowHawk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SparrowHawk)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2006, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/probability-and-prayer/373047 "2006-09-17T22:51:18Z")
This is sort of a factual question, because I would like actual math, but it involves a subject of faith, so I’m putting it here. If it belongs in another forum, I humbly ask that it be moved accordingly. I would like t… --- ## [Sperm Donors. Child Support Obligation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sperm-donors-child-support-obligation/372972)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 17, 2006, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sperm-donors-child-support-obligation/372972 "2006-09-17T11:29:16Z")
“The Child has a right to be supported by both parents” I read this over and over again on the SDMB so I believe this is the majority consensus. Do sperm donor fathers get a free ride ? They even get paid for their “d… --- ## [Israel's anti-Hezbollah TV spot.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israels-anti-hezbollah-tv-spot/372810)
**Author:** [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2006, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israels-anti-hezbollah-tv-spot/372810 "2006-09-16T22:30:36Z")
I came across this video clip of a commercial that Israel supposedly airs on Lebanese TV as a propaganda tool. Now I have no knowledge as to weather this is actually true or not. It’s kinda neat, the tune is catchy and t… --- ## [AIDS testing people charged w. rape](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-testing-people-charged-w-rape/372649)
**Author:** [@bbs2k](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bbs2k)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2006, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-testing-people-charged-w-rape/372649 "2006-09-16T21:36:03Z")
Basically you can guess at the question with the thread title. I did a search and I didn’t see if this question has ever arose. So what I’m asking, should a person who is only CHARGED/ACCUSED of rape be forced to submi… --- ## [Long term genetic effects of IVF](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-genetic-effects-of-ivf/372353)
**Author:** [@DiosaBellissima](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiosaBellissima)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2006, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/long-term-genetic-effects-of-ivf/372353 "2006-09-16T19:29:47Z")
I’m putting this thread in here because I believe that a lot of answers may very well be theoretical. If I thought there was a ton of evidence one way or the other, I would have put this in GQ. Then again, maybe I’m wron… --- ## [May Congress remove the Federal courts' jurisdiction for already-filed cases?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-congress-remove-the-federal-courts-jurisdiction-for-already-filed-cases/372796)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2006, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/may-congress-remove-the-federal-courts-jurisdiction-for-already-filed-cases/372796 "2006-09-16T18:57:01Z")
Art. III, Sec. 2, cl. 2 of the U.S. Constitution provides, "In all cases affecting ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, and those in which a state shall be party, the Supreme Court shall have original jurisd… --- ## [The bizarre case of Johnny Gosch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bizarre-case-of-johnny-gosch/371313)
**Author:** [@Wildfire\_MM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildfire_MM)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 16, 2006, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-bizarre-case-of-johnny-gosch/371313 "2006-09-16T02:49:41Z")
I find this hard to believe, but the photo tell it’s own story Some have said that high ranking politicans have been involved in the kidnapping and that the traces also goes to the White House What’s to think ? --- ## [Can food become an addiction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-food-become-an-addiction/372684)
**Author:** [@diggleblop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggleblop)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2006, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-food-become-an-addiction/372684 "2006-09-15T22:46:25Z")
I was debating this with my friend this morning. Her argument: Food can’t become and addiction because it’s necessary for survival. She said, “a car needs gas to run, it’s not addicted to the gas, so it’s not an addicit… --- ## [What's Crueler: Nature or People?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-crueler-nature-or-people/372724)
**Author:** [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 15, 2006, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-crueler-nature-or-people/372724 "2006-09-15T20:32:21Z")
I was watching one of those Discovery Channel shows, with fish eating each other up (even their baby fish) and thought, “gosh, I’m glad I’m not a fish or a wildebeast or one of those furry little things always being sque… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=764) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=766)