# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=770 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 771 --- ## [What if the U.S. had avoided the first Gulf War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-u-s-had-avoided-the-first-gulf-war/369939)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2006, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-u-s-had-avoided-the-first-gulf-war/369939 "2006-08-28T14:51:42Z")
When Indonesia occupied East Timor in 1975, the U.S. and the international community generally accepted it, as a fait accompli and nobody’s business. What if we had had a similar reaction to Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait in… --- ## [Middle East Breakthough ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-east-breakthough/370448)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2006, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/middle-east-breakthough/370448 "2006-08-28T14:49:03Z")
I was just flabbergasted by the news today. Read it on Aljazeera Holy Shit! I see a big window of opportunity for the security of the northern boundary for Israel. Either Nazrallah is deadly serious, and he usually i… --- ## [As a belief why is Scientology any less plausible than other supernatural beliefs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-a-belief-why-is-scientology-any-less-plausible-than-other-supernatural-beliefs/370034)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2006, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/as-a-belief-why-is-scientology-any-less-plausible-than-other-supernatural-beliefs/370034 "2006-08-28T04:31:13Z")
I know only a smattering about Scientology, but on it’s face just focusing on the ontological elements it seems to incorporates beliefs that are highly supernatural, or otherwise unverifiable, that need to be taken stri… --- ## [Let's Get Outside The Box In Iraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-get-outside-the-box-in-iraq/370278)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2006, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-get-outside-the-box-in-iraq/370278 "2006-08-28T00:44:20Z")
All but the most hardened Bushiviks have pretty much admitted that Bush has screwed the pooch in Iraq. The standard way of conducing a military occupation has been a colossal failure, with the country fast headed for civ… --- ## [Is libertarianism dead?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-libertarianism-dead/369820)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2006, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-libertarianism-dead/369820 "2006-08-27T18:31:57Z")
In a recent article in the Financial Times, Michael Lind argues libertarianism (small “l” is appropriate here as the Libertarian Party has had practically nothing to do with the story of successful libertarian politics t… --- ## [So, is Lieberman really gonna do it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-lieberman-really-gonna-do-it/368111)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2006, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-is-lieberman-really-gonna-do-it/368111 "2006-08-27T18:26:27Z")
Form his own ad-hoc party and keep running as an indie right up to e-day? Whatever the consequences? Even if he ends up a pariah in the Dem Party? His website certainly seems to indicate that intention . . . --- ## [What is the end game of Islam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-end-game-of-islam/370312)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2006, 5:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-end-game-of-islam/370312 "2006-08-27T05:40:51Z")
What is their end of the world prophecy according to the Koran? What is the roll of the faithful torwards this end game? I have been lead to believe that it is world conquest by the faithful, which really leaves no roo… --- ## [Pluto No LONGER a Planet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pluto-no-longer-a-planet/370316)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2006, 5:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pluto-no-longer-a-planet/370316 "2006-08-27T05:34:48Z")
What do astrologers have to say about this? Is my horoscope about to be revised? And, adding planets…will this affect my destiny as well? Or are all the existant horoscopes in error? :confused: --- ## [Brain transplant: legal and medical ramifications?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brain-transplant-legal-and-medical-ramifications/369936)
**Author:** [@Fish](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fish)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2006, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brain-transplant-legal-and-medical-ramifications/369936 "2006-08-27T02:54:46Z")
Robert Heinlein wrote a book called “I Will Fear No Evil” in which a rich old codger named Johann Sebastian Bach Smith cheats death by arranging to be the first successful human brain transplant. As he failed to specify… --- ## [Which regime is more repressive: Iran or Saudi Arabia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-regime-is-more-repressive-iran-or-saudi-arabia/370318)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2006, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-regime-is-more-repressive-iran-or-saudi-arabia/370318 "2006-08-27T02:37:15Z")
From this recent The Nation article by Katha Politt on the Bush Admin’s misapplication of the term “Islamo-Fascism” to al-Qaeda, etc.: Is SA a significantly more repressive state than Iran? It’s certainly plausible, b… --- ## [I Think I Finally Understand Iraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-finally-understand-iraq/370138)
**Author:** [@Rufus\_Xavier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rufus_Xavier)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2006, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-think-i-finally-understand-iraq/370138 "2006-08-26T19:09:11Z")
Or, at least, the logic train that has put us in our present position. Bush’s press conference on Monday triggered my mini-epiphany, though I’ve been read the pro-war arguments on this board over the years, and I know th… --- ## [The most deceitful and fraudulent exercise ever perpetrated upon this court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-deceitful-and-fraudulent-exercise-ever-perpetrated-upon-this-court/370305)
**Author:** [@2sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2sense)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2006, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-deceitful-and-fraudulent-exercise-ever-perpetrated-upon-this-court/370305 "2006-08-26T17:26:15Z")
I’ve been looking into the signature drive to put Ralph Nader on the ballot as a presidential candidate in Pennsylvania in 2004. The State Supreme Court recently upheld a decision to force the Nader campaign to pay over … --- ## [For legal/constitutional purposes, is the United States "at war" or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-legal-constitutional-purposes-is-the-united-states-at-war-or-not/369338)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2006, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-legal-constitutional-purposes-is-the-united-states-at-war-or-not/369338 "2006-08-26T15:29:49Z")
Inspired by this thread but the question comes up in many and has never been a thread topic on its own, AFAIK. The Bush Admin claims (and many support that claim) it has much broader powers in the military and security … --- ## [Vietnam - an issue in presidential politics for the forseeable future?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vietnam-an-issue-in-presidential-politics-for-the-forseeable-future/370189)
**Author:** [@Can\_Handle\_the\_Truth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Can_Handle_the_Truth)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2006, 1:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vietnam-an-issue-in-presidential-politics-for-the-forseeable-future/370189 "2006-08-26T13:34:31Z")
For 47 years after WWII we had presidents who were involved in the war in some way. Is it going to be the same with Vietnam? Are we going to have issues about who served and who didn’t, or who served “honorably” and who … --- ## [Iran rejects incentives...sort of.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-rejects-incentives-sort-of/369755)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2006, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-rejects-incentives-sort-of/369755 "2006-08-26T13:28:48Z")
Still early in the game at this point, but thought I’d start a threat and see what people’s thoughts are. Here is an article discussing the situation as it stands: So, what now? Obviously more talking in the SC…bu… --- ## [Baby Boomer retirement - How big of a disaster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-boomer-retirement-how-big-of-a-disaster/369521)
**Author:** [@Lamar\_Mundane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lamar_Mundane)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2006, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-boomer-retirement-how-big-of-a-disaster/369521 "2006-08-26T02:06:14Z")
The oldest of the Baby Boom generation are getting close to retirement, and some serious issues are needing to be addressed. Current retirees generally have some sort of company provided pension, social security, and pe… --- ## [sexual dalliances](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-dalliances/368988)
**Author:** [@gonzomax](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gonzomax)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2006, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexual-dalliances/368988 "2006-08-26T01:14:31Z")
Should we expect polititians to delve into sexual dalliances. There are many examples but is it a result of a driven conquering personality that is necessary for politics. Perhaps ego. But it seems ingrained ,should it … --- ## [What went wrong with Katherine Harris?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-went-wrong-with-katherine-harris/369690)
**Author:** [@miss\_elizabeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/miss_elizabeth)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2006, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-went-wrong-with-katherine-harris/369690 "2006-08-26T01:09:46Z")
I am putting this in GD because I don’t think it really has a straight answer, but if this is wrong then I hope a mod will move it. Link Lately, the funny/sad thing I’ve been thinking on is poor Katherine Harris in Flo… --- ## [12 Planets and Counting: Meet the New Solar System](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-planets-and-counting-meet-the-new-solar-system/369020)
**Author:** [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2006, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-planets-and-counting-meet-the-new-solar-system/369020 "2006-08-25T23:52:40Z")
Well, not new, really, but newly defined perhaps. The leaked decision is causing a bit of a stir in the astronomical community, which might lead to further changes, but for now it looks like a “planet” is something mass… --- ## [Is the bible worth reading?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-bible-worth-reading/369809)
**Author:** [@yelimS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yelimS)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2006, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-bible-worth-reading/369809 "2006-08-25T19:50:30Z")
Atheists are welcome to debate why we should read a book we don’t believe in, christians to persuade us why we should pick it, when there’s no doubt so many books claiming to hold The One And Only Truth, most of us will … --- ## [NSA Eavesdropping Program Ruled Unconstitutional](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-eavesdropping-program-ruled-unconstitutional/369120)
**Author:** [@CandidGamera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandidGamera)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2006, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-eavesdropping-program-ruled-unconstitutional/369120 "2006-08-25T15:48:11Z")
http://www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/08/17/domesticspying.lawsuit.ap/index.html Now what’re the chances this will stick? --- ## [Are we past the era of dramatically powerful world leaders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-past-the-era-of-dramatically-powerful-world-leaders/369921)
**Author:** [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2006, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-past-the-era-of-dramatically-powerful-world-leaders/369921 "2006-08-25T15:39:56Z")
I am talking about the kinda folks you choose as a leader when playing Civilization. The idea of another Napoleon, Julius Ceaser, Hitler, Mao, etc. arising seems bizarre in this world. Sure there could be important, po… --- ## [Who's in Charge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-in-charge/369603)
**Author:** [@Mambo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mambo)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2006, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-in-charge/369603 "2006-08-25T12:06:33Z")
This is a question that I can see spiralling out of control. If George W Bush is proven to have comitted crimes, deception, etc. to win the presidency in 2000 and 2004, that would mean that he is the de facto \* presiden… --- ## [Would it be okay to use information that was aquired in a non-moral ways?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-okay-to-use-information-that-was-aquired-in-a-non-moral-ways/369571)
**Author:** [@Frustrated\_Wonderer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frustrated_Wonderer)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2006, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-okay-to-use-information-that-was-aquired-in-a-non-moral-ways/369571 "2006-08-25T10:10:54Z")
A specific example of what im reffering to is Joseph Mengele, the infamous nazi “scientist” that would experiment on countless holocaust victims and had a special fixation for twins. Mengele was reported to have conduct… --- ## [Proper Greek pluralization, should it trump over 100 years of common English usage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-greek-pluralization-should-it-trump-over-100-years-of-common-english-usage/368752)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2006, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proper-greek-pluralization-should-it-trump-over-100-years-of-common-english-usage/368752 "2006-08-25T04:28:20Z")
The question is mainly concerning pluralization Octopus. Case Sensitive and others familiar with Greek know that Octopi is wrong and insist it should not be used. I have provided the hard copy cite: Case Sensitive co… --- ## [Does the Bible maintain order among masses?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-bible-maintain-order-among-masses/369528)
**Author:** [@diggleblop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/diggleblop)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2006, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-bible-maintain-order-among-masses/369528 "2006-08-24T17:59:53Z")
In your opinion, do the Bible and other religious writings maintain order among masses of people? Because I was thinking, if we took away the Bible and it were to have never existed, what would the world be like? Do yo… --- ## [Ask another muslim guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-another-muslim-guy/369010)
**Author:** [@NSmasta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NSmasta)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2006, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ask-another-muslim-guy/369010 "2006-08-24T15:56:08Z")
hey people, may peace be upon all of you My name in Anas. I’m muslim. i’m new here, but please fell free to ask any questions about islam , and whatever is happening around the world that has a relation with islam, and … --- ## [Should acts of congress be limited to a singe subject?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-acts-of-congress-be-limited-to-a-singe-subject/368571)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2006, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-acts-of-congress-be-limited-to-a-singe-subject/368571 "2006-08-24T15:56:02Z")
I propose the following constitutional amendment; “\* Every act, or resolution of Congress having the force of law, shall relate to but one subject, and that shall be expressed in the title.\*” Good idea/bad idea? Many … --- ## [Could I have any success claiming to be African-American?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-i-have-any-success-claiming-to-be-african-american/369345)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2006, 2:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-i-have-any-success-claiming-to-be-african-american/369345 "2006-08-24T14:09:09Z")
It seems, based on this thread that, as an American with much Hebraic blood flowing in my veins, I could argue that my ancestors, according to our most holy texts, were inhabitants of Africa at some point in the distant … --- ## [Bush Admin wants to narrow the scope of the War Crimes Act](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-admin-wants-to-narrow-the-scope-of-the-war-crimes-act/368979)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 165\ **Last updated:** [August 24, 2006, 12:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-admin-wants-to-narrow-the-scope-of-the-war-crimes-act/368979 "2006-08-24T00:15:02Z")
The War Crimes Act of 1996 makes it a crime for anyone, military or civilian, to violate the Geneva Conventions. The Bush Admin is proposing amendments: Anyone care to make a case in support? Here’s an interview with… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=769) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=771)