# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=772 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 773 --- ## [If the Palestinian problem were solved, would Arabs stop hating Israel (and America)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-palestinian-problem-were-solved-would-arabs-stop-hating-israel-and-america/264894)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2006, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-palestinian-problem-were-solved-would-arabs-stop-hating-israel-and-america/264894 "2006-08-17T16:20:39Z")
It all keeps coming back to Israel, and the Palestinians. The Arab world – and, to some extent, the whole Islamic world – hates Israel because the Israelis are oppressing the Muslim Arab Palestinians. And they hate the… --- ## [Why Don't Islamic Terrorists use "Mules"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-islamic-terrorists-use-mules/368962)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2006, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-islamic-terrorists-use-mules/368962 "2006-08-17T13:18:26Z")
Instead of using fanactics who want to die? Using a mule (a person who thinks he’s doing something else0 would solve a lot of problems. Yet, Al-Quedah seems to prefer the young and disaffected to carry out its work. It … --- ## [Other than Hillary and Condoleezza who could be Madam President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-than-hillary-and-condoleezza-who-could-be-madam-president/368127)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2006, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/other-than-hillary-and-condoleezza-who-could-be-madam-president/368127 "2006-08-17T13:05:07Z")
Other than Hillary Clinton and Condoleezza Rice are there any female politicians that could run in 2008 and have a shot at her party’s nomination? --- ## [Dislike for Bush vs Clinton](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dislike-for-bush-vs-clinton/368150)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2006, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dislike-for-bush-vs-clinton/368150 "2006-08-17T08:50:30Z")
Initial disclaimer - I am a longtime Democrat, and consider myself at the far liberal end of most social issues. Also, I very much dislike our current president. I’m not sure I would really care too much for him person… --- ## [Why did Jesus appear when He did?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-jesus-appear-when-he-did/367806)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2006, 6:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-jesus-appear-when-he-did/367806 "2006-08-17T06:08:01Z")
Standard Christian theology - the short version: God created the universe, including mankind. God gave mankind one simple rule and they broke it. God placed all of mankind under a state of original sin. God decides tha… --- ## [Can Scientology ever become a mainstream religion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-scientology-ever-become-a-mainstream-religion/366425)
**Author:** [@davenportavenger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davenportavenger)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2006, 2:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-scientology-ever-become-a-mainstream-religion/366425 "2006-08-17T02:02:46Z")
What chance does Scientology have of rising above its current status as a ludicrous, money-grubbing cult and becoming an important mainstream religion? Yes, the Xenu story is hilarious in its silliness. But as an agnost… --- ## [The Big Hack : Is it flawed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-hack-is-it-flawed/368920)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2006, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-hack-is-it-flawed/368920 "2006-08-16T23:46:29Z")
So, these guys claim they’ve created the first “Brightnet”. A network where filesharers will be able to download copyrighted materials with impunity and without hiding! They give all the details here. And while the afo… --- ## [Why attempt to achieve perfect air safety?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-attempt-to-achieve-perfect-air-safety/368668)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2006, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-attempt-to-achieve-perfect-air-safety/368668 "2006-08-16T21:58:00Z")
Why do governments spend so much effort and money trying to eliminate all threats to air travel safety? As I understand it, even including 9/11, air travel is far safer than automobile travel by just about any possible … --- ## [Huh. Buying 600 phones...?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huh-buying-600-phones/368180)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2006, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/huh-buying-600-phones/368180 "2006-08-16T19:31:30Z")
http://www.cnn.com/2006/LAW/08/10/terrorcharges.ohio.ap/index.html Of course they’re entitled to the legal presumption of innocence. But what possible reason would anyone have to buy 600 phones, if not to equip a netwo… --- ## [In modern war is the distinction between civilians & military a false dichotomy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-modern-war-is-the-distinction-between-civilians-military-a-false-dichotomy/368968)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2006, 6:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-modern-war-is-the-distinction-between-civilians-military-a-false-dichotomy/368968 "2006-08-16T18:21:25Z")
In reading the Israel - Media bias thread in GD it did give me pause to consider if the distinctions made between combatants (miltary), and non-combatants (civilian population) is largely one of convenience. In the end … --- ## [Understanding Stuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-stuff/368469)
**Author:** [@coberst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coberst)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2006, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/understanding-stuff/368469 "2006-08-16T07:14:00Z")
Understanding stuff I imagine comprehension to be a hierarchy, resembling a pyramid, with awareness at the base followed by consciousness, succeeded by knowing, with understanding at the pinnacle. I am a retired engine… --- ## [White-supremacist radicals in the U.S. armed forces?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-supremacist-radicals-in-the-u-s-armed-forces/368527)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2006, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/white-supremacist-radicals-in-the-u-s-armed-forces/368527 "2006-08-16T06:34:01Z")
Recent expose by the SPLC’s Intelligence Project. Is this something to be worried about? Or are these shitstains too few in numbers to make a practical difference? --- ## [Gays admit they recruit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gays-admit-they-recruit/368248)
**Author:** [@sqweels](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sqweels)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2006, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gays-admit-they-recruit/368248 "2006-08-16T05:48:47Z")
I just started a blog based around a series of essays dealing in-depth with a wide range of issues, “from evolution to abortion to armageddon”. Anyway, I e-mailed a number of mid-level pundits to see what kind of rise … --- ## [Mallard Fillmore tax question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mallard-fillmore-tax-question/368521)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2006, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mallard-fillmore-tax-question/368521 "2006-08-16T02:01:25Z")
Today’s Mallard Fillmore strip claims that 65% of tax money collected is used up operating the tax system. Knowing the strip I have no doubts this is a ridiculous untruth. But I’m curious what the small nugget of truth m… --- ## [A moderate arab's point of view on the lebanese conflict](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-moderate-arabs-point-of-view-on-the-lebanese-conflict/367289)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 241\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2006, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-moderate-arabs-point-of-view-on-the-lebanese-conflict/367289 "2006-08-15T20:02:36Z")
In one of the threads in GD, someone asks what the deal is with the rocket attacks against israeli towns. I’d say blind rockets attacks are about as effective compared to the israeli offensive as a bunch of people throwi… --- ## [Move over, Godwin: Drum's Law, or the Nutpicking Principle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/move-over-godwin-drums-law-or-the-nutpicking-principle/368473)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2006, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/move-over-godwin-drums-law-or-the-nutpicking-principle/368473 "2006-08-15T20:02:28Z")
This post isn’t a debate, but it’s about debate. So this seems like the forum. There’s been a tendency of late for conservatives from the Democratic right (i.e. Lieberman and his allies) to the far right to dig up rand… --- ## [Roosevelt and Churchill: US's real intentions wrt WWII](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roosevelt-and-churchill-uss-real-intentions-wrt-wwii/368244)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2006, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roosevelt-and-churchill-uss-real-intentions-wrt-wwii/368244 "2006-08-15T15:49:00Z")
I’m watching a show on the History Channel entitled Warlords about Roosevelt and Churchill from 1940-1942. Its pretty interesting stuff and I wanted to ask a few questions for debate to see how accurate folks around her… --- ## [Wage/skills comparison with & w/o tips](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wage-skills-comparison-with-w-o-tips/368455)
**Author:** [@Slithy\_Tove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slithy_Tove)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2006, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wage-skills-comparison-with-w-o-tips/368455 "2006-08-15T15:12:29Z")
Where i work, the forklift drivers make about 15 buck an hour. They can start with no training, but they’d better aquire them fast. Besides the handling of the lift truck with all its attendant hazzards, they also have t… --- ## [Why did Jesus DISappear when He did?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-jesus-disappear-when-he-did/368601)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2006, 8:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-jesus-disappear-when-he-did/368601 "2006-08-15T08:15:52Z")
Seriously. Hang around a few more years, do enough miracles that NO ONE could doubt You, maybe even pop off that old crucifix, dancing in thin air, and really give them nasty Romans a start, and do a world tour (two week… --- ## [Apocalyptic Peak Oilers: "the liberal equivalent of Left Behind"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apocalyptic-peak-oilers-the-liberal-equivalent-of-left-behind/366812)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2006, 4:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apocalyptic-peak-oilers-the-liberal-equivalent-of-left-behind/366812 "2006-08-15T04:00:33Z")
A new article in Harper’s Magazine caught my attention, one in which the writer visits his first convention for the “apocalyptic” wing of believers in Peak Oil - those who think that global ruin is inevitable and imminen… --- ## ["They just protect business!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-just-protect-business/368651)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2006, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/they-just-protect-business/368651 "2006-08-15T03:30:06Z")
You see this bandied about a lot without anyone ever really trying to explain it. “All politicians are just serving big business’ interests. They don’t care about the people!” How, I ask, does it come to be that voting … --- ## [Question About Bayesian Analysis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-bayesian-analysis/368452)
**Author:** [@psychloan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychloan)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2006, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-about-bayesian-analysis/368452 "2006-08-14T22:32:26Z")
This was actually inspired by a question that came up in a ‘pit’ thread. I’ve changed the question that came up so as to make it less inflamatory. I believe my analysis is correct, but I would like somebody who is comf… --- ## [The Best U.S. President would be an Agnostic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-u-s-president-would-be-an-agnostic/368105)
**Author:** [@O2BDumb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/O2BDumb)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2006, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-best-u-s-president-would-be-an-agnostic/368105 "2006-08-14T20:15:10Z")
…In other words, someone who is religiously neutral. Does not either believe or dis-believe that there is a God…only that he/she does not have enough information to confirm or deny. I’ve come to this conclusion based on… --- ## [Pubs invoking "Speaker Pelosi" to scare voters -- will it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pubs-invoking-speaker-pelosi-to-scare-voters-will-it/368541)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2006, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pubs-invoking-speaker-pelosi-to-scare-voters-will-it/368541 "2006-08-14T18:36:48Z")
Congressional Pubs have started a media campaign to scare voters about the prospect of “Speaker Pelosi” if the Dems should regain control of the House this fall. Will this work? Will it sway any undecided voters Pubwar… --- ## [Hearing children of deaf parents](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hearing-children-of-deaf-parents/368448)
**Author:** [@ivylass](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ivylass)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2006, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hearing-children-of-deaf-parents/368448 "2006-08-14T16:39:35Z")
I thought I’d start this here, but it may be downgraded to IMHO. Still, I ran into something interesting and I thought I’d get your feedback on it. My folks are workamping at a park in Natural Bridge, Virginia. We jus… --- ## [Is commerce possible without advertising?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-commerce-possible-without-advertising/184150)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2006, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-commerce-possible-without-advertising/184150 "2006-08-14T16:22:26Z")
I like most things about our modern commercial-industrial society, but I hate living in our ad-saturated environment. There was a time in America – wasn’t there? – when you could get through a typical day without anybod… --- ## [Castro in surgery, turns over government to brother Raul](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/castro-in-surgery-turns-over-government-to-brother-raul/366826)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2006, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/castro-in-surgery-turns-over-government-to-brother-raul/366826 "2006-08-14T13:32:19Z")
Doesn’t seem to be anything serious, just a little “gastrointestinal bleeding.” But this story was inevitably going to spawn a new “After Castro?” thread, so why waste time? Place your bets! --- ## [the future of air travel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-of-air-travel/368202)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2006, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-of-air-travel/368202 "2006-08-14T12:15:04Z")
In the long-term what will air travel in the future be like? Over the last 30/40 years airplanes have gone from luxury travel to flying buses. Security has gotten much stricter and the level of service on planes seem… --- ## [Blogosphere: A need for counterpoint](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blogosphere-a-need-for-counterpoint/368644)
**Author:** [@coberst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coberst)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2006, 10:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blogosphere-a-need-for-counterpoint/368644 "2006-08-14T10:10:34Z")
Blogosphere: A need for counterpoint The counterpoint to emotional, narrow, partisan, and temporally momentary exhortations is: rational, fundamental, universal, and designed temporally to be intellectual considerations… --- ## [Israel orders jews and christians to fight through the internet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-orders-jews-and-christians-to-fight-through-the-internet/368591)
**Author:** [@Wildfire\_MM](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wildfire_MM)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2006, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-orders-jews-and-christians-to-fight-through-the-internet/368591 "2006-08-14T05:47:59Z")
Israel backed by army of cyber-soldiers will this help Israel’s case ? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=771) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=773)