# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=786 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 787 --- ## [Who is the most powerful person in the world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-powerful-person-in-the-world/357348)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2006, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-most-powerful-person-in-the-world/357348 "2006-06-08T18:04:49Z")
Put in GD rather than GQ because there’s not likely to be a straightforward answer. Which individual on the planet Earth has the highest overall influence, clout, power: the ability to have things his\* way? Back in the … --- ## [Gay as a word for stupid](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-as-a-word-for-stupid/359724)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2006, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-as-a-word-for-stupid/359724 "2006-06-08T17:07:15Z")
An article in today’s Guardian tells how the BBC refused to censure a DJ for using gay in the sense it seems to have acquired of late among the young, that is, “stupid, rubbish, crap, useless.” \*What is interesting and… --- ## [Should We Insist on the "Correct" Terminology of Political Science?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-insist-on-the-correct-terminology-of-political-science/359867)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Clam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Clam)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2006, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-insist-on-the-correct-terminology-of-political-science/359867 "2006-06-08T15:41:26Z")
Inspired partly by this thread and partly by a fellow I spoke to the other day who insisted that anarchism was the same as extreme libertarianism, and further stated that “anarchists are not opposed to all authority”. I … --- ## [Should abortion law be based on morality, technology or something else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-abortion-law-be-based-on-morality-technology-or-something-else/358259)
**Author:** [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Replies:** 329\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2006, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-abortion-law-be-based-on-morality-technology-or-something-else/358259 "2006-06-08T13:53:13Z")
To prevent myself from hijacking Can abortion be responsible birth control? any further than I already have (sorry!), let me present a few threads which have spun off into an interesting (to me) side issue: \[QUOTE=Fivey… --- ## [Statute of limitations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statute-of-limitations/358660)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Girl)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2006, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/statute-of-limitations/358660 "2006-06-08T08:11:28Z")
This is part GD, part GQ. What is the rationale behind the existence of statute of limitations? Wouldn’t it make sense that if you commit a crime, whichever it might be, you could be punished any time in the future? Do… --- ## [Why is drinking such a valued asset?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-drinking-such-a-valued-asset/359454)
**Author:** [@MGorgon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MGorgon)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2006, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-drinking-such-a-valued-asset/359454 "2006-06-08T04:55:08Z")
I’m only 17, so I might not have a full grasp of life’s experiences. But why is it that it’s considered a valuable asset to enjoy consuming alcohol? My friends go to parties and get smashed, get no meaningful sleep bec… --- ## [Senate debates, Bush backs, anti-SSM amendment. Implications?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senate-debates-bush-backs-anti-ssm-amendment-implications/359639)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2006, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/senate-debates-bush-backs-anti-ssm-amendment-implications/359639 "2006-06-08T03:52:23Z")
Bush has, to no one’s great surprise, announced his support for the anti-gay-marriage amendment now being debated in the Senate. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-0606060114jun06,1,7688365.story?coll=ch… --- ## [Has Cheney done anything for which he might be impeached?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-cheney-done-anything-for-which-he-might-be-impeached/359788)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2006, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-cheney-done-anything-for-which-he-might-be-impeached/359788 "2006-06-07T23:56:14Z")
Follow-up to “How come you Americans haven’t impeached Bush?” If we do that, we have Cheney as prez (like that’s any kinda change) – unless Cheney is impeached simultaneously or previously. So – can you think of any im… --- ## [Is porn getting "Nastier"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-porn-getting-nastier/359582)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2006, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-porn-getting-nastier/359582 "2006-06-07T23:19:46Z")
Inspired by this thread on the potential effects of kids viewing internet porn, it made me start thinking about my own experiences with porn, and more specifically internet porn. When I was about 14 or 15, the internet … --- ## [Election fraud in the US: what can we do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/election-fraud-in-the-us-what-can-we-do/359143)
**Author:** [@RenMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RenMan)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2006, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/election-fraud-in-the-us-what-can-we-do/359143 "2006-06-07T21:56:07Z")
I’m not sure this qualifies as an actual debate, perhaps more of a brainstorm by concerned people, but I posted it here because I wanted to attract the comments of people who are in a “Great Debates” mindset. Reading th… --- ## [Kennedy's Handling of Cuban Missle Crisis. Cowards Way Out or Heroic Effort?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kennedys-handling-of-cuban-missle-crisis-cowards-way-out-or-heroic-effort/359147)
**Author:** [@speakingmythoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/speakingmythoughts)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2006, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kennedys-handling-of-cuban-missle-crisis-cowards-way-out-or-heroic-effort/359147 "2006-06-07T20:03:10Z")
Cuban missles becoming operational. Invade or Blockade? Appease?, Compromise?, Expand the Conflict? All the stuff that makes a movie good. Well… your opinions please. Was Kennedy’s handling of the Cuban Missle Crisi… --- ## [The Inverse of the (weak) Anthropic Principle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-inverse-of-the-weak-anthropic-principle/359771)
**Author:** [@John\_DiFool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_DiFool)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2006, 6:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-inverse-of-the-weak-anthropic-principle/359771 "2006-06-07T18:47:44Z")
Naturally I mean the WAP, which states that we observe a huge number of unbroken causal chains which must allow the observer him/herself/itself to exist. This includes some of the more basic building blocks of our bio… --- ## [Evolution Continues: "Human v. 2.0" and Beyond](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-continues-human-v-2-0-and-beyond/157963)
**Author:** [@dalovindj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalovindj)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2006, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-continues-human-v-2-0-and-beyond/157963 "2006-06-07T18:43:39Z")
We have raised our telescopes and marveled at what we have found. We have built microscopes and learned even more. Based on research, it appears things have been evolving for billions of years. If one accepts what the… --- ## [How can sex between consenting adults be a felony in Texas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-sex-between-consenting-adults-be-a-felony-in-texas/359209)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2006, 5:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-sex-between-consenting-adults-be-a-felony-in-texas/359209 "2006-06-07T17:37:34Z")
Per this story a 20 something HS teacher had sex with an 18 year old HS student. It may be unethical and/or a firing offense, but how can this be\* criminally \* illegal if both are consenting adults? Aren’t you essential… --- ## [Why do Americans know so little about Latin America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-know-so-little-about-latin-america/359642)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2006, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-know-so-little-about-latin-america/359642 "2006-06-07T12:44:47Z")
Historian Walter Russell Mead, surveying what U.S. state educational systems teach their students about Latin America, has given 33 of them a D or F. Only 12 got an A or B. http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/sta… --- ## [Recommend a book on Q (New Testament source)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-book-on-q-new-testament-source/359710)
**Author:** [@Jebus\_H.Christ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jebus_H.Christ)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [June 7, 2006, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-a-book-on-q-new-testament-source/359710 "2006-06-07T04:53:40Z")
I have been reading up on Christianity and the Bible. I want ot learn more about the possible source of Luke and Matthew know as Q. I wanted to read one of John S. Kloppenborg’s books specifically Formation of Q. However… --- ## [Are immigrants, legal or illegal, any more prone to crime than native-born citizens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-immigrants-legal-or-illegal-any-more-prone-to-crime-than-native-born-citizens/358227)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2006, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-immigrants-legal-or-illegal-any-more-prone-to-crime-than-native-born-citizens/358227 "2006-06-06T18:44:45Z")
Whenever we debate immigration policy someone asserts that deporting all illegals would reduce the crime rate in the U.S. But nobody ever offers a cite. Is there any proof that immigrants, legal or illegal, are any mor… --- ## [Jesus - Not the Son of Man?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-not-the-son-of-man/359180)
**Author:** [@Jebus\_H.Christ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jebus_H.Christ)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2006, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-not-the-son-of-man/359180 "2006-06-06T14:47:29Z")
I have been reading “Jesus : Apocalyptic Prophet of the New Millennium” by Bart D. Ehrman where he makes the claim that when going back to the oldest sources proto-sources (not his term) of the New Testament Gospels (Q, … --- ## [Jack Miles - God, A Biography](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-miles-god-a-biography/359187)
**Author:** [@Jebus\_H.Christ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jebus_H.Christ)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2006, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jack-miles-god-a-biography/359187 "2006-06-06T13:53:56Z")
Has anyone read this book? Is it any good? What is Jack Miles’ reputation as a scholar? I wasn’t sure if this should be in here or IMHO because it is about religion and reputation. --- ## [Business Model : aren't we passed the "kiss the customer's ass" era?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-model-arent-we-passed-the-kiss-the-customers-ass-era/359045)
**Author:** [@BwanaBob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BwanaBob)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2006, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/business-model-arent-we-passed-the-kiss-the-customers-ass-era/359045 "2006-06-06T05:36:39Z")
I’ll start this by saying I worked for a billion dollar company for 8 years. They are still quite successful. One thing I admired most about them was the way they conducted their business relationships. In a nutshell,… --- ## [What does God want with a Starship, or God's interest in man](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-god-want-with-a-starship-or-gods-interest-in-man/358333)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2006, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-god-want-with-a-starship-or-gods-interest-in-man/358333 "2006-06-06T05:10:35Z")
It’s always seemed to me that Kirk’s question hints at a more interesting and meaningful question, which is, “what does God want with worship?” What could an omnipotent being gain from a worshiped/worshiper relationship… --- ## [Time For The Fence Along The Border](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-the-fence-along-the-border/357640)
**Author:** [@randyjet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/randyjet)\ **Replies:** 434\ **Last updated:** [June 6, 2006, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-for-the-fence-along-the-border/357640 "2006-06-06T01:09:30Z")
It has become obvious to all concerned that we basically have an open border on our south with Mexico. Any person has the ability to simply walk across with little or no impediment, and the chances of being caught violat… --- ## ["Where did Porter Goss go right?" Or, why isn't Bush Cheerleading for this guy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-porter-goss-go-right-or-why-isnt-bush-cheerleading-for-this-guy/357249)
**Author:** [@Bosda\_Di\_Chi\_of\_Tricor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosda_Di_Chi_of_Tricor)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2006, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-did-porter-goss-go-right-or-why-isnt-bush-cheerleading-for-this-guy/357249 "2006-06-05T23:39:04Z")
In the Bush White House, after someone is caught in a major failure/crime/disgrace, an announcement of complete support is followed by months of stonewalling, followed by a Fox network tribute, and ending by blaming ever… --- ## [Soldiers and ex-soldiers, where did you find your faith?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soldiers-and-ex-soldiers-where-did-you-find-your-faith/358684)
**Author:** [@XaMcQ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XaMcQ)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2006, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soldiers-and-ex-soldiers-where-did-you-find-your-faith/358684 "2006-06-05T22:06:49Z")
First off on this Memorial Day, let me thank you for your service, your courage and all your efforts. I know there are exceptions, but I do believe most of you have honestly set out to defend our country, and that you’v… --- ## [Patrick Henry College: Affect politically in 20-30 years.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-henry-college-affect-politically-in-20-30-years/359522)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2006, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-henry-college-affect-politically-in-20-30-years/359522 "2006-06-05T19:54:19Z")
I’ve recently found out their is a Christian fundamentalist college that teaches students affiliated with that sort of message to be trained in the political arena, whilst there is a media storm about the place, what eff… --- ## [The Supreme Court Blows It!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-supreme-court-blows-it/358920)
**Author:** [@Agnostic\_Pagan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agnostic_Pagan)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2006, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-supreme-court-blows-it/358920 "2006-06-05T18:24:13Z")
The Supreme Court ruled that whistle-blowers do not have any constitutional protection under the First Amendment. WTF?!?!?! Garcetti v. Ceballos PDF From the article in today’s Post-Dispatch Double WTF?!?!?! Let me… --- ## ["Saving for the cause of fornication" The Teachings of Jesus and Divorce](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saving-for-the-cause-of-fornication-the-teachings-of-jesus-and-divorce/359479)
**Author:** [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2006, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saving-for-the-cause-of-fornication-the-teachings-of-jesus-and-divorce/359479 "2006-06-05T16:56:18Z")
There’s an ongoing thread right now which mentiones Jim Bakker. After the scandal, he and his wife, Tammy Faye, divorced, and both are now remarried. It occured to me that there are seemingly scriptual prohibitions in … --- ## [If homosexuality is so sinful, why isn't its prohibition one of the 10 Commandments?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-homosexuality-is-so-sinful-why-isnt-its-prohibition-one-of-the-10-commandments/358376)
**Author:** [@HeelB4Zod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeelB4Zod)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [June 5, 2006, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-homosexuality-is-so-sinful-why-isnt-its-prohibition-one-of-the-10-commandments/358376 "2006-06-05T03:50:26Z")
I’ve never read the Bible, and I’m woefully ignorant on pretty much all Bible/religion-related subjects. But I do seem to recall that in the Bible, homosexuality might have been considered a greater sin than your average… --- ## [How Starting Points Effect Outcomes in Science, Politics and Religion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-starting-points-effect-outcomes-in-science-politics-and-religion/359378)
**Author:** [@speakingmythoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/speakingmythoughts)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2006, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-starting-points-effect-outcomes-in-science-politics-and-religion/359378 "2006-06-04T23:51:25Z")
I am under the impression that starting points effect outcomes in most if not all areas of discipline study. For example, in the realm of politics. On a reading of the constitution I’ve come to the conclusion that the b… --- ## [The Utter Depravity of Humans when Faced with Authority](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-utter-depravity-of-humans-when-faced-with-authority/359131)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [June 4, 2006, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-utter-depravity-of-humans-when-faced-with-authority/359131 "2006-06-04T23:40:03Z")
I fear I lack the eloquence necessary to make my intense outrage, fear, and disgust at the ease with which human beings will become depraved when merely asked to do so by authority figures clear to you. I’ve rarely been… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=785) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=787)