# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=789 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 790 --- ## [Reporting election results by eligible voters, rather than actual voters](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reporting-election-results-by-eligible-voters-rather-than-actual-voters/356327)
**Author:** [@TJdude825](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TJdude825)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2006, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reporting-election-results-by-eligible-voters-rather-than-actual-voters/356327 "2006-05-27T14:59:53Z")
I’ve been meaning to start this thread for a while now. This idea was sparked by a segment on The Daily Show maybe a week or two ago. Jon mentioned that Bush’s approval rating was something like 34%, and the other guy sa… --- ## ["Liberals" in Texas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-in-texas/356705)
**Author:** [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2006, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-in-texas/356705 "2006-05-27T13:50:25Z")
I guy I worked with who was from Austin (a seething pustule of liberalism) told me that there’s a strong and growing anti-gun movement in the larger cities in Texas. Can this be true? Last I was in Dallas, several year… --- ## [What's with the Congressional outrage...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-congressional-outrage/358302)
**Author:** [@BarnOwl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BarnOwl)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2006, 1:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-congressional-outrage/358302 "2006-05-27T13:08:32Z")
…over the raid of Representative Jefferson’s office? Hastert whined so loud and so long over the separation of powers in this matter, that Bush, who doesn’t seem the least hesitant about rights violations, backed down a… --- ## [My take on consciousness (rather long)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-take-on-consciousness-rather-long/354110)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2006, 9:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-take-on-consciousness-rather-long/354110 "2006-05-27T09:58:40Z")
I know there have been many threads on this subject, but I wanted to start one to specifically present my beliefs on the matter (as, admittedly, a person with only very minimal philosophical training) and to ask three sp… --- ## [Being rude when under threat.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-rude-when-under-threat/358198)
**Author:** [@Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bippy_the_Beardless)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2006, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-rude-when-under-threat/358198 "2006-05-27T03:31:13Z")
Linked to the other current thread on racist language and violence. When threatened, ever physically or emotionally, it is common for people to respond with rudeness, even if the threat has just recently abated. For ins… --- ## [Do you still support Harper?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-still-support-harper/358127)
**Author:** [@Queuing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queuing)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2006, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-still-support-harper/358127 "2006-05-27T03:21:42Z")
In his first days off office he appoints a non-elected person to his cabinet and accepts a floor crossing from a riding where the conservatives didn’t finish even finish 2nd in, and were a distant 3rd. He then censures … --- ## [In which I ruminate on the endemic nature of racism, and ponder why some can't see it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-i-ruminate-on-the-endemic-nature-of-racism-and-ponder-why-some-cant-see-it/357617)
**Author:** [@Hippy\_Hollow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hippy_Hollow)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2006, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-which-i-ruminate-on-the-endemic-nature-of-racism-and-ponder-why-some-cant-see-it/357617 "2006-05-27T02:45:33Z")
After jumping in yet another race-related thread (against my better judgment), I’m hoping to have a conversation - not a debate, God, I’m so sick of debates on this topic - about racism. For all of the wonderful things … --- ## [Portland, OR. vs The FBI.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portland-or-vs-the-fbi/358174)
**Author:** [@A.R.Cane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.R.Cane)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2006, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/portland-or-vs-the-fbi/358174 "2006-05-26T23:56:09Z")
For several months, there has been an ongoing controversy between the city gov’t., primarily Mayor Potter (a former Portland police chief) and the FBI. The FBI operates a joint terrorism task force which includes the Por… --- ## [Why shouldn't invertebrates feel pain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-invertebrates-feel-pain/357723)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2006, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-invertebrates-feel-pain/357723 "2006-05-26T19:24:09Z")
“It concluded that most invertebrates – including lobsters, crabs, worms, snails, slugs and clams – probably don’t have the capacity to feel pain” So the question is why shouldn’t these animals feel pain, assuming thi… --- ## [In Christian belief can other parts of the Trinity become incarnate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-christian-belief-can-other-parts-of-the-trinity-become-incarnate/357826)
**Author:** [@Jebus\_H.Christ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jebus_H.Christ)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2006, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-christian-belief-can-other-parts-of-the-trinity-become-incarnate/357826 "2006-05-26T18:10:17Z")
Is there anything in Christian Theology about the possibility of the Father’s or Holy Spirit’s ability to become incarnate in the same say the Word became incarnate? --- ## [Immigration: why this issue now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-why-this-issue-now/357136)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2006, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-why-this-issue-now/357136 "2006-05-26T15:11:53Z")
Is there any trend or event out there that is a “real” reason driving the increased attention that immigration is getting right now? It feels like this was manufactured by Republican strategists to have a Gay Marriage-l… --- ## [Has Al Gore's time come?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-al-gores-time-come/356905)
**Author:** [@Menocchio](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Menocchio)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2006, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-al-gores-time-come/356905 "2006-05-26T15:09:59Z")
We’ve discussed this before, but I reckon it’s about time we dust this one off again. It seems to me that Al Gore’s recent appearance on SNL was generally well-recieved, as has been some of his other non-political appea… --- ## [Virtual reality and murder/rape/etc](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virtual-reality-and-murder-rape-etc/358274)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2006, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/virtual-reality-and-murder-rape-etc/358274 "2006-05-26T14:56:59Z")
For the sake of arument assume that some form of virtual reality is perfected. It can simulate not only sight and sound but touch, smell and even taste. It’s also possible to program VR scenarios without live actors… --- ## [What would happen in Mexico if the US deported all the Mexican illegal aliens here?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-in-mexico-if-the-us-deported-all-the-mexican-illegal-aliens-here/357840)
**Author:** [@zamboniracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zamboniracer)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2006, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-in-mexico-if-the-us-deported-all-the-mexican-illegal-aliens-here/357840 "2006-05-26T14:24:25Z")
I apologize if there’s a thread on this question already but I couldn’t find it. We’re debating in various threads (to which I’ve contributed both heat and light) the illegal immigration question insofar as it concerns … --- ## [A question about the anti-christ and anti-christians.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-the-anti-christ-and-anti-christians/357032)
**Author:** [@rwjefferson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rwjefferson)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2006, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-about-the-anti-christ-and-anti-christians/357032 "2006-05-26T00:31:16Z")
Is anyone familiar enough with revelations and the end-time prophesies to give me a quick summary? I vaguely remember that the great deceiver will convince the majority of believers to fall under his spell and dupe them… --- ## [Do you believe in a soul?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-in-a-soul/357400)
**Author:** [@Cat\_Whisperer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cat_Whisperer)\ **Replies:** 146\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2006, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-believe-in-a-soul/357400 "2006-05-25T21:25:24Z")
I’m curious how Dopers feel about the presence of souls. I know lots of Dopers are agnostic/atheist, and also aghostic (great word, misnomer) and quite vehement about there being no god and no such thing as the supernatu… --- ## [Jacob/Israel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jacob-israel/358071)
**Author:** [@yelimS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yelimS)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2006, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jacob-israel/358071 "2006-05-25T17:50:23Z")
I’ll just quote Skeptics Annotated Bible for my wonderful inquiry. Had Israel no respect for God? --- ## [Why don't military operations have cryptic names any more?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2006, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-military-operations-have-cryptic-names-any-more/358025 "2006-05-25T16:17:56Z")
“Operation Desert Shield” . . . “Operation Desert Storm” . . . “Operation Enduring Freedom” . . . I recall Bush I called the Panama invasion “Operation Just Cause” . . . Time was, the name for a military operation was j… --- ## [will the decreasing of the western population be the end of our civilization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-decreasing-of-the-western-population-be-the-end-of-our-civilization/357912)
**Author:** [@Minotaurus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Minotaurus)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2006, 12:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-decreasing-of-the-western-population-be-the-end-of-our-civilization/357912 "2006-05-25T12:06:43Z")
let’s say in a 50-60 year aspect or so It’s a well known fact that the population-growth in the west (North-America, Europe and Australia) have been very low for decades, and some countries in Europe even had negative g… --- ## [How strict should libraries' filtering software be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strict-should-libraries-filtering-software-be/357430)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2006, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-strict-should-libraries-filtering-software-be/357430 "2006-05-25T11:12:54Z")
I’m a librarian. Every public library has filtering software to prevent “inappropriate” content from being accessed from the library computers. That includes porn, not much controversy there, but beyond that it can get… --- ## [Today, could an uncloseted gay male become a Hollywood superstar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-could-an-uncloseted-gay-male-become-a-hollywood-superstar/357170)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2006, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-could-an-uncloseted-gay-male-become-a-hollywood-superstar/357170 "2006-05-25T00:20:45Z")
All “Who’s gay in Hollywood?” speculations are based on the not unreasonable assumption that a gay male actor would have no chance of achieving star status unless he kept it in the closet. Certainly that was true for mo… --- ## [Fossil fuel-free industrial revolution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fossil-fuel-free-industrial-revolution/358052)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2006, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fossil-fuel-free-industrial-revolution/358052 "2006-05-24T21:37:36Z")
Could an industrial revolution happen without fossil fuels? No oil, coal, or natural gas. Would things like water power, wood, peat, etc be enough? Would a technologically advanced civilization even be possible? --- ## [Should college professors test or teach?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-college-professors-test-or-teach/358009)
**Author:** [@Lakai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lakai)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2006, 7:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-college-professors-test-or-teach/358009 "2006-05-24T19:31:14Z")
In this pit thread, Soapbox Monkey pits his teacher for not teaching him something, but rather just telling him what to learn and then testing him on it. Some Dopers then came to the aid of the teacher and claimed that h… --- ## [If Mexico were communist, would there be enough to attract back the emigrants?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-mexico-were-communist-would-there-be-enough-to-attract-back-the-emigrants/357992)
**Author:** [@a\_10\_u\_us](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/a_10_u_us)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2006, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-mexico-were-communist-would-there-be-enough-to-attract-back-the-emigrants/357992 "2006-05-24T16:56:10Z")
If they decided to give each returning emigrant “40 acres and mule” or the equivalent in todays world, and pay for it with the oil and mineral wealth now showered on the rich, would it be enough? Would their GNP/polulat… --- ## [Did Bush ruin our chance to easily take out Ahmadinejad](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-bush-ruin-our-chance-to-easily-take-out-ahmadinejad/357100)
**Author:** [@zuma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zuma)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2006, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-bush-ruin-our-chance-to-easily-take-out-ahmadinejad/357100 "2006-05-24T02:34:00Z")
I can’t help but think that he’d have not been elected or been assasinated by now had we not sqaundered political capital re: Iraq. Any other president would have removed him and his country’s nuclear ambitions by now, … --- ## [Should the Mt. Soledad cross stay or go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-mt-soledad-cross-stay-or-go/357579)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2006, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-mt-soledad-cross-stay-or-go/357579 "2006-05-23T21:59:08Z")
Should the cross at Mt. Soledad be removed? It does endore Christianity, but it’s been there for 52 years and it was there for 35 years without complaint. Nearly 2/3s of San Diegans voted to keep it. --- ## [Antonio Damasio anyone?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antonio-damasio-anyone/357922)
**Author:** [@yelimS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yelimS)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2006, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/antonio-damasio-anyone/357922 "2006-05-23T16:46:26Z")
Jebus H. Christ’s Lost Christianities thread inspired me to inquire about Antonio Damasio. Does anyone know if he is worth a read? --- ## [Say the 2006 hurricane season is bad too...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-2006-hurricane-season-is-bad-too/357466)
**Author:** [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2006, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/say-the-2006-hurricane-season-is-bad-too/357466 "2006-05-23T13:57:37Z")
Honest to goodness, I’m not trying to start a global warming debate. Just noting that we’re close to the beginning of the 2006 hurricane season (June 1st), and predictions for this year are well above average. If memor… --- ## [Why don't bikers want to wear helmets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-bikers-want-to-wear-helmets/357179)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2006, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-bikers-want-to-wear-helmets/357179 "2006-05-23T13:14:33Z")
Around here, one of the radio personalities is an empassioned motorcyclist. So he tells us about “biker rights rallies” and such as they occur. One of the main bones of contention seems to be that bikers don’t want lawma… --- ## [The Lost Christianities: The Battles for Scripture and the Faiths We Never Knew](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lost-christianities-the-battles-for-scripture-and-the-faiths-we-never-knew/357621)
**Author:** [@Jebus\_H.Christ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jebus_H.Christ)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2006, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-lost-christianities-the-battles-for-scripture-and-the-faiths-we-never-knew/357621 "2006-05-23T12:05:32Z")
Anyone read this book by Bart D. Ehrman? What do this of his work? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=788) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=790)