# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=796 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 797 --- ## [What to do with these Chinse Muslims detained at Gitmo?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-these-chinse-muslims-detained-at-gitmo/353050)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2006, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-to-do-with-these-chinse-muslims-detained-at-gitmo/353050 "2006-04-24T19:23:20Z")
Two Chinese Muslim Uighurs, arrested in Pakistan and detained at Guantanamo Bay, have succeeded in convincing a military review panel that they never were “enemy combatants.” Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean they can go… --- ## [If the current Iraq war is found to be illegal, what should happen to Sadam?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-current-iraq-war-is-found-to-be-illegal-what-should-happen-to-sadam/353690)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2006, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-current-iraq-war-is-found-to-be-illegal-what-should-happen-to-sadam/353690 "2006-04-24T17:25:41Z")
Shoud Sadam be reinstated? --- ## [What if Jesus had not been crucified?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-jesus-had-not-been-crucified/352915)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2006, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-jesus-had-not-been-crucified/352915 "2006-04-24T16:53:23Z")
What if Jesus, when he entered Jerusalem, had not been crucified, or even arrested? The way the Synoptic Gospels tell the story, it was a near thing: The priests did not dare arrest Jesus publicly by daylight, or there… --- ## [Scott McClellan: Bad Guy, or Innocent Shill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-mcclellan-bad-guy-or-innocent-shill/353292)
**Author:** [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2006, 4:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-mcclellan-bad-guy-or-innocent-shill/353292 "2006-04-24T04:08:57Z")
This can apply to White House Press Secretaries in general, but I am a bit ambivalent about McClellan. He doesn’t come across as particularly likeable or loathesome. Sometimes it’s been fun to watch him squirm as the… --- ## [If universal health care is implemented, how much will it cost me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-universal-health-care-is-implemented-how-much-will-it-cost-me/351483)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [April 24, 2006, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-universal-health-care-is-implemented-how-much-will-it-cost-me/351483 "2006-04-24T02:15:50Z")
Let’s say we implement universal health care in the US. How much are our individual tax bills likely to go up per person? In other words what’s my annual “health tax” going to be? According to this health care costs in … --- ## [Why doesn't competition keep the price of oil down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-competition-keep-the-price-of-oil-down/353691)
**Author:** [@cmkeller](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmkeller)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2006, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-competition-keep-the-price-of-oil-down/353691 "2006-04-23T23:42:38Z")
I’m not an economist, so maybe someone can point out the flaw in my reasoning: Competition helps keep prices at a certain equilibrium in a free market, because if one vendor of an item charges a lot over production cost… --- ## [Jesse jackson Involved in Duke case-good or Bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesse-jackson-involved-in-duke-case-good-or-bad/353151)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2006, 8:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesse-jackson-involved-in-duke-case-good-or-bad/353151 "2006-04-23T20:52:38Z")
First, I must state that I know nothing more about this than I have gotten from the news media. I understand that two members of the Duke University lacrosse team have been formally charged. Both were expected to post a… --- ## [Guantanamo- Prison visits are a sham](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guantanamo-prison-visits-are-a-sham/353315)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2006, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guantanamo-prison-visits-are-a-sham/353315 "2006-04-23T19:37:51Z")
Recent defenders of the despicable prison camp at Guantanamo have: 1/ Criticised people who say that the camp is evil and a blot on the US’s reputation by stating that outside bodies and individuals have been permitted… --- ## [A year into Benedict's papacy, were predictions correct?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-year-into-benedicts-papacy-were-predictions-correct/353399)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2006, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-year-into-benedicts-papacy-were-predictions-correct/353399 "2006-04-23T08:30:53Z")
I remember Benedict XVI’s ascension to the papacy because it was April 24, my birthday. It’s been a year since he became pope, and I think he has been a lot quieter than a lot of people (including me!) would have predic… --- ## ["The British turned against slavery only after they didn't need it anymore" -True?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-turned-against-slavery-only-after-they-didnt-need-it-anymore-true/352514)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2006, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-british-turned-against-slavery-only-after-they-didnt-need-it-anymore-true/352514 "2006-04-23T03:00:01Z")
“the British turned against slavery only when steam power and other advances made the harvesting and refining of sugarcane far less labor intensive” This passage from the Salon book review below makes the British decisi… --- ## [President Pelosi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-pelosi/353564)
**Author:** [@Twoflower](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Twoflower)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 23, 2006, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-pelosi/353564 "2006-04-23T00:50:46Z")
So, I enjoy reading all the politcal wisdom offered here by all you well-informed Dopers, although I rarely stick my neck out and post here myself. I’m curious what you all think of the chances that the following scenari… --- ## [Ethical question: Can compelling "national interest" justify U.S. presence in Iraq?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethical-question-can-compelling-national-interest-justify-u-s-presence-in-iraq/353660)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2006, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethical-question-can-compelling-national-interest-justify-u-s-presence-in-iraq/353660 "2006-04-22T23:14:13Z")
In this thread, “Why are we in Iraq?” – Why are we in Iraq? - Great Debates - Straight Dope Message Board – several posters assert it is urgently necessary for America’s “national interest” to have a permanent military p… --- ## [Peak Oil - what could and should be done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-oil-what-could-and-should-be-done/352888)
**Author:** [@kristian77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kristian77)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2006, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-oil-what-could-and-should-be-done/352888 "2006-04-22T21:56:30Z")
There are different opinions on the issue of Peak Oil, and I will not go into that long and detailed discussion (however, feel free to discuss it :wink: ), but rather discuss what we could and should do to prepare. Aft… --- ## [What will be the issues in the 2006 Congressional elections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-be-the-issues-in-the-2006-congressional-elections/353656)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2006, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-be-the-issues-in-the-2006-congressional-elections/353656 "2006-04-22T21:41:34Z")
Everything that was a campaign issue in 2004 – seems to have lost its salience. Except for the ongoing occupation of Iraq. E.g., nobody much talks about gay marriage any more. Meanwhile, no new issues have clearly eme… --- ## [Illegal Immigration: Why not just focus on the employers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-immigration-why-not-just-focus-on-the-employers/353484)
**Author:** [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 22, 2006, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-immigration-why-not-just-focus-on-the-employers/353484 "2006-04-22T14:36:08Z")
I think if the drug trade has taught us anything, it’s that supply-side enforcement is a losing battle. The idea of building a sufficiently secure wall hundreds or even thousands of miles long across the Soutwest seems … --- ## [Oil Hits $55/Barrel: Time To Trade In That SUV?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-hits-55-barrel-time-to-trade-in-that-suv/293067)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 137\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2006, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-hits-55-barrel-time-to-trade-in-that-suv/293067 "2006-04-21T23:05:31Z")
It looks like we have finally tapped out…OPEC has announced that it will not increase capacity. Oil is surging in price, and at a time when it usually drops a few dollars. WE are at the end of the oil heating season, and… --- ## [When children don't look like their parents.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-children-dont-look-like-their-parents/353426)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Girl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Girl)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2006, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-children-dont-look-like-their-parents/353426 "2006-04-21T20:26:23Z")
This is actually two different questions: I saw a show about adoptions the day before yesterday. A couple from ‘frozenland’ Canada, white as white can be adopted a child from Haiti. Another adopted one from Korea. I am … --- ## [The Missing Link](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-missing-link/351536)
**Author:** [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2006, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-missing-link/351536 "2006-04-21T19:37:22Z")
Well, here it is. Link to the Link . They’ve supposedly found it. Assuming it is authentic, where does that put us? Is it game-set-match for Creationists, or is this just an amazingly clever god that’s placed such a f… --- ## [What do conservatives think about universal healthcare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-conservatives-think-about-universal-healthcare/353172)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2006, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-conservatives-think-about-universal-healthcare/353172 "2006-04-21T17:04:44Z")
I’m just curious if there are any drowning-government-in-the-bathtub conservatives who see a place for universal healthcare. Is that some sort of oxymoron? It seem to me that it would help businesses (and thus the econ… --- ## [Chappelle talks: Why I walked away.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chappelle-talks-why-i-walked-away/352540)
**Author:** [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Replies:** 271\ **Last updated:** [April 21, 2006, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chappelle-talks-why-i-walked-away/352540 "2006-04-21T16:01:08Z")
http://www.cnn.com/2006/SHOWBIZ/TV/04/13/people.chappelle.ap/index.html Culturally: “The bottom line was, white people own everything, and where can a black person go and be himself or say something that’s familiar to h… --- ## [Oil trade in Euros, collapse of US economy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-trade-in-euros-collapse-of-us-economy/353276)
**Author:** [@Fridgemagnet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fridgemagnet)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-trade-in-euros-collapse-of-us-economy/353276 "2006-04-20T22:14:34Z")
The US can write blank cheques/checks because virtually all the oil transactions in the world are done in dollars, shoring up the US economy and enabling an ever-growing national debt. So suggests Rob Newman in his well-… --- ## [Who are the true liberal politicians and what defines liberal? {Please Dems only}](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-true-liberal-politicians-and-what-defines-liberal-please-dems-only/352922)
**Author:** [@What\_Exit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_Exit)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-true-liberal-politicians-and-what-defines-liberal-please-dems-only/352922 "2006-04-20T18:50:21Z")
To prevent any further derailment of this thread by me: McCain supporters: nauseous yet? (Falwell) and to help me understand what the Dems and Liberals of the SDMB mean by liberal please define, debate and offer your poi… --- ## [Has a real-life coverup conspiracy ever been a good thing? Could it be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-real-life-coverup-conspiracy-ever-been-a-good-thing-could-it-be/351712)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-a-real-life-coverup-conspiracy-ever-been-a-good-thing-could-it-be/351712 "2006-04-20T16:25:56Z")
Inspired by this CS thread about coverup conspiracies in fiction: Has a coverup conspiracy ever been a \*good\* thing? - Cafe Society - Straight Dope Message Board When people conspire to keep something a secret from the … --- ## [Military/History Question \[What battle had the most surprising outcome?\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-history-question-what-battle-had-the-most-surprising-outcome/352551)
**Author:** [@hawksgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hawksgirl)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-history-question-what-battle-had-the-most-surprising-outcome/352551 "2006-04-20T14:17:48Z")
Obviously, there have been hundreds of battles fought. What I want to know is: What battle (American fought or not) was the most surprising? Or, which one had the most unexpected reversal or underdog win? --- ## [Tell me about Unitarian Universalism. Religion, or what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-unitarian-universalism-religion-or-what/352950)
**Author:** [@capybara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/capybara)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-unitarian-universalism-religion-or-what/352950 "2006-04-20T05:03:34Z")
I’m going to stick this here in case it calls for witnessing or something. I’m a pretty well-thought out atheist-- not a casual agnostic or lazy atheist but I’ve considered it pretty carefully. A philosophically rigouro… --- ## [Italian elections too close to call?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/italian-elections-too-close-to-call/352143)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2006, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/italian-elections-too-close-to-call/352143 "2006-04-20T00:48:06Z")
The AP says it’s too close to call. Who will win, Berlusconi or Prodi? Who should? Where will Italy go from here - and are we in for another long bout of political instability? Reminds me of the old joke: an Italian … --- ## [The inhibition of destructive memes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-inhibition-of-destructive-memes/353156)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 11:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-inhibition-of-destructive-memes/353156 "2006-04-19T23:51:14Z")
Has anyone written anything on the inhibition of destructive memes? It seems to me that inhibiting destructive memes seems to follow a pattern. For those who don’t know, society is made of thousands of memes and when the… --- ## [Going to jail for selling books](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-jail-for-selling-books/352863)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-jail-for-selling-books/352863 "2006-04-19T18:57:46Z")
From HERE: The owner of a bookshop in Barcelona, the Librería Europa, Pedro Varela, has been arrested this week by the regional police, Los Mossos d’Esquadra for distributing books with a racialist, and neonazi content … --- ## [Could global warming usher in an age of dictatorships](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-global-warming-usher-in-an-age-of-dictatorships/353285)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-global-warming-usher-in-an-age-of-dictatorships/353285 "2006-04-19T17:44:32Z")
According to Howard Bloom and his writing about social organisms and the people that populate them, when life is going nice the social organism tends to be deeply concerned about individual rights and individual feelings… --- ## [Should statistics be used to evaluate the veracity of an alleged victims claims?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-statistics-be-used-to-evaluate-the-veracity-of-an-alleged-victims-claims/353005)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-statistics-be-used-to-evaluate-the-veracity-of-an-alleged-victims-claims/353005 "2006-04-19T16:12:47Z")
This thread goes on for pages and pages, but one of the most ferocious arguments going on seems to center on whether the authorities can, or should, use the statistical incidence of a particular sort of crime to evaluat… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=795) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=797)