# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=797 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 798 --- ## [Home Invasion Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-invasion-questions/353044)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/home-invasion-questions/353044 "2006-04-19T15:19:37Z")
A friend of mine just had a baby and is concerned about someone breaking into his house and causing harm to his family. He’s now considering purchasing a weapon for his home to defend himself. I told him that having … --- ## [Personal and Political Redemption](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/personal-and-political-redemption/352911)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2006, 6:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/personal-and-political-redemption/352911 "2006-04-19T06:03:38Z")
West Virginia’s Robert Byrd: once a member of the KKK, but now a respected US Senator. Jesse Jackson: still an influential civil rights and religious voice, even after the revelation that he fathered a child out of wedlo… --- ## [Are the Christian gospels Anti-Semetic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-christian-gospels-anti-semetic/353046)
**Author:** [@Captain\_Amazing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Captain_Amazing)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-christian-gospels-anti-semetic/353046 "2006-04-18T23:29:53Z")
In this thread: the claim was made, and briefly discussed, that the four canonical Christian gospels are anti-semetic. Obviously, this was not an appropriate discussion for GQ, so, I’m moving it here, because I think… --- ## [Falsifiability dethroned as the criterion of science?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falsifiability-dethroned-as-the-criterion-of-science/352866)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/falsifiability-dethroned-as-the-criterion-of-science/352866 "2006-04-18T19:04:59Z")
I just read something that surprised me. The Wikipedia article on conspiracy theories started to note what’s unscientific about them, and of course pointed out that they’re not falsifiable. Then it said, So I read the … --- ## [Chad coup fails -- was Sudan behind it? And why would they fight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chad-coup-fails-was-sudan-behind-it-and-why-would-they-fight/353063)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chad-coup-fails-was-sudan-behind-it-and-why-would-they-fight/353063 "2006-04-18T17:44:43Z")
Last week in Chad, a rebel force, the United Front for Democratic Change, tried to take over the capital of N’Djamena. They were defeated. Battle of N'Djamena - Wikipedia Now President Deby is accusing Sudan of hiring… --- ## [If Latinos in the U.S. don't assimilate, so what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-latinos-in-the-u-s-dont-assimilate-so-what/352066)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-latinos-in-the-u-s-dont-assimilate-so-what/352066 "2006-04-18T17:43:19Z")
In threads on U.S. immigration policy, someone always argues that Latinos are different from other immigrant populations in that they are less likely to fully assimilate to American culture. Why would that be so bad? W… --- ## [Believers, how do you decide which parts of the bible to believe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believers-how-do-you-decide-which-parts-of-the-bible-to-believe/351955)
**Author:** [@mr.jp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mr.jp)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/believers-how-do-you-decide-which-parts-of-the-bible-to-believe/351955 "2006-04-18T05:20:13Z")
This thread is brought on by a reply from this thread. Ok, so god can be misquoted. I presume that they can also lie about his actions. How do you choose what parts to believe in then? I will remind you that Jesus said… --- ## [Definition of a Christian, mk II](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition-of-a-christian-mk-ii/353066)
**Author:** [@No\_longer\_shall\_I\_lurk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_longer_shall_I_lurk)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/definition-of-a-christian-mk-ii/353066 "2006-04-18T04:44:59Z")
Christians generally believe that the Messianic prophecies of the OT have already come to pass. My question is, to qualify as a Christian does that Messiah necessarily have to have been Jesus of Nazareth, or would anyone… --- ## [Should we insist on phylogenetic animal descriptors?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-insist-on-phylogenetic-animal-descriptors/352563)
**Author:** [@Freddy\_the\_Pig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freddy_the_Pig)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 3:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-insist-on-phylogenetic-animal-descriptors/352563 "2006-04-18T03:40:11Z")
And specifically, should we refer to humans as “apes”? Inspired by the recent GQ thread. My answer to both questions is “yes”. Of course, people have been referring to humans as apes metaphorically for some time: Desm… --- ## [Is Dan Brown the new Salman Rushdie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dan-brown-the-new-salman-rushdie/352872)
**Author:** [@Quasimodem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quasimodem)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-dan-brown-the-new-salman-rushdie/352872 "2006-04-18T02:45:45Z")
Apparently, during these last few days before the release of The Da Vinci Code , Opus Dei and many churches are campaigning for a boycott of the film: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20060415/D8H0NSH80.html Even Sony h… --- ## [Are White people "more obnoxious than anyone else"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-white-people-more-obnoxious-than-anyone-else/352882)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-white-people-more-obnoxious-than-anyone-else/352882 "2006-04-18T02:34:26Z")
In this link, Cecil posits that one reason Europeans dominated the rest of the world, and not vice versa, is that they are/were more obnoxious than anyone else. Is there any credibility to this theory? If so, can this at… --- ## [Will Rumsfeld resign?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-rumsfeld-resign/352762)
**Author:** [@A.R.Cane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/A.R.Cane)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-rumsfeld-resign/352762 "2006-04-18T01:33:20Z")
I say yes. I can’t see any way he can stay. Once congress reconvenes the pressure on Bush to replace Rumfeld is going to be unrelenting. Bush is desperate to find something that will boost his poll numbers and toward tha… --- ## [Does Hamas really have any idea what they are doing in running a government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-hamas-really-have-any-idea-what-they-are-doing-in-running-a-government/353014)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2006, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-hamas-really-have-any-idea-what-they-are-doing-in-running-a-government/353014 "2006-04-18T00:39:47Z")
I ask because of this statement quoted below. It seems to defy the notion that Hamas has any intention of "behaving’ now that it’s in power. Can a municipal government with this attitude continue to exist side by side wi… --- ## [Tell me about Ollanta Humala (Peru's likely next president)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-ollanta-humala-perus-likely-next-president/352454)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tell-me-about-ollanta-humala-perus-likely-next-president/352454 "2006-04-17T21:38:11Z")
The top finisher in this week’s presidential election in Peru is Ollanta Humala, a former Army officer. He got less than 50% so he’s have to go through a runoff election – whether against former president Alan Garcia or… --- ## [Why do Americans fear internationalism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-fear-internationalism/352732)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Tan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Tan)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-americans-fear-internationalism/352732 "2006-04-17T21:04:25Z")
I don’t expect a cut’n’dry answer to this question, but I still think it’s worth talking about - hence GD and not GQ. It seems to me that Americans have a negative reaction to international agreements or organisations, … --- ## [Jesus and his hair...debate!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-and-his-hair-debate/352864)
**Author:** [@Matthew1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Matthew1)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-and-his-hair-debate/352864 "2006-04-17T20:43:07Z")
I simply hope to read a good debate, and since I am a guest, I can not search for it… “Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him?” (l Corinthians 11:14). If it is a sh… --- ## [A unique Canuck view towards the future US Military](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-unique-canuck-view-towards-the-future-us-military/352913)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-unique-canuck-view-towards-the-future-us-military/352913 "2006-04-17T15:46:59Z")
I’m convinced that the biggest weakness for the US military today is the popular abhorance of losing American lives through deliberate policy. It seems to me that in reviewing the recent history, fatal casualties in a ma… --- ## [Is Bush an apocalyptic Christian who believes the "end times" are coming soon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bush-an-apocalyptic-christian-who-believes-the-end-times-are-coming-soon/352114)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 12:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bush-an-apocalyptic-christian-who-believes-the-end-times-are-coming-soon/352114 "2006-04-17T12:02:23Z")
Is President Bush’s denomination one that believes the end times are coming soon? Just curious. --- ## [A Case of Genetics or Child Abuse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-case-of-genetics-or-child-abuse/352740)
**Author:** [@START](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/START)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 10:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-case-of-genetics-or-child-abuse/352740 "2006-04-17T10:18:15Z")
I saw this family today at a fast food restaurant, there were three kids, one a boy about my age, a girl that was maybe 12, a little guy 4 or 5 years old, then of course the Mom and Dad and an older woman 50ish that I as… --- ## [Public library closed Sunday 04/16](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-library-closed-sunday-04-16/352673)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2006, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-library-closed-sunday-04-16/352673 "2006-04-17T01:44:04Z")
I was jogging past the main branch of the Chicago Public Library the other day, and noticed a paper taped to the door reading, in its entirety (IIRC): The Chicago Public Library will be closed Sunday 4/16/06. My first … --- ## [McCain supporters: nauseous yet? (Falwell)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-supporters-nauseous-yet-falwell/351723)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2006, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccain-supporters-nauseous-yet-falwell/351723 "2006-04-16T23:39:33Z")
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/34401/ I agree with the opening salvo of the article: he’s doing it to become palatable to the religious right in order to succeed in the 'Pubbie primaries. And I doubt it signals an… --- ## [What if the English Commonwealth (1649-1660) had survived?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-english-commonwealth-1649-1660-had-survived/352445)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2006, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-english-commonwealth-1649-1660-had-survived/352445 "2006-04-16T23:23:13Z")
I once read a Batman graphic novel set in an alternate history where Oliver Cromwell recovered from the disease that killed him in 1658 IRL. The result is that modern America is a puritanical and racist theocracy (with … --- ## [Debate the Euston Manifesto](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-the-euston-manifesto/352679)
**Author:** [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2006, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-the-euston-manifesto/352679 "2006-04-16T22:39:32Z")
The Euston Manifesto is a statement of progressive principles that calls for “a progressive realignment” and suggests that progressives “must define ourselves against those for whom the entire progressive-democratic agen… --- ## [God, Shrimp and Gays](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-shrimp-and-gays/350118)
**Author:** [@BluePitbull](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BluePitbull)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2006, 7:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-shrimp-and-gays/350118 "2006-04-16T07:27:01Z")
http://www.towardtradition.org/article\_Shrimp\_Homosexuality.htm One of the arguements used for same-sex marriage is the fact that the right wing christians do not enforce the other laws in the Bible like praying to idol… --- ## [Can we identify national values?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-identify-national-values/352420)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2006, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-identify-national-values/352420 "2006-04-15T06:35:12Z")
I often hear people bandy about phrases such as “our nation’s values” or “the American way of life.” But I don’t really know what that means. I mean, we can toss about all kinds of platitudes about democracy, equality,… --- ## [Would Christ have died from the scourging?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-christ-have-died-from-the-scourging/352152)
**Author:** [@bubastis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bubastis)\ **Replies:** 86\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2006, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-christ-have-died-from-the-scourging/352152 "2006-04-14T23:34:18Z")
Not really a debate as such, but I’m told here is the place for questions of a religious nature. As I understand, scourging was a punishment for lesser, but still serious crimes. IIRC, Christ got scourged, but that wasn… --- ## [If electricity ceased to exist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-electricity-ceased-to-exist/351844)
**Author:** [@Robert44444uk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Robert44444uk)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2006, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-electricity-ceased-to-exist/351844 "2006-04-14T19:02:43Z")
I realise this is an unlikely scenario…but what would happen to most societies if electricity ceased suddenly to exist? It is my bet that, in relatively advanced societies such as the UK where I live, most people (say 9… --- ## [JFK autopsy photos-consistent with x-rays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jfk-autopsy-photos-consistent-with-x-rays/352009)
**Author:** [@handsomeharry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/handsomeharry)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2006, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jfk-autopsy-photos-consistent-with-x-rays/352009 "2006-04-14T18:36:27Z")
I am a JFK conspiracist, knowing that Oswald didn’t do it alone (no time to set everybody straight, as it is not the proper forum; more importantly, i am busy now! :smiley: ). Now, to the Q: In the standard JFK autopsy p… --- ## [What makes a Troll?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-troll/352629)
**Author:** [@VegemiteMoose](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/VegemiteMoose)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2006, 2:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-a-troll/352629 "2006-04-14T14:32:26Z")
Originally started in the Pit. (For anyone interested in the backstory). I’m trying to think of a way that the rules could be changed to allow one poster to call another poster a troll. The rudimentary outline I’ve thou… --- ## [If a radical journalist can't write for the "Village Voice," where can he write?!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-radical-journalist-cant-write-for-the-village-voice-where-can-he-write/352650)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2006, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-radical-journalist-cant-write-for-the-village-voice-where-can-he-write/352650 "2006-04-14T14:26:08Z")
The Village Voice recently having come under new ownership, the New Times Media chain, it is undergoing a shakeup. The new executive editor, Michael Lacey, has just fired James Ridgeway – the paper’s star reporter for t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=796) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=798)