# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=802 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 803 --- ## [Why would a father rob his daughter of childhood and fill her with hate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-father-rob-his-daughter-of-childhood-and-fill-her-with-hate/348854)
**Author:** [@magellan01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/magellan01)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-a-father-rob-his-daughter-of-childhood-and-fill-her-with-hate/348854 "2006-03-27T14:27:14Z")
Batin Ashante, a member of the nation of Islam, a poet and activist has what can onnly be described as a very bright daughter. Maybe even a genius. I say maybe, because I serioulsy doubt that his seven-years-old little A… --- ## [Summary Execution Of A Wounded Criminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/summary-execution-of-a-wounded-criminal/349951)
**Author:** [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 12:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/summary-execution-of-a-wounded-criminal/349951 "2006-03-27T12:15:11Z")
I’d like to begin this by stating I’m firmly anti-Death Penalty, but the following hypothetical occured to me the other day (after watching the movie Speed, actually) and I’d be interested to hear everyone’s thoughts on … --- ## [Edward O. Wilson on Salon: not too sharp](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/edward-o-wilson-on-salon-not-too-sharp/349251)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/edward-o-wilson-on-salon-not-too-sharp/349251 "2006-03-27T11:42:21Z")
I’m sure the guy has made his contributions and whatnot, but he really comes across as not arguing much better that your typical GDer. In fact, a lot of what he says is embarrassingly childish. For those with Salon Prem… --- ## [Patrick Henry, Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle and....Saddam Hussein????](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-henry-winston-churchill-charles-de-gaulle-and-saddam-hussein/348538)
**Author:** [@alaricthegoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alaricthegoth)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 9:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/patrick-henry-winston-churchill-charles-de-gaulle-and-saddam-hussein/348538 "2006-03-27T09:11:13Z")
Saddam makes his “speech from the dock”… In times of national peril, when the hour is dark, prognosis grim. and defeat seems a likely if not foregone outcome, it falls to the hard core and inveterate recalcitrants to ra… --- ## [Bird flu expert says 50% of population could die: WTF??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-flu-expert-says-50-of-population-could-die-wtf/348771)
**Author:** [@Winston\_Bongo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winston_Bongo)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 8:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bird-flu-expert-says-50-of-population-could-die-wtf/348771 "2006-03-27T08:53:37Z")
Inspired by this recent thread, I’m guessing GD is the best place for a topic like this. So far all the so called “experts” on bird flu have been understandably reluctant to predict whether H5N1 will actually mutate int… --- ## [Truth means everything. Reality means nothing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/truth-means-everything-reality-means-nothing/336996)
**Author:** [@Trust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trust)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 8:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/truth-means-everything-reality-means-nothing/336996 "2006-03-27T08:50:24Z")
Truth means everything. Reality means nothing. Okay let me explain. Reality as we know it today, will almost surely be completely different sometime in the future. Shagnasty makes some good comments that go along with w… --- ## [Will the US ever go metric?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-us-ever-go-metric/349187)
**Author:** [@Foybal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foybal)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 7:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-us-ever-go-metric/349187 "2006-03-27T07:00:56Z")
Seems like as less and less stuff is made here there’s not much choice. The argument that metric will be confusing to Red staters won’t impress Walmart. --- ## [South Africa, better or worse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-africa-better-or-worse/348968)
**Author:** [@New\_Iskander](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/New_Iskander)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/south-africa-better-or-worse/348968 "2006-03-27T06:59:37Z")
Obviously influenced by this thread. There was once a country with oppressive quasi-fascistic regime, an international pariah, subjected to sanctions by most countries; the country that was considered a blemish upon the… --- ## [What are some "next thing you know" cases that never happened](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-next-thing-you-know-cases-that-never-happened/349024)
**Author:** [@Walter\_Windchill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walter_Windchill)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-some-next-thing-you-know-cases-that-never-happened/349024 "2006-03-27T05:03:56Z")
I want some historical examples to deflect the famous “next thing you know” argument. The examples that come to mind are “if we give gays the right to marry, the next thing you know nine year old girls will be marrying t… --- ## [The Easter Bunny Is Risen. Alleluia!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-easter-bunny-is-risen-alleluia/349584)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 1:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-easter-bunny-is-risen-alleluia/349584 "2006-03-27T01:59:30Z")
In the latest display of PC carried to the point of self-parody, the Saint Paul City Council has banned an Easter display that contains\[ul\]\[li\]No reference to the Resurrection \[\]No reference to Christianity \[\]No referenc… --- ## [Are manned space missions obsolete](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-manned-space-missions-obsolete/349648)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2006, 12:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-manned-space-missions-obsolete/349648 "2006-03-27T00:53:24Z")
Have we reached a point in robotics, computers and communications where it is cheaper, faster, more publicity friendly and more efficient to just send robots into space instead of humans? A robot can collect samples and … --- ## [Better to be an ex-British colony than anyone else's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-to-be-an-ex-british-colony-than-anyone-elses/349501)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2006, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/better-to-be-an-ex-british-colony-than-anyone-elses/349501 "2006-03-26T21:40:33Z")
Seems to me the independent nations once ruled by Britain have done better, overall, than anyone else’s: the United States, India, most of the Caribbean nations, most of the African countries the British ruled. Countrie… --- ## [Would an ALL-Aluminum House Make Sense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-an-all-aluminum-house-make-sense/349792)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2006, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-an-all-aluminum-house-make-sense/349792 "2006-03-26T18:17:33Z")
I like the modern look of brushed aluminum…so I’m wondering if you could build a house out of it. Think about it: an aluminum house would be fireproof, easy to clean, and aluminum interior panels would not harbor mold an… --- ## [empiricism vs deduction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/empiricism-vs-deduction/349836)
**Author:** [@bitwise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bitwise)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2006, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/empiricism-vs-deduction/349836 "2006-03-26T16:58:29Z")
In this \[thread=364132\]thread\[/thread\], Liberal expresses the following view: To me, this view is somewhat disturbing. I thought the hallmark of the scientific revolution was to validate ideas with observations. I do n… --- ## [Are all sex offenders created equal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-sex-offenders-created-equal/349259)
**Author:** [@Incubus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Incubus)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2006, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-all-sex-offenders-created-equal/349259 "2006-03-26T09:50:28Z")
Does gender play into how teachers who molest students get punsihed? For example, take Debra Lafave, whose lawyer said she was ‘too pretty to go to jail’. I’ve been hearing some comments about her case and the way she ha… --- ## [SCOTUS ruling \[searches when owners disagree Re police entry\] \[ed. title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-ruling-searches-when-owners-disagree-re-police-entry-ed-title/349491)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2006, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-ruling-searches-when-owners-disagree-re-police-entry-ed-title/349491 "2006-03-25T18:55:38Z")
I’m a little hazy about todays ruling on police searches. I’m concerned with what the definition of “occupant” is in the ruling. Does it include anyone residing at the home whether they are the owner or leasee of the pr… --- ## [call uncle](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/call-uncle/349767)
**Author:** [@rwjefferson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rwjefferson)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2006, 5:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/call-uncle/349767 "2006-03-25T05:53:43Z")
I am compelled to share the following epistle. It may not be easy to first understand as it is written in tongue for my uncle. pharisee (def): one that would punish sin as crime. one that would deny peaceful quest wi… --- ## [Locking up Superman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locking-up-superman/349451)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2006, 4:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/locking-up-superman/349451 "2006-03-25T04:01:03Z")
This popped into mind when I read my copy of Miracleman a few days ago: Let’s assume that you have a being who is immortal. H/she will not die or age as time goes on. If this being commited numerous acts of violence, an… --- ## [Is the College Board standardized testing "monopoly" a good thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-college-board-standardized-testing-monopoly-a-good-thing/349673)
**Author:** [@athelas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/athelas)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2006, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-college-board-standardized-testing-monopoly-a-good-thing/349673 "2006-03-24T20:22:59Z")
Prompted by this article. While it is strictly not a monopoly, the College Board certainly has an extremely strong grip on the standardized testing business, with SATs being de rigueur among high school students. In li… --- ## [Does Membership (in general) Imply Compliance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-membership-in-general-imply-compliance/349641)
**Author:** [@fessie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fessie)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2006, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-membership-in-general-imply-compliance/349641 "2006-03-24T19:46:21Z")
Something I did on another messageboard caused a big brouhaha; I was wrong in many respects, but I thought the situation brought up some interesting issues about membership, ideology and the Far Left that might be worth … --- ## [If/when humans obtain immortality, will suicide be the only way to die](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-when-humans-obtain-immortality-will-suicide-be-the-only-way-to-die/348706)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2006, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-when-humans-obtain-immortality-will-suicide-be-the-only-way-to-die/348706 "2006-03-24T17:50:20Z")
If in the next 200 years I assume we will understand enough about aging that people will be able to live forever (if they choose) then the only way to really die aside from a serious accident like being crushed by a buil… --- ## [Slobodan Milošević's death and ethical matters.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slobodan-milosevics-death-and-ethical-matters/348462)
**Author:** [@Agent\_Foxtrot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agent_Foxtrot)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2006, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slobodan-milosevics-death-and-ethical-matters/348462 "2006-03-24T16:27:14Z")
So Slobodan Milošević is dead. I wouldn’t be surprised if what they say about a drug-induced heart attack is true. However, the cause of his death is not the subject of this thread. There are three ethical questions I… --- ## [Bush Admin gives tax dollars to organizations allied with its social agenda](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-admin-gives-tax-dollars-to-organizations-allied-with-its-social-agenda/349511)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2006, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-admin-gives-tax-dollars-to-organizations-allied-with-its-social-agenda/349511 "2006-03-23T14:29:27Z")
From the Washington Post, 3/22/06 (registration required but free) – http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/21/AR2006032101723.html?sub=AR: Is this right or wrong? As the lead paragraph points ou… --- ## [Vincente Fox To Americans: Welcome the Huddled masses!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vincente-fox-to-americans-welcome-the-huddled-masses/349181)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2006, 2:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vincente-fox-to-americans-welcome-the-huddled-masses/349181 "2006-03-23T14:12:56Z")
A full-page letter in the NYTIMES today from president Fox of Mexico…chiding us and asking us to welcom those who choose to enter our country illegally. I have a few questions for pres. Fox: -if we are to accept the une… --- ## [Should we remove the power of presidents and governors to dismiss crimes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-remove-the-power-of-presidents-and-governors-to-dismiss-crimes/349436)
**Author:** [@Foybal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Foybal)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2006, 8:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-remove-the-power-of-presidents-and-governors-to-dismiss-crimes/349436 "2006-03-23T08:20:07Z")
Remember when Clinton left office and incidentally pardoned a batch of old supporters. And it turned out all prior presidents had done the same and worse. Seemed wrong, didn’t it? And every time I hear about some inmat… --- ## [What would happen if taxes were switched from net income to gross income?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-taxes-were-switched-from-net-income-to-gross-income/349323)
**Author:** [@specie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/specie)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2006, 5:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-taxes-were-switched-from-net-income-to-gross-income/349323 "2006-03-23T05:28:39Z")
That is, what if there were simply no deductions? And of course the rates lowered to make things “revenue neutral” for the populace as a whole. The logic is that, same as sales taxes, it would ignore whether you person… --- ## [Creationism a majority opinion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creationism-a-majority-opinion/347836)
**Author:** [@CJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CJJ)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2006, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creationism-a-majority-opinion/347836 "2006-03-22T23:17:34Z")
A recent Gallup poll shows a majority of Americans agreed with the statement “God created man exactly how Bible describes it.” The poll is behind a pay wall at Gallup, but a summary can be found in this article from Edi… --- ## [OSCE: Belarus election "not free, not fair." Now what?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/osce-belarus-election-not-free-not-fair-now-what/349171)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2006, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/osce-belarus-election-not-free-not-fair-now-what/349171 "2006-03-22T22:50:17Z")
Yesterday’s presidential election in Belarus returned a purported 82% of the vote for incumbent Alexander Lukashenko, but observers from the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe say the election did not me… --- ## [What happened with the idea that Iraq moved its WMD to Syria](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-with-the-idea-that-iraq-moved-its-wmd-to-syria/349052)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2006, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happened-with-the-idea-that-iraq-moved-its-wmd-to-syria/349052 "2006-03-22T20:50:38Z")
What happened to the idea that Iraq moved it’s WMD to Syria? Iraqi general Georges Sada said this is what happened, Israeli general Moshe Yaalon said that is what happened, Syrian journalist Nizar Nayouf said that is wha… --- ## [Is it OK to go to war for economic reasons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-go-to-war-for-economic-reasons/349296)
**Author:** [@toadspittle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toadspittle)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2006, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-ok-to-go-to-war-for-economic-reasons/349296 "2006-03-22T17:15:21Z")
Some analysts have recently floated the idea that “the real reason” Iran is in the Bush Admin.'s crosshairs is because Iran plans to open a Euro-denominated oil bourse, which could significantly cut into the ubiquitous p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=801) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=803)