# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=828 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 829 --- ## [China Story](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-story/335163)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2005, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/china-story/335163 "2005-12-12T22:44:49Z")
I’d like to present this Chinese news story which created some questions for me. You must read this if you wish to continue. Please note what I get out of it. China’s centralized control of their people has a very hig… --- ## [The Militant Personality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-militant-personality/334835)
**Author:** [@Zoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoe)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2005, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-militant-personality/334835 "2005-12-12T17:21:30Z")
My comments are in reference to this post in the Pit. It is primarily a discussion of the mission of the United States Military at present. With some exceptions from both sides, most of the invective, especially name-c… --- ## [Seismic energy storage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seismic-energy-storage/334577)
**Author:** [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2005, 2:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seismic-energy-storage/334577 "2005-12-12T14:58:21Z")
I was curious if there is currently a way to store energy produced via seismic activity? I’m not just talking about Earthquakes or giant movements. Take something like a freeway, now there’s a whole lot of free energy i… --- ## [What would happen if all sexual behavior were accepted/allowed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-all-sexual-behavior-were-accepted-allowed/334875)
**Author:** [@drmark2000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drmark2000)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 12, 2005, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-all-sexual-behavior-were-accepted-allowed/334875 "2005-12-12T06:36:33Z")
If we suddenly decreed that “everything’s ok, do whatever you want,” what would society look like? Might it be kind of like declaring the “War On Drugs” over, and suddenly all of those things that held some attraction a… --- ## [Debate for Canadians: Let's get rid of the Ministry of Indian and Northern Affairs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-for-canadians-lets-get-rid-of-the-ministry-of-indian-and-northern-affairs/334549)
**Author:** [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2005, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-for-canadians-lets-get-rid-of-the-ministry-of-indian-and-northern-affairs/334549 "2005-12-11T17:08:19Z")
This should be fun. In recent months a number of stories have come to light that have shown Canadians - the less well informed ones, anyway - that life for Canada’s aboriginal people living on reserves (still legally re… --- ## [Real \[torture\] happening today? \[Falun Gong in China\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-torture-happening-today-falun-gong-in-china/334582)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2005, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/real-torture-happening-today-falun-gong-in-china/334582 "2005-12-11T16:11:04Z")
I have recently read some things that is hard to believe is actually going on in this day and age. Yes I know the world is really a cruel place, but this is something I really want to believe doesn’t happen. What I am … --- ## [The Evolution of Journalism: the enlightenment, taking "I" out of Bias, and internet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-evolution-of-journalism-the-enlightenment-taking-i-out-of-bias-and-internet/335139)
**Author:** [@gitfiddle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gitfiddle)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2005, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-evolution-of-journalism-the-enlightenment-taking-i-out-of-bias-and-internet/335139 "2005-12-11T14:53:44Z")
Seeing as there are certain strict guidelines about how journalists write, most notably, I think, being that journalists aren’t supposed to be biased and, thusly, must not use “I” or put opinions in their articles, I’m c… --- ## [Most Afghans are glad the United States overthrew the Taliban](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-afghans-are-glad-the-united-states-overthrew-the-taliban/334789)
**Author:** [@Evil\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_One)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2005, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/most-afghans-are-glad-the-united-states-overthrew-the-taliban/334789 "2005-12-11T00:40:33Z")
As you can see here, the vast majority of Afghans seem to be pleased that the United States took care of the Taliban. Among the interesting facts from the link: “Almost nine in 10 - 87 percent - say the US-led overthro… --- ## [Return to Moon in 2018. Is it worth it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-moon-in-2018-is-it-worth-it/322468)
**Author:** [@Soylent\_Gene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Gene)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2005, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/return-to-moon-in-2018-is-it-worth-it/322468 "2005-12-11T00:37:22Z")
Nasa plans to spend $104 billion to get back to the moon. Basically, the shuttle money will go to the moon program. moon story Even if it’s part of a mission to Mars, it doesnt seem practical. Seems pretty pointless ac… --- ## [Revealing Evangelical assumptions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revealing-evangelical-assumptions/334514)
**Author:** [@librarianinvegas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/librarianinvegas)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2005, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revealing-evangelical-assumptions/334514 "2005-12-10T20:28:14Z")
There’s an interesting article posted on Yahoo news regarding how some of the mega churches won’t be open on Christmas Sunday. For reference, it is here. The article quotes a seminary professor who appears disgusted by… --- ## [Boycotting business for political reasons: good thing or bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boycotting-business-for-political-reasons-good-thing-or-bad/334914)
**Author:** [@you\_with\_the\_face](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/you_with_the_face)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2005, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boycotting-business-for-political-reasons-good-thing-or-bad/334914 "2005-12-10T19:03:32Z")
Kinda inspired by this thread in the Pit. A co-worker and I were discussing the matter of Ford removing ads from gay publications in response to pressure from the American Family Association. My co-worker said he was no… --- ## [All right, make me less ignorant. teach me all there is to know about politics, etc.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-right-make-me-less-ignorant-teach-me-all-there-is-to-know-about-politics-etc/333180)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2005, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-right-make-me-less-ignorant-teach-me-all-there-is-to-know-about-politics-etc/333180 "2005-12-10T01:47:57Z")
So a few weeks ago I made this thread and got some slack over it. As I said in that thread, I’ll say again, self admitted, I know squat about politics. It’s like a willful ignorance since they seem to bore me. But also,… --- ## [At what point do soldiers bear personal responsibility for their actions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-do-soldiers-bear-personal-responsibility-for-their-actions/334207)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-do-soldiers-bear-personal-responsibility-for-their-actions/334207 "2005-12-10T00:57:33Z")
Inspired by this thread in the Pit, I’m wanting to ask a question. Stipulating that a war is unjustified, at what point do you hold an individual soldier personally responsible for her actions when her actions consist o… --- ## [How will we experience Heaven?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-we-experience-heaven/334728)
**Author:** [@jebert](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jebert)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2005, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-we-experience-heaven/334728 "2005-12-10T00:43:39Z")
This is not necessarily a debate, but it does deal with an aspect of religion, so this forum seemed appropriate. I am assuming that perhaps there are ideas other than Dante’s about what heaven will be like. I would thi… --- ## [Greed vs Lust on Christmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greed-vs-lust-on-christmas/334913)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/greed-vs-lust-on-christmas/334913 "2005-12-09T23:29:34Z")
So this guy created a Paris Hilton Christmas display. Which while tacky, I find kind of amusing. However, I am not really looking for the merits of a Paris Hilton display or not. What I want to discuss is a comment fr… --- ## [If you don't know what God is how do you know God doesn't exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-dont-know-what-god-is-how-do-you-know-god-doesnt-exist/334754)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-dont-know-what-god-is-how-do-you-know-god-doesnt-exist/334754 "2005-12-09T22:43:43Z")
First Question: f you don’t know the meaning of the word God, then how do you know that God doesn’t exist? Second question: Is it possible for one person to have an experience that another person has never had? --- ## [Why did the right wing parties boycott the Venezuelan elections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-right-wing-parties-boycott-the-venezuelan-elections/334903)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-right-wing-parties-boycott-the-venezuelan-elections/334903 "2005-12-09T20:05:03Z")
I’ve read the major right wing parties (Democratic Action, Justice First, New Time, Project Venezuela, and the Social Christian Party) in Venezuela all officially boycotted the recent elections (although many candidates … --- ## [How much weight should be given to Hannukah???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-weight-should-be-given-to-hannukah/334159)
**Author:** [@bienville](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bienville)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-weight-should-be-given-to-hannukah/334159 "2005-12-09T19:18:10Z")
Sorry to add to all the “Happy Holidays vs Merry Christmas” Threads (Here’s one! Here’s another one!), but I’m coming from a different angle. I took a semester long Judaism class in college, and the Rabbi taught that Ha… --- ## [Iraq in ten or so years?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-in-ten-or-so-years/334693)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 6:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-in-ten-or-so-years/334693 "2005-12-09T18:16:14Z")
Any predictions, or odss on guesses even, about what Iraq might look like in ten years time? My guess is that we get out over the next several years, secretly grateful that the newly elected government has asked that we… --- ## [Why does America wait so long to teach foreign langauages to kids?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-america-wait-so-long-to-teach-foreign-langauages-to-kids/333447)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-america-wait-so-long-to-teach-foreign-langauages-to-kids/333447 "2005-12-09T17:55:53Z")
It is pretty well known that before age ten or so, kids are a sponge for foreign languages. They can learn them quickly and easily and for most people this represents their only chance to speak fluently with a perfect ac… --- ## [Law Lords rule evidence btained under torture not admissable in UK courts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/law-lords-rule-evidence-btained-under-torture-not-admissable-in-uk-courts/334856)
**Author:** [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/law-lords-rule-evidence-btained-under-torture-not-admissable-in-uk-courts/334856 "2005-12-09T17:03:20Z")
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk\_politics/4509530.stm http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk\_politics/4347694.stm So, evidence obtained under torture is not admissable in British courts, that includes torture in other countries by… --- ## [How do we address wrongs of the past?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-address-wrongs-of-the-past/334717)
**Author:** [@Binarydrone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Binarydrone)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-address-wrongs-of-the-past/334717 "2005-12-09T16:19:07Z")
The recent thread on the Hawaii homesteading (link) got me thinking a bit. The subject is a rather broad one, but one worth looking at. Specifically, what I am wondering is if it is a worthy value to hold that we should… --- ## [Is the U.S. maintaining "secret prisons" in Eastern Europe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-u-s-maintaining-secret-prisons-in-eastern-europe/333239)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 2:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-u-s-maintaining-secret-prisons-in-eastern-europe/333239 "2005-12-09T14:19:42Z")
Reports have surfaced that the U.S., specifically the CIA, is maintaining secret detention centers at locations in Eastern Europe – Poland, Romania and Kosovo have been mentioned. The European Commission has warned that… --- ## [Is the Christmas tree really once a pagan icon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-christmas-tree-really-once-a-pagan-icon/334175)
**Author:** [@BluePitbull](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BluePitbull)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-christmas-tree-really-once-a-pagan-icon/334175 "2005-12-09T14:16:29Z")
And since it is now associated with Christmas, is it really correct to say it still is a pagan icon? What about December 25th? Since nobody celebrate the {What is the name of that pagan god}'s birthday, can it really be… --- ## [Why isn't the relgious right in America fighting over Easter, instead of Christmas?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-relgious-right-in-america-fighting-over-easter-instead-of-christmas/334028)
**Author:** [@ImaginalDisc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ImaginalDisc)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 10:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-relgious-right-in-america-fighting-over-easter-instead-of-christmas/334028 "2005-12-09T10:59:58Z")
If Bill O’Reilly, Jerry Falwell, and the rest of the crusaders fighting for the replacement of “Merry Christmas” for “Happy Holidays” in buisiness and government are all aflutter becuse their religous holiday has become … --- ## [How to stop nuclear weapon proliferation in a nuclear energy world?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-nuclear-weapon-proliferation-in-a-nuclear-energy-world/334711)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 9:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-stop-nuclear-weapon-proliferation-in-a-nuclear-energy-world/334711 "2005-12-09T09:29:20Z")
Realistically, the world is going to have to switch to nuclear energy in the near future. Wind and solar energy just don’t cut it: wind isn’t constant and sunlight only lasts half the day and both are affected by the wea… --- ## [What if the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 had not happened?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-bolshevik-revolution-of-1917-had-not-happened/334407)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-bolshevik-revolution-of-1917-had-not-happened/334407 "2005-12-09T07:20:30Z")
There were two revolutions in Russia in 1917: The February Revolution, which supplanted the tsar and established the Provisional Government led by Dr. Alexander Kerensky; and the October Revolution, which brought to powe… --- ## [Preserving Pure Virginia Bloodlines - A Modest Proposal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preserving-pure-virginia-bloodlines-a-modest-proposal/334546)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/preserving-pure-virginia-bloodlines-a-modest-proposal/334546 "2005-12-09T06:13:07Z")
I am dismayed to see that Virginia families are being diluted by intermarriage with non-Virginians, and non-Virginians are owning and building on Virginia land. Accordingly, I’d like to propose that Virginia lease some … --- ## [Term Life Insurance Plan vs. Universal Life Plan](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-life-insurance-plan-vs-universal-life-plan/334495)
**Author:** [@Moonchild](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonchild)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-life-insurance-plan-vs-universal-life-plan/334495 "2005-12-09T04:09:59Z")
I am something of a newbie when it comes to Life Insurance and my wife is insisting that she have it before she turns 40, which is Friday (sidenote: she says the rates are lower if we apply before she turns 40 – is that … --- ## [Lincoln didn't free any slaves, did he?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lincoln-didnt-free-any-slaves-did-he/334073)
**Author:** [@Surbey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surbey)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2005, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lincoln-didnt-free-any-slaves-did-he/334073 "2005-12-09T03:12:06Z")
It is my understanding that the Emancipation Proclamation didn’t free any slaves. It said that the slaves in the Confederate States were free, but any state that came back to the Union could keep their slaves. My girlf… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=827) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=829)