# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=830 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 831 --- ## ["Strategic" industries and buying of UK companies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strategic-industries-and-buying-of-uk-companies/334156)
**Author:** [@Pushkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pushkin)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2005, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/strategic-industries-and-buying-of-uk-companies/334156 "2005-12-06T14:52:18Z")
There was an article in last week’s Economist about the buying of P&O by a Dubai based concern. It was mentioned that it is a lot easier to buy a UK company compared to a company in France or Germany who are more protect… --- ## [Bush wanted to bomb al-Jazeera HQ in Doha, Qatar?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-wanted-to-bomb-al-jazeera-hq-in-doha-qatar/332282)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 208\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2005, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bush-wanted-to-bomb-al-jazeera-hq-in-doha-qatar/332282 "2005-12-06T14:46:50Z")
The British newspaper The Daily Mirror just broke a story based on a “Top Secret” Downing Street memo: In April 2004, when Tony Blair visited Washington, Bush proposed bombing the Doha, Qatar, headquarters of the al-Jaze… --- ## [Do you think threads on this forum change anybody's mind?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-threads-on-this-forum-change-anybodys-mind/333420)
**Author:** [@mint\_my\_own](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mint_my_own)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2005, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-threads-on-this-forum-change-anybodys-mind/333420 "2005-12-06T11:23:37Z")
Yes As if --- ## [Roe vs Wade----Overturned goes back to the states? Are you sure?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roe-vs-wade-overturned-goes-back-to-the-states-are-you-sure/333797)
**Author:** [@ombre3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ombre3)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2005, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roe-vs-wade-overturned-goes-back-to-the-states-are-you-sure/333797 "2005-12-06T08:23:48Z")
All I ever hear is that if Roe vs Wade is overturned very little will change. Each state will determine abortion and most states will be pro-choice. So no great problemo right? A little annoyance maybe. I am no lawye… --- ## [What is your plan for Iraq?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-plan-for-iraq/333961)
**Author:** [@Agnostic\_Pagan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agnostic_Pagan)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2005, 4:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-your-plan-for-iraq/333961 "2005-12-06T04:42:01Z")
In reference to this thread, what is your plan for Iraq? Specifically, what goals and metrics would you propose to measure our progress? I found Banquet Bear’s analysis of the metrics in the administration’s fluff piece … --- ## [Should voting be a right that is earned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-voting-be-a-right-that-is-earned/334265)
**Author:** [@Plynck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plynck)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2005, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-voting-be-a-right-that-is-earned/334265 "2005-12-06T01:25:28Z")
This was loosely inspired by talking to a friend who moved to Israel. One of the conditions of his becoming an Israeli citizen was that he had to spend time in the Israeli Army. Voter turnout in this country can be lig… --- ## [Moral implications of deliberately trying to cause disability to a planned baby?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-implications-of-deliberately-trying-to-cause-disability-to-a-planned-baby/333892)
**Author:** [@FinnAgain](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FinnAgain)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2005, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moral-implications-of-deliberately-trying-to-cause-disability-to-a-planned-baby/333892 "2005-12-06T00:37:50Z")
A question arose in a thread in the Pit, and I figure that a good place to have a flame free discussion would be GD. The situation is like this: A woman decides to get pregnant. Due to circumstances the only way for her… --- ## [Never mind 2008, what about 2006?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/never-mind-2008-what-about-2006/334227)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2005, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/never-mind-2008-what-about-2006/334227 "2005-12-05T21:57:32Z")
Inspired by this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=347803 It’s understandably simpler, sexier and a whole lot more fun to try to handicap a presidential race than a congressional election. Bu… --- ## [Slavery is not possible under Capitalism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slavery-is-not-possible-under-capitalism/333603)
**Author:** [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2005, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/slavery-is-not-possible-under-capitalism/333603 "2005-12-05T18:09:04Z")
I have seen it said that slavery can not exist for long under capitalism and that the only reason it remained in the south for so long is because they were more of a Feudal society than a Capitalist one. However, I do n… --- ## [Christians/Jews: Will everybody recognize Christ/The Messiah when He returns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-jews-will-everybody-recognize-christ-the-messiah-when-he-returns/334042)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2005, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-jews-will-everybody-recognize-christ-the-messiah-when-he-returns/334042 "2005-12-05T16:01:15Z")
A question for Christians: do you believe that when Christ returns, all people will recognize Him for who He is? Or will there be controversy as to whether or not it’s really Him? Will the presence of doubters be proof… --- ## [Ugly Dog Sam- a Chupacabra?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugly-dog-sam-a-chupacabra/334158)
**Author:** [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2005, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ugly-dog-sam-a-chupacabra/334158 "2005-12-05T12:59:57Z")
Inspired by this thread- On www.coasttocoastam.com, I’ve seen pix of alleged chupacabras (dead) and I know some have dismissed them as being decayed carcasses of severly mangy dogs. Now Ugly Dog Sam is supposed to be … --- ## [Should there be a Right-to-Privacy Const. Amendment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-there-be-a-right-to-privacy-const-amendment/329375)
**Author:** [@MovieMogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MovieMogul)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2005, 4:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-there-be-a-right-to-privacy-const-amendment/329375 "2005-12-05T04:14:12Z")
Excerpted from Dan Savage: Presumably, what exactly those rights entailed would be an issue. What kind of wording (explicit or general) would sway Dopers one way or the other? Hearing from our friends (particularly o… --- ## [Chomsky a chump???(He appeals to CIA false flag operation on behalf of hostages)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chomsky-a-chump-he-appeals-to-cia-false-flag-operation-on-behalf-of-hostages/333931)
**Author:** [@alaricthegoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alaricthegoth)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2005, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chomsky-a-chump-he-appeals-to-cia-false-flag-operation-on-behalf-of-hostages/333931 "2005-12-04T22:34:04Z")
Noam Chomsky, (who is without peradventure the smartest guy alive) has joined with a veritable “who’s who of conscience” to launch an qppeal for the release of four Christian Peacekeeper Team(ates). Their charmingly n… --- ## [Bowl of Fluffy Feelings – Fligt 93 national memorial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bowl-of-fluffy-feelings-fligt-93-national-memorial/333539)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2005, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bowl-of-fluffy-feelings-fligt-93-national-memorial/333539 "2005-12-04T21:49:45Z")
So after massive critique (or in the words of the designers “unfortunate diversion”) the designers of the Fligt 93 memorial, originals termed The Crescent of Embrace, have agreed to some changes of the design. Is it real… --- ## [Reagan toppled the berlin wall...ended communism.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reagan-toppled-the-berlin-wall-ended-communism/334009)
**Author:** [@jocularjason](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jocularjason)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2005, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reagan-toppled-the-berlin-wall-ended-communism/334009 "2005-12-04T20:19:21Z")
Did he really? --- ## [Should the government be regulating satellite radio?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-government-be-regulating-satellite-radio/333732)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2005, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-government-be-regulating-satellite-radio/333732 "2005-12-04T13:17:02Z")
I cannot stand the witchhunt that terrestrial radio has been dealing with since Janet Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction,” so I really hate the fact that the government would consider expanding the scope of its ability to … --- ## [Why do businesses substitute "Holidays" for "Christmas"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-businesses-substitute-holidays-for-christmas/333914)
**Author:** [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2005, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-businesses-substitute-holidays-for-christmas/333914 "2005-12-04T13:04:27Z")
As you may have heard, confirmed wanker Bill O’Reilly is on a tear this year about businesses who use “Holidays” or “Season” in place of “Christmas” in their advertising, their employee greetings, etc. Bill claims that … --- ## [My USA foreign policy for the 21st century](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-usa-foreign-policy-for-the-21st-century/332869)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2005, 12:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-usa-foreign-policy-for-the-21st-century/332869 "2005-12-04T12:42:02Z")
The problem in short The USA has overextended itself and is in serious danger of going the way of Rome, Byzantium, and the British Empire. GWII is a repeat of Vietnam: a war in which America plays World Policeman, losi… --- ## [Does Sadam delerve a fair trial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-sadam-delerve-a-fair-trial/332972)
**Author:** [@Intermatic\_Timer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Intermatic_Timer)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2005, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-sadam-delerve-a-fair-trial/332972 "2005-12-04T12:16:22Z")
What if the new Iraqi government just announced that he was going to be executed for losing the war, that they don’t need specifics other than he orderd his armies to kill the people who won, and that everybody knows it … --- ## [Why did men create the false gods?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-men-create-the-false-gods/333584)
**Author:** [@Angels\_Flight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angels_Flight)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2005, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-men-create-the-false-gods/333584 "2005-12-04T06:11:01Z")
Every religion believes the other gods are wrong. Why were they created? --- ## [Penis Flytrap--is this a good idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penis-flytrap-is-this-a-good-idea/333438)
**Author:** [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2005, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/penis-flytrap-is-this-a-good-idea/333438 "2005-12-04T00:45:47Z")
http://www.theherald.co.za/herald/news/n13\_28112005.htm I’ve been following this story for a while now. It’s about a " new type of ‘condom with teeth’ aimed at preventing rape" that is now on sale in South Africa. Her… --- ## [What's Bush's "Plan for victory"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-bushs-plan-for-victory/333426)
**Author:** [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2005, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-bushs-plan-for-victory/333426 "2005-12-03T23:58:02Z")
My question is to some extent a GQ, but given the topic… What exactly did Bush stated in his speech? I’m under the impression that he said essentially nothing apart from some vague meaningless generalities. Am I right? … --- ## ["again puts the onus on the woman to "protect herself""(against rape)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/again-puts-the-onus-on-the-woman-to-protect-herself-against-rape/333904)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2005, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/again-puts-the-onus-on-the-woman-to-protect-herself-against-rape/333904 "2005-12-03T20:35:44Z")
In some other threads about female condoms that are designed to injure people who ‘penetrate’ females who inserted the device (ment to quickly end a rape), one post was: My question is why is it not her responsibility … --- ## [How is the media covering the Venezuelan election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-media-covering-the-venezuelan-election/333919)
**Author:** [@Henry-Finland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Henry-Finland)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2005, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-the-media-covering-the-venezuelan-election/333919 "2005-12-03T18:46:51Z")
http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/12/2/17334/7970 So, is the election a fraud :eek: and if it is, in what way? :dubious: Henry --- ## [Resolved: Christmas should be rescinded as a national holiday in the U.S.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-christmas-should-be-rescinded-as-a-national-holiday-in-the-u-s/333553)
**Author:** [@Lord\_Ashtar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lord_Ashtar)\ **Replies:** 143\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2005, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-christmas-should-be-rescinded-as-a-national-holiday-in-the-u-s/333553 "2005-12-03T18:40:15Z")
This has probably been done before, but not by me. So here we go. Christmas is a Christian holiday (despite how it’s been turned into a secular feeding frenzy at the mall). Therefore, it shouldn’t be set aside differe… --- ## [Iraq Optimists: Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-optimists-put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is/333745)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2005, 4:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-optimists-put-your-money-where-your-mouth-is/333745 "2005-12-03T16:35:20Z")
We have a significant number of conservative posters here who are supporting the Bush administration policy that victory is the only acceptable outcome in Iraq, and that the US will stay the course until victory is achie… --- ## [10 Marines Dead- was news delay justified?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-marines-dead-was-news-delay-justified/333779)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2005, 7:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/10-marines-dead-was-news-delay-justified/333779 "2005-12-03T07:20:50Z")
BBC News has just reported on its view of the release of news of the sad deaths of ten marines in Iraq. It pointed out that usually such deaths are reported promptly and in Iraq to the Press Corps, but in this case the … --- ## [Teaching the Bible in public schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-the-bible-in-public-schools/333618)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2005, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/teaching-the-bible-in-public-schools/333618 "2005-12-03T06:59:56Z")
New U.S. textbook aims to teach Bible. I’m actually pretty ok with this, at least in theory. The execution is going to be tricky and I don’t think this approach should be limited to the Bible but I do think that the Bi… --- ## [Is the trend to absentee ballots a good thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-trend-to-absentee-ballots-a-good-thing/333840)
**Author:** [@mint\_my\_own](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mint_my_own)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2005, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-trend-to-absentee-ballots-a-good-thing/333840 "2005-12-03T00:34:44Z")
The bad points I see are these: Many people are sending these off really early by rote when asked to by their party organizers. So they reflect nothing of the campaign itself. Seems wrong to skip the debate. The other… --- ## [Good Job Justice Brunton](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-job-justice-brunton/333741)
**Author:** [@Queuing](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Queuing)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2005, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-job-justice-brunton/333741 "2005-12-02T22:20:02Z")
So, for a while at least, a Quebec judge removed the restrictions that had been placed on Karla Homolka after serving her joke of a sentence. Well I say good for him. I don’t understand how it was okay to apply this re… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=829) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=831)