# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=838 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 839 --- ## [Georgia vs. Goodman](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/georgia-vs-goodman/330207)
**Author:** [@furlibusea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furlibusea)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2005, 3:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/georgia-vs-goodman/330207 "2005-11-09T15:05:44Z")
The Case The fact that it happened is horrible, but the debate is should it be possible for states to assert soveign immunity for clear violations of federal law. My second question is are there compensetory damages fo… --- ## [Effect of generational changes in American society/culture/politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-generational-changes-in-american-society-culture-politics/328762)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2005, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effect-of-generational-changes-in-american-society-culture-politics/328762 "2005-11-09T14:13:13Z")
In Edge City (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0385424345/qid=1130784076/sr=8-1/ref=pd\_bbs\_1/104-2871545-1479902?v=glance&s=books&n=507846), Joel Garreau made the point that, “You cannot count on people to c… --- ## [President Jimmy Carter: Success or failure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-jimmy-carter-success-or-failure/328998)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2005, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-jimmy-carter-success-or-failure/328998 "2005-11-09T11:46:43Z")
Previous thread on President George H W Bush President Carter was in office from Jan 1977- Jan 1981 The Good: Camp David Accords. SALT II Treaty Creation of the Department of Energy Panama Canal Treaty Paul Volcke… --- ## [Tonight's election results?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tonights-election-results/330156)
**Author:** [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2005, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tonights-election-results/330156 "2005-11-09T02:53:46Z")
Looks like Tim Kaine will be the next governor of Virginia, ditto Jon Corzine in New Jersey. Meanwhile, Texas has apparently banned gay marriage. What do these and other results say about the national political picture… --- ## [Intifada in France](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intifada-in-france/329654)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2005, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/intifada-in-france/329654 "2005-11-09T02:18:08Z")
Nine or ten days straight of rioting, and French impotence plastered on the front-pages of newspapers round the globe (and a lot of US and British pundits barely able to conceal their glee) What should be done in the sh… --- ## ["Information wants to be free" - What do people who use this term really mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/information-wants-to-be-free-what-do-people-who-use-this-term-really-mean/329045)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2005, 1:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/information-wants-to-be-free-what-do-people-who-use-this-term-really-mean/329045 "2005-11-09T01:03:45Z")
I keep hearing this in all sorts of debates about copyright law and related items. I tracked it’s origin down to this site that gives it’s history “Information Wants to be Free …” While the background origin is intere… --- ## [Google Print: "We are scanning them to be read by an AI."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-print-we-are-scanning-them-to-be-read-by-an-ai/328791)
**Author:** [@alterego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alterego)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2005, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-print-we-are-scanning-them-to-be-read-by-an-ai/328791 "2005-11-09T00:50:14Z")
“We are not scanning all those books to be read by people. We are scanning them to be read by an AI.” link Everyone sees a different elephant in the room with Google Print, so here’s mine. On Aug 1, it was revealed that… --- ## [El Cabillito to Jorge:"You no-good fascist child killer, how do you like me now?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/el-cabillito-to-jorge-you-no-good-fascist-child-killer-how-do-you-like-me-now/329701)
**Author:** [@alaricthegoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alaricthegoth)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/el-cabillito-to-jorge-you-no-good-fascist-child-killer-how-do-you-like-me-now/329701 "2005-11-08T23:22:56Z")
“Every one of us has brought a shovel, because Mar del Plata is going to be the tomb of F.T.A.A.,” Mr. Chavez told a crowd carrying banners calling Bush a “fascist,” “child-killer” and “genocidal-beast,” the New York Tim… --- ## [Morality in its most fundamental form](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morality-in-its-most-fundamental-form/329494)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morality-in-its-most-fundamental-form/329494 "2005-11-08T23:18:27Z")
I’m curious if the concept of right and wrong can be distilled down to a simple rule, or a few simple rules. Something like “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”, although obviously that cliche fails in a … --- ## [Proposed Dem theme for 2006-08: "We can do better than that."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-dem-theme-for-2006-08-we-can-do-better-than-that/328910)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-dem-theme-for-2006-08-we-can-do-better-than-that/328910 "2005-11-08T19:48:44Z")
Invade Middle Eastern countries that had nothing to do with 9-11? We can do better than that. Make torturers out of our American servicemen? We can do better than that. Out of control deficit spending on bridges to n… --- ## [Why didn't Nazis come to power in America in the 1930's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-nazis-come-to-power-in-america-in-the-1930s/329660)
**Author:** [@Evil\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_One)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-nazis-come-to-power-in-america-in-the-1930s/329660 "2005-11-08T18:24:46Z")
I’m curious what fellow dopers think of the societal differences between Germany and the United States of the 1930’s and 1940’s. Specifically, the Nazi’s managed to gain and hold power in Germany. But nothing close t… --- ## [Why shouldn't polygamous marriage be legal in the US? It's all a contract in the end](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-polygamous-marriage-be-legal-in-the-us-its-all-a-contract-in-the-end/329301)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-polygamous-marriage-be-legal-in-the-us-its-all-a-contract-in-the-end/329301 "2005-11-08T06:33:16Z")
Well why not? If people want to couple differently what business is it of the state how they choose to arrange their coupling lifestyle? So long as property rights are clearly delineated and children’s welfare is not ad… --- ## [How Black is black enough?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-black-is-black-enough/329478)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 6:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-black-is-black-enough/329478 "2005-11-08T06:31:21Z")
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel says Clarence Thomas is not black enough for them: http://www.mediainfo.com/eandp/news/article\_display.jsp?vnu\_content\_id=1001433835 Lotsa Dems in Maryland think that Maryland Republican … --- ## [Why pay attention to only what you agree with?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-pay-attention-to-only-what-you-agree-with/329930)
**Author:** [@Regallag\_The\_Axe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Regallag_The_Axe)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-pay-attention-to-only-what-you-agree-with/329930 "2005-11-08T03:21:43Z")
Examples of what I mean: A staunch liberal who goes to Micheal Moore documentaries and has determined (before seeing it) that he will agree with the documentaries mesage. A staunch conservative who listens to conservat… --- ## [Why are the muslims rioting in France?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-muslims-rioting-in-france/329580)
**Author:** [@Jeffr062](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeffr062)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-muslims-rioting-in-france/329580 "2005-11-08T01:51:21Z")
France has had a very conciliatory attitude towards Muslims. Hell, they aren’t even involved in the Iraq war, so why the riots? --- ## [Is this racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-racist/329502)
**Author:** [@Birdmonster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Birdmonster)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2005, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-racist/329502 "2005-11-08T00:41:54Z")
Millions, So I’m having a pleasant, rainy-day conversation with a fairly uppity liberal (I am in San Francisco) and we start talking about old wait-staff jobs we’ve had. It’s all chuckles and reminiscing until I make a … --- ## [California Dopers; Special Election thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-dopers-special-election-thread/329958)
**Author:** [@Birdmonster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Birdmonster)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2005, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/california-dopers-special-election-thread/329958 "2005-11-07T21:06:00Z")
Millions, I’m surprised this thread hasn’t been started yet, but, then again, no one’s really all that excited about these propositions are they? I spent the last couple days reading my voter handbook (not the laughable… --- ## [Mcain and others say they will add torture ban to all major legislation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcain-and-others-say-they-will-add-torture-ban-to-all-major-legislation/329730)
**Author:** [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2005, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mcain-and-others-say-they-will-add-torture-ban-to-all-major-legislation/329730 "2005-11-07T20:51:43Z")
Story Under the circumstances, I think this is a good idea. I consider it typical of Bush and friends that they are pro-torture; if it hurts people, they support it. Up for debate : 1 : Is this a good idea ? 2 : If … --- ## [Abortion: Is searching for "common ground" a "right" thing to do.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-is-searching-for-common-ground-a-right-thing-to-do/329797)
**Author:** [@beagledave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beagledave)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2005, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abortion-is-searching-for-common-ground-a-right-thing-to-do/329797 "2005-11-07T20:35:38Z")
In 1994, an abortion foe went on a killing spree, killing two women and wounding several others in the Boston area. In the days following that, the Public Conversations Project in Watertown, Mass arranged for six pro cho… --- ## [Ohio Dopers: Let's Talk Election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-dopers-lets-talk-election/329792)
**Author:** [@Wolfian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wolfian)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2005, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ohio-dopers-lets-talk-election/329792 "2005-11-07T20:05:14Z")
Specifically the issues on the ballot. I’m new to the state and don’t feel I have enough information to make a good decision. I know that Issue 2 is about making it easier to vote in advance, which I have no problem wi… --- ## [How liberal is the national media?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-liberal-is-the-national-media/328772)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2005, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-liberal-is-the-national-media/328772 "2005-11-07T15:20:43Z")
Remember the poll done after one of the Clinton victories in which 80+% of reporters polled said that they voted for Clinton? Anybody remember the specifics? Have similar polls been done since? --- ## [Venezuela's Chavez threatens to give away F-16 technology - Is this a big deal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venezuelas-chavez-threatens-to-give-away-f-16-technology-is-this-a-big-deal/329804)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2005, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/venezuelas-chavez-threatens-to-give-away-f-16-technology-is-this-a-big-deal/329804 "2005-11-07T12:47:12Z")
The circa 1970’s F-16 is a bit long in the tooth at this point. Would China getting it’s hands on an F-16 (if it hasn’t already) be a big deal in terms of allowing them to advance their military aircraft technology? Bey… --- ## [Are Dems growing cajones?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-dems-growing-cajones/328995)
**Author:** [@Rachm\_Qoch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachm_Qoch)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2005, 8:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-dems-growing-cajones/328995 "2005-11-07T08:12:55Z")
Or just being asshats? Apparently this is the first time in 25 years a party (let alone a minority party) has unilaterly invoked Senate Rule 21 to hold closed-door sessions. With both parties gearing up for the Alito … --- ## [Should vegeterians be friends with meat eaters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-vegeterians-be-friends-with-meat-eaters/328831)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2005, 5:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-vegeterians-be-friends-with-meat-eaters/328831 "2005-11-07T05:57:34Z")
For the purposes of this thread, I’m referring to people who are vegeterians due to moral reasons, and not due to health reasons, or simply because that how they were raised. How can “moralist” vegetarians be friends wi… --- ## [Should Culture Play A Part in Immigration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-culture-play-a-part-in-immigration/329753)
**Author:** [@Rodgers01](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodgers01)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2005, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-culture-play-a-part-in-immigration/329753 "2005-11-07T00:57:29Z")
It is well known that the populations of most European countries are beginning to shrink, and that in order to keep the population (and the welfare system) afloat they’re either going to have to increase the birthrate or… --- ## [Could a sitting President send past Administration officials to the World Court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-sitting-president-send-past-administration-officials-to-the-world-court/329304)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2005, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-sitting-president-send-past-administration-officials-to-the-world-court/329304 "2005-11-06T21:26:27Z")
OK, let’s assume that I am elected President in 2008. So we know we’re in blue-sky territory right? And suppose that shortly after taking office, I discover a trove or three of documents clearly showing that Bush Adminis… --- ## [Loss of a culture – who cares?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loss-of-a-culture-who-cares/329271)
**Author:** [@Rune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rune)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2005, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/loss-of-a-culture-who-cares/329271 "2005-11-06T20:25:34Z")
Sociologists are saying the most dramatic cultural change taking part in western society these years, is the loss of a unique children’s culture. Stories, songs, rules, games, traditions, etc. passed on from (older) chil… --- ## [Just where should the line for service animals be drawn?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-where-should-the-line-for-service-animals-be-drawn/329537)
**Author:** [@OtakuLoki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OtakuLoki)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2005, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-where-should-the-line-for-service-animals-be-drawn/329537 "2005-11-06T17:24:36Z")
Recently there was a thread in the Pit about a girl suing to get her ferret declared a service animal, to allow her to cope with her anxiety disorder. The general consensus had been that while the ferret may well have b… --- ## [Does "Post Abortion Syndrome" exist, and does it matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-post-abortion-syndrome-exist-and-does-it-matter/329704)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2005, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-post-abortion-syndrome-exist-and-does-it-matter/329704 "2005-11-06T16:27:26Z")
The trauma that a woman experiences after undergoing an abortion appears to be a subject of some debate. I’ve seen it pop into threads here and on other sites. One current abortion thread has a few posts about the repe… --- ## [The U.S. Constitution is deliberately Godless. Discuss.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-u-s-constitution-is-deliberately-godless-discuss/328888)
**Author:** [@ambushed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ambushed)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2005, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-u-s-constitution-is-deliberately-godless-discuss/328888 "2005-11-06T16:12:26Z")
From: Freethinkers: A History of American Secularism, by Susan Jacoby: This post is continued in the next post… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=837) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=839)