# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=841 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 842 --- ## [What are the implications of free energy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-implications-of-free-energy/328770)
**Author:** [@Catalyst](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Catalyst)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 7:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-implications-of-free-energy/328770 "2005-11-01T07:09:02Z")
Let’s assume that fusion power becomes 1) feasible, 2) ridiculously cheap and 3) widespread enough that energy is no longer a scarce resource. It seems to me that the cost of production of many (if not most) goods would… --- ## [No EST = nazis on dinosaurs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-est-nazis-on-dinosaurs/328763)
**Author:** [@JustAnotherGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustAnotherGeek)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-est-nazis-on-dinosaurs/328763 "2005-11-01T05:13:13Z")
To avoid hijacking this thread, I want to know just what would happen if we picked Daylight Saving Time over Easten Standard Time, permanently. Would the world end and Nazis ride around on Dinosaurs? Ok, seriously. I’… --- ## [Scriptural support for non-drinking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scriptural-support-for-non-drinking/328307)
**Author:** [@Stonebow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stonebow)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 3:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scriptural-support-for-non-drinking/328307 "2005-11-01T03:38:54Z")
I have noticed among many Christian Churches, specifically Baptists denominations, remaining abstinent from alcohol is encouraged, if not required, in fellowship. Is there scriptural basis for this? My recollection of J… --- ## [For people who are convinced we are meat-machines: why is killing bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-people-who-are-convinced-we-are-meat-machines-why-is-killing-bad/327529)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/for-people-who-are-convinced-we-are-meat-machines-why-is-killing-bad/327529 "2005-11-01T03:21:24Z")
From the replies in this thread, it seems many on this board are convinced that we are just meat machines and when we die that is the end of it. If that is the case, then why is it bad to kill someone? They will just ce… --- ## [A prediction on the outcome of the Libby indictments.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-prediction-on-the-outcome-of-the-libby-indictments/328395)
**Author:** [@samclem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/samclem)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-prediction-on-the-outcome-of-the-libby-indictments/328395 "2005-11-01T02:04:08Z")
Remember–you read it here first. Libby will plead, in the next few weeks/months to some of the charges. He will get sentenced to either no prison time, or certainly a short, white collar stay. We will never know for s… --- ## [Effects of Bush's tax cuts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-of-bushs-tax-cuts/328326)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-of-bushs-tax-cuts/328326 "2005-11-01T01:41:40Z")
What effect have the Bush tax cuts had so far on the U.S. economy/deficit/goverenment effectiveness/things in general? --- ## [Could an atheist make an effective minister?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-an-atheist-make-an-effective-minister/328745)
**Author:** [@Sal\_Ammoniac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sal_Ammoniac)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-an-atheist-make-an-effective-minister/328745 "2005-11-01T00:52:47Z")
To the peril of my immortal soul, I found my mind wandering one day while listening to the sermon. I was thinking about ministers in general, and wondering just how many of them have their faith entirely intact. Obviou… --- ## [What if James Garfield had not been shot?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-james-garfield-had-not-been-shot/327898)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2005, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-james-garfield-had-not-been-shot/327898 "2005-11-01T00:21:06Z")
As I understand it, he wasn’t in office long enough to really have an effect on the country. So what would have happened if the man’s gun had misfired and the President’s men had hustled Garfield away? How would history … --- ## [What, exactly, is "price gouging" in re: gasoline prices?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-price-gouging-in-re-gasoline-prices/328336)
**Author:** [@Emilio\_Lizardo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Emilio_Lizardo)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-exactly-is-price-gouging-in-re-gasoline-prices/328336 "2005-10-31T21:45:00Z")
Politicians of all stripes pay lip service to the notion that “price gouging” among oil companies should be illegal, but what does that mean, exactly? Oil comanies are reporting record profits, and demand for gasoline,… --- ## [Do Political Parties Hold Established Values That Separate Them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-political-parties-hold-established-values-that-separate-them/328342)
**Author:** [@Noctolator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noctolator)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-political-parties-hold-established-values-that-separate-them/328342 "2005-10-31T20:38:56Z")
In my effort to understand Partisanism, I am trying to figure out what core political values are held differently by the two major parties. Take heed, I am not going ahead and saying they are identical. I am asking wha… --- ## [Why are more things not voluntarily placed into public domain?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-more-things-not-voluntarily-placed-into-public-domain/328426)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-more-things-not-voluntarily-placed-into-public-domain/328426 "2005-10-31T19:45:53Z")
In this thread, Polycarp states that: So why do more people not intentionally place their works into PD after a given period of time? A software company could state that all software they produce automatically becomes … --- ## [Sanctions on Syria?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanctions-on-syria/327308)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanctions-on-syria/327308 "2005-10-31T19:09:27Z")
From http://today.reuters.com/news/newsArticle.aspx?type=politicsNews&storyID=2005-10-21T150221Z\_01\_ROB152841\_RTRUKOC\_0\_US-LEBANON-SYRIA-UN.xml: Wait a minute – why was Bolton even asked about the possibility of sancti… --- ## [Enforced wellness programs to cut company costs](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforced-wellness-programs-to-cut-company-costs/328651)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enforced-wellness-programs-to-cut-company-costs/328651 "2005-10-31T18:38:10Z")
On 60 minutes they were talking about wellness programs and how some companies were making them involuntary instead of voluntary. Alright. I can see their argument (smoking, poor diet & lack of exercise lead to higher he… --- ## [So who forged the uranium documents?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-forged-the-uranium-documents/328722)
**Author:** [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-who-forged-the-uranium-documents/328722 "2005-10-31T17:01:52Z")
The thread on Joe Wilson got me thinking about this, but I didn’t want to start a hijack. Besides, this question deserves its own debate. Here’s the timeline, as posted in the other thread: Here’s how we know the docu… --- ## [Handicapping the next SC nomination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicapping-the-next-sc-nomination/322960)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 12:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/handicapping-the-next-sc-nomination/322960 "2005-10-31T12:52:31Z")
Bush originally nominated Judge John Roberts to fill Justice O’Connor’s seat, but since Chief Justice Rehnquist died he’s moved Roberts over to that slot – leaving another Associate Justice seat to fill. The name being … --- ## [Why didn't Joe Wilson publish his article sooner?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-joe-wilson-publish-his-article-sooner/328650)
**Author:** [@Lynwood\_Slim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynwood_Slim)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 7:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-joe-wilson-publish-his-article-sooner/328650 "2005-10-31T07:38:29Z")
I want to make sure I understand the chronology of Plame gate right, and then I have a few questions: The way I understand the chronology of Plame gate is this (and correct me if I am wrong): There is suspicion that w… --- ## [If you break/lose something, how much should you pay?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-break-lose-something-how-much-should-you-pay/328515)
**Author:** [@II\_Gyan\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/II_Gyan_II)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-break-lose-something-how-much-should-you-pay/328515 "2005-10-31T03:52:19Z")
Let’s say a friend buys a new iPod for $250. You borrow it to check it out. Unfortunately, you drop it & break it (if iPods are sturdy enough, substitute with some other product). Now it’s time to recompensate your frien… --- ## [How you treat the strong speaks more of your character than how you treat the poor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-you-treat-the-strong-speaks-more-of-your-character-than-how-you-treat-the-poor/326850)
**Author:** [@roger\_thornhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/roger_thornhill)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-you-treat-the-strong-speaks-more-of-your-character-than-how-you-treat-the-poor/326850 "2005-10-31T03:28:54Z")
I’ve believed this for many years, so that when I read in the Bible that we should not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great\*, it rang true for me. I felt I was equally in danger, through pride, of tryi… --- ## [Would the Soviets have invaded Pakistan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-soviets-have-invaded-pakistan/328421)
**Author:** [@Raja\_Raja\_Chola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Raja_Raja_Chola)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-soviets-have-invaded-pakistan/328421 "2005-10-31T03:16:04Z")
This is my first OP, so please be kind. I frequently hear the claim that if we hadn’t interfered in Afganistan, the Soviets would have secured control of the country and then marched into Pakistan. I’ve always been ske… --- ## [What if Bush nominated NRA Lawyer?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-bush-nominated-nra-lawyer/328589)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 31, 2005, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-bush-nominated-nra-lawyer/328589 "2005-10-31T03:09:48Z")
Clinton nominates ACLU lawyer and she is approved 96-3. --- ## [Why Do Men Have Nipples](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-have-nipples/327401)
**Author:** [@upndownon1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/upndownon1)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2005, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-men-have-nipples/327401 "2005-10-30T20:23:39Z")
Since this site is dedicated to fighting ignorance, I’d like to update this site’s article called “Why Do men Have Nipples?” Male nipples are not an accident. They are not left over “vestigial” organs. They are not usel… --- ## [Lottery winnings with stolen credit card](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lottery-winnings-with-stolen-credit-card/328320)
**Author:** [@Plynck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plynck)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2005, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lottery-winnings-with-stolen-credit-card/328320 "2005-10-30T18:39:31Z")
Hete’s the story: I think that these are two different events, and that she won the money irrespective of the means of payment. Right now there is no indication I can see that she was defrauding the credit card compan… --- ## [Hitching and Ditching in Libertaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitching-and-ditching-in-libertaria/328065)
**Author:** [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2005, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitching-and-ditching-in-libertaria/328065 "2005-10-30T14:01:21Z")
I found this thread interesting, despite the sniping, and so I thought I would post a new thread and avoid hijacking the other. The opinions of left- or right-libertarians are especially solicited, but any others as wel… --- ## ["Meet my CIA Wife," said Joe Wilson.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meet-my-cia-wife-said-joe-wilson/328382)
**Author:** [@What\_the](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/What_the)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2005, 11:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/meet-my-cia-wife-said-joe-wilson/328382 "2005-10-30T11:49:25Z")
… according to three different talking heads today. Now granted, it was on Fox News so you could attack the messenger … or you could question why it wasn’t heard on other outlets. The question is … did he actually int… --- ## [Designated Successor in Cuba](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/designated-successor-in-cuba/328525)
**Author:** [@rippingtons\_fan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rippingtons_fan)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [October 30, 2005, 2:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/designated-successor-in-cuba/328525 "2005-10-30T02:19:06Z")
Does Fidel Castro have a designated successor or is there an established mechanism within the Cuban Government and Communist Party to choose Fidel Castro’s successor? Will the Sandanistas ever return to power again in N… --- ## [Terror Attacks in India](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terror-attacks-in-india/328478)
**Author:** [@even\_sven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/even_sven)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2005, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/terror-attacks-in-india/328478 "2005-10-29T21:54:39Z")
First off, my heart goes out to the people of India. The world’s largest democracy surely deserves peace and happiness for it’s citizens. All the details arn’t out, but there were three explosions in New Delhi marketpla… --- ## [Harriet Miers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harriet-miers/324556)
**Author:** [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Replies:** 476\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2005, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/harriet-miers/324556 "2005-10-29T21:09:53Z")
Who is she? (I’m asking much more in the GD than the GQ sense. --- ## [What I Don’t’ Like about the Libby/Clinton Indictments](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-i-don-t-like-about-the-libby-clinton-indictments/328335)
**Author:** [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2005, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-i-don-t-like-about-the-libby-clinton-indictments/328335 "2005-10-29T19:57:17Z")
If possible I’d like to stay away from the background and specifics of each case, since my point here is that both men have been indicted on the charges of perjury, obstruction, and lying under oath. What I don’t like, … --- ## [Should Our Leadership Staff Constantly Be Under Investigation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-our-leadership-staff-constantly-be-under-investigation/328380)
**Author:** [@Noctolator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Noctolator)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2005, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-our-leadership-staff-constantly-be-under-investigation/328380 "2005-10-29T14:20:08Z")
I posted this in a thread that mistakenly likened indictments to impeachments \[Libby::Clinton\] and think I may be on to something as I watch how partisanist that discussion has become. I recently read something that gav… --- ## [Sheryl Swoopes: "I don't think I was born lesbian." Effects?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheryl-swoopes-i-dont-think-i-was-born-lesbian-effects/328280)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [October 29, 2005, 4:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sheryl-swoopes-i-dont-think-i-was-born-lesbian-effects/328280 "2005-10-29T04:18:46Z")
I decided to post this on GD, inspired by a comment made in this thread about George Takei spreading the word more strongly than he has before that he’s gay: But then I began thinking, what sort of sign is it, especial… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=840) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=842)