# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=850 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 851 --- ## [Hiroshima and suicide bombers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiroshima-and-suicide-bombers/322876)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2005, 7:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hiroshima-and-suicide-bombers/322876 "2005-09-26T19:32:23Z")
Inspired by this thread. Though I am ambivalent about the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima, since it was a deliberate and mass-scale killing of civilians, several people in that thread raise some very good points about… --- ## [British Troops Arrested while "undercover", Freed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-troops-arrested-while-undercover-freed/322506)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2005, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/british-troops-arrested-while-undercover-freed/322506 "2005-09-26T19:18:42Z")
CNN Link Huh? Two “undercover” British troopers are broken out of an Iraqi police gaol, by British forces. The kicker: they were arrested forshooting up civilians: That shot of the burning Brit - those two must have… --- ## [Is Bush in a lose-lose situation with Rita?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bush-in-a-lose-lose-situation-with-rita/322902)
**Author:** [@Hampshire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hampshire)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2005, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-bush-in-a-lose-lose-situation-with-rita/322902 "2005-09-26T16:15:05Z")
With Rita bearing down on Houston right now I wonder how this will pan out for Bush Co. If there is mass destruction like Katrina he has no choice but try to “be prepared” this time and make it look like they learned fr… --- ## [Shades of Adolph Hitler](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shades-of-adolph-hitler/323340)
**Author:** [@NadaHappyCamper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NadaHappyCamper)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2005, 11:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shades-of-adolph-hitler/323340 "2005-09-26T11:25:09Z")
Am I being a paranoid, crazy, nutcase when I say that we in the U.S.of A. are following a pathway of life that Adolph Hitler would support? Please don’t expect “cites,” I can’t provide specific examples. Though I really … --- ## [Iran vs Isreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-vs-isreal/323329)
**Author:** [@Jeffro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeffro)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2005, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iran-vs-isreal/323329 "2005-09-26T05:58:17Z")
What would happen if Iran nuked Isreal? Specifically,Tel Aviv. What would anybody do or say? --- ## [How large a scandal is Able Danger?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-large-a-scandal-is-able-danger/322998)
**Author:** [@marshmallow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/marshmallow)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2005, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-large-a-scandal-is-able-danger/322998 "2005-09-25T22:41:27Z")
I am starving for information. I’m very confused about why the mainstream media isn’t at least mentioning what’s going on…they’re become permanent hurricane channels, it appears. Background information here for those of… --- ## [Which has the better track record -- partisan or nonpartisan elections?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-has-the-better-track-record-partisan-or-nonpartisan-elections/322791)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2005, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-has-the-better-track-record-partisan-or-nonpartisan-elections/322791 "2005-09-25T20:20:24Z")
I posed this question in this thread – http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=334363 – and this one http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=314742 – but nobody bit. Thanks to the Progressive m… --- ## [Peak Oil + The Second Little Ice Age + The Avian Flu Pandemic; or just pessimism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-oil-the-second-little-ice-age-the-avian-flu-pandemic-or-just-pessimism/322645)
**Author:** [@archmichael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/archmichael)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2005, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/peak-oil-the-second-little-ice-age-the-avian-flu-pandemic-or-just-pessimism/322645 "2005-09-25T19:26:14Z")
Maybe I am just having a bout of pessimism, but reading more and more news stories about peak oil, the shutdown of the thermohaline system, the probability of experiencing a pandemic in our lifetime…I am worried. Even mo… --- ## [Another Guantanamo Brit- Another Paradox for Bush and Blair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-guantanamo-brit-another-paradox-for-bush-and-blair/323315)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2005, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-guantanamo-brit-another-paradox-for-bush-and-blair/323315 "2005-09-25T14:49:59Z")
According to The Observer, David Hicks the Australian about to go before a military tribunal (kangaroo court) next month, has an automatic claim on British Nationality. Howard (Ausssie PM and even more of a Bush Arse … --- ## [Science Education: Time for a ground-up reworking?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-education-time-for-a-ground-up-reworking/322979)
**Author:** [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2005, 12:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-education-time-for-a-ground-up-reworking/322979 "2005-09-25T12:32:16Z")
This thread got me thinking: I may disagree with some of the folks in discussion, but I must admit, the more I read their counter-arguments, the more I understand how they came to the conclusions they do, and how they’r… --- ## [beauty of paradox](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beauty-of-paradox/323295)
**Author:** [@jargan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jargan)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2005, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beauty-of-paradox/323295 "2005-09-25T04:39:26Z")
A.M.D.G. S.D. Howe P.O.Box 107 Carmichael CA 95609 A Letter beauty of paradox one hundred and twenty words Dear \_\_\_ The reality of man’s ultimate concern Jesus Christ the personification of spiritualistic realization ult… --- ## [Creationists in Museums. Two tier America ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creationists-in-museums-two-tier-america/322524)
**Author:** [@Rashak\_Mani](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rashak_Mani)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2005, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/creationists-in-museums-two-tier-america/322524 "2005-09-24T17:03:41Z")
Read this sad piece of news: Challenged by Creationists, Museums Answer Back Museums are giving training sessions to staff and volunteers to answer visiting creationists more respectfully and with better arguments. Some… --- ## [Roman Church to Bar Gays from Priesthood?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-church-to-bar-gays-from-priesthood/322823)
**Author:** [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2005, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roman-church-to-bar-gays-from-priesthood/322823 "2005-09-24T15:44:19Z")
Perhaps yes, according to the NYT. Don’t know what to make of it, really. I would agree there’s a potentially arguable case against gay lovemaking, according to Scripture, and depending on whose translations you think … --- ## [Resolved: Gun control is unworkable and impractical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-gun-control-is-unworkable-and-impractical/320532)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2005, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-gun-control-is-unworkable-and-impractical/320532 "2005-09-24T03:17:21Z")
It has become obvious during the recent calamity along the US Gulf Coast that we are primarily responsible for our own security. During times of disaster and civil unrest, the government is not capable of maintaining or… --- ## [Face transplants for the horribly disfigured -- should it be tried?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/face-transplants-for-the-horribly-disfigured-should-it-be-tried/322174)
**Author:** [@EddyTeddyFreddy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EddyTeddyFreddy)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2005, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/face-transplants-for-the-horribly-disfigured-should-it-be-tried/322174 "2005-09-23T15:45:35Z")
There’s a story today on cnn.com about a surgeon’s plans to attempt a full-face transplant. The article goes into detail on the groundwork that’s been laid for this, the possible complications, the informed-consent iss… --- ## [North Korea returns to six-nation talks. Glimmer of hope?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korea-returns-to-six-nation-talks-glimmer-of-hope/312049)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2005, 12:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korea-returns-to-six-nation-talks-glimmer-of-hope/312049 "2005-09-23T00:16:13Z")
North Korea is abandoning its year-long boycott of nuclear disarmament talks – and its insistence that bilateral talks with the U.S. must come first – and has agreed to resume six-nation negotiations with the U.S., South… --- ## [Moussad Agents and 9/11 - Debunk](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moussad-agents-and-9-11-debunk/322853)
**Author:** [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2005, 10:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/moussad-agents-and-9-11-debunk/322853 "2005-09-22T22:48:14Z")
I was having a fairly normal conversation with a co-worker who is from the middle east. We were discussing how America is perceived overseas. Then he trotted out an anecdote about how a woman noticed a bunch of men sitti… --- ## [What if the revolutions of 1848 had succeeded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-revolutions-of-1848-had-succeeded/322637)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2005, 8:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-revolutions-of-1848-had-succeeded/322637 "2005-09-22T20:30:45Z")
In February 1848, the revolution in France (deposing the “July Monarchy” of King Louis-Philippe, and inaugurating the Second Republic) set off a wave of attempted revolutions, affecting every part of Europe except for Ru… --- ## [Iraq, Katrina, Homeland Sec., Tax cuts, Trans. Bill.- Where's the money coming from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-katrina-homeland-sec-tax-cuts-trans-bill-wheres-the-money-coming-from/322315)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2005, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-katrina-homeland-sec-tax-cuts-trans-bill-wheres-the-money-coming-from/322315 "2005-09-22T11:29:59Z")
This stuff is pretty expensive. How are we going to manage to pay for all these things without taking money from necessary services and infrastructure expenditures? We can’t keep borrowing forever… or can we? --- ## [Prostitution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prostitution/314991)
**Author:** [@Soylent\_Gene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Gene)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2005, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prostitution/314991 "2005-09-22T06:35:44Z")
Why is it illegal? --- ## [Naive question about reforming US taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naive-question-about-reforming-us-taxes/320994)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2005, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/naive-question-about-reforming-us-taxes/320994 "2005-09-22T02:36:19Z")
First of all, mods and admins, I’m sorry if this thread is in the wrong forum, but I wasn’t quiet sure where to put it. Since I’ve never heard this brought up, I’m assuming that it must be a really bad idea, but I’ll as… --- ## [Do taxes affect economic growth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-taxes-affect-economic-growth/322177)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2005, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-taxes-affect-economic-growth/322177 "2005-09-22T02:04:09Z")
Is there any hard evidence that tax rates or tax cuts have positive or negative effects on economic growth? I can’t find hard evidence for either position --- ## [Bush's plan to rebuild: Whats this puppy gona cost us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-plan-to-rebuild-whats-this-puppy-gona-cost-us/321896)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bushs-plan-to-rebuild-whats-this-puppy-gona-cost-us/321896 "2005-09-21T23:18:31Z")
Title really says it all. In Bush’s speech he says he is ramping up the government for the (to paraphrase) ‘largest rebuilding project the world has ever seen’. His speech was full of huge plans and grand efforts…but w… --- ## [A world where Constantine wasn't so Great](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-world-where-constantine-wasnt-so-great/322070)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2005, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-world-where-constantine-wasnt-so-great/322070 "2005-09-21T22:58:02Z")
How would history have been different if Constantine the Great never became emperor? Or if he lost the Battle of Milvian Bridge to Maxentius? Or if he and Licinius never issued the Edict of Milan? Would another emp… --- ## [Will Katrina rebuilding change LA's notoriously corrupt political and fiscal culture?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-katrina-rebuilding-change-las-notoriously-corrupt-political-and-fiscal-culture/322142)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2005, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-katrina-rebuilding-change-las-notoriously-corrupt-political-and-fiscal-culture/322142 "2005-09-21T20:14:33Z")
Per this story about how corrupt Louisiana “business as usual” political fixers stole or re-directed lots of Federally granted emergency prep money - Since the entire nation is now (effectively) saddled with the financi… --- ## [Bumvertising](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bumvertising/321481)
**Author:** [@Cervaise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cervaise)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2005, 7:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bumvertising/321481 "2005-09-21T19:40:16Z")
He’s standing by the freeway offramp all day, why not stick a logo on him? More information at the link. Possible questions for debate: Is this a natural outgrowth of market forces (easily available low-cost labor, h… --- ## [Pornography or Prostitution](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-or-prostitution/322547)
**Author:** [@Improv\_Geek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Improv_Geek)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2005, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pornography-or-prostitution/322547 "2005-09-21T17:50:02Z")
An interesting article from CNN, we talked about it in my ethics course today - so I throw it to the SDMB wolves. What do you think? CNN Article --- ## [Hillary in '08](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillary-in-08/321351)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2005, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hillary-in-08/321351 "2005-09-21T16:08:17Z")
Should the Democrats nominate Hillary Clinton for President in 2008? As a Liberal except when it comes to the 2nd Ammendment I’d really like to see a Democrat in the Oval Office. I think it’s past time for the U.S. to … --- ## [Just how responsible was Jimmy Carter for the troubled economy of the late 1970s?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-how-responsible-was-jimmy-carter-for-the-troubled-economy-of-the-late-1970s/322124)
**Author:** [@Carnac\_the\_Magnificent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Carnac_the_Magnificent)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2005, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-how-responsible-was-jimmy-carter-for-the-troubled-economy-of-the-late-1970s/322124 "2005-09-21T06:26:34Z")
Much is made of the double-digit interest rates and burgeoning national deficit that characterized Jimmy Carter’s administration, but just how responsible was he for these economic problems? I recall Ronald Reagan chidi… --- ## [Enemy combatants](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enemy-combatants/322636)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2005, 5:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/enemy-combatants/322636 "2005-09-21T05:46:54Z")
I have a few questions about this topic, but I’ll start out with just a couple, and decide wether or not to ask the others, depending on the answers I get. Has the Enemy Cobatant status been around for a while, or was… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=849) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=851)