# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=859 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 860 --- ## [What would you expect a world to be like in which Intelligent Design were true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-expect-a-world-to-be-like-in-which-intelligent-design-were-true/317583)
**Author:** [@Skald\_the\_Rhymer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skald_the_Rhymer)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2005, 11:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-you-expect-a-world-to-be-like-in-which-intelligent-design-were-true/317583 "2005-08-22T11:58:10Z")
Greetings, all. I’m not sure if this question is more appropriate for Great Debates, General Questions, or Cafe Society, so if a moderator wishes to move it I won’t object. This post is a modified version of a message … --- ## [Did we teach terrorists the wrong lesson?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-we-teach-terrorists-the-wrong-lesson/317877)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2005, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-we-teach-terrorists-the-wrong-lesson/317877 "2005-08-22T05:24:01Z")
This is a question. I’m not saying, ‘This is what happened, and I’m going to debate you on it.’ I’m really curious. But I can see this turning into a debate so I’m posting here. Did the U.S. teach terrorists the wron… --- ## [What makes racist words racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-racist-words-racist/317633)
**Author:** [@snailboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snailboy)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2005, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-makes-racist-words-racist/317633 "2005-08-22T00:09:37Z")
I’ve been pondering this for a while. There seems to be two possible reasons: the speaker means it derogitorally and the listener considers it to be derogitory, whether the speaker meant it that way or not. The primary r… --- ## [Selfhood and Religion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selfhood-and-religion/317066)
**Author:** [@II\_Gyan\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/II_Gyan_II)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2005, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selfhood-and-religion/317066 "2005-08-21T18:51:52Z")
If the primacy of physicalism is true, then it can be argued that the self is an illusion i.e. a product itself of the brain’s processes. Thomas Metzinger argues as such, in Being No One : The Self-Model Theory of Subjec… --- ## [Would stem cell research that didn't "kill anyone" be more or less controversial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-stem-cell-research-that-didnt-kill-anyone-be-more-or-less-controversial/317991)
**Author:** [@elfkin477](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elfkin477)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2005, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-stem-cell-research-that-didnt-kill-anyone-be-more-or-less-controversial/317991 "2005-08-21T18:44:07Z")
When people talk about using embryos for stem cell research, the word “embryo” tends to conjure the mental picture of something like this which isn’t what they’re researching on since their subjects are a lot more like t… --- ## [Will we ever drill in Alaska?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-ever-drill-in-alaska/317463)
**Author:** [@mrmeman12](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrmeman12)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2005, 12:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-we-ever-drill-in-alaska/317463 "2005-08-21T12:51:08Z")
As gas prices get higher and higher, we need more oil! Now doesn’t the Arctic Wildlife Refuge in Alaska have oil. So will we ever drill there? Are we going to choose wildlife or oil? --- ## [Tobacco tax? I'll pay for this without complaint.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tobacco-tax-ill-pay-for-this-without-complaint/316552)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2005, 6:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tobacco-tax-ill-pay-for-this-without-complaint/316552 "2005-08-21T06:27:54Z")
Goddammit, I’m tired of this shit. Yes, smoking causes disease and is a burden on the health care system. That was supposed to be the purpose of the massive tobacco settlement. Some want to raise tobacco tax to pay for a… --- ## [The x86 Move: Is Apple Doomed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-x86-move-is-apple-doomed/317251)
**Author:** [@DougC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DougC)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2005, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-x86-move-is-apple-doomed/317251 "2005-08-20T23:18:06Z")
In a IMHO thread I ragged on the Mac Mini as an overpriced sluggardly POS. Other people argued that it isn’t slow, and even if it is, that’s okay because the OS is so darned great. My argument centered on how much c… --- ## [UK - mandatory sterilisation for the mentally disabled?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-mandatory-sterilisation-for-the-mentally-disabled/317118)
**Author:** [@Capt.Ridley\_s\_Shooting\_Party](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Capt.Ridley_s_Shooting_Party)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2005, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-mandatory-sterilisation-for-the-mentally-disabled/317118 "2005-08-20T20:29:36Z")
After this shocking case, should the UK go the whole way and make it mandatory that couples deemed too “stupid” by the State be sterilised? Why not? --- ## [If we should love our enemy, should we love even Satan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-should-love-our-enemy-should-we-love-even-satan/316132)
**Author:** [@Bippy\_the\_Beardless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bippy_the_Beardless)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2005, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-we-should-love-our-enemy-should-we-love-even-satan/316132 "2005-08-20T19:38:43Z")
For those who believe that it is correct to love (or at least attempt to love) our enemies, should we love Satan? Does love our enemies only apply to those enemies that we might consider to be redeemable? Is it wrong to… --- ## [Let's talk about capitalism again.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-capitalism-again/316690)
**Author:** [@Spatial\_Rift\_47](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spatial_Rift_47)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2005, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-about-capitalism-again/316690 "2005-08-20T15:21:27Z")
Today’s topic is Why Capitalism Doesn’t Work. Ready? Here we go. The idea behind capitalism is fairly straightforward: everyone gets a chance, and success depends on how much hard work and creativity you put into your w… --- ## [Why do we punish criminals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-punish-criminals/317631)
**Author:** [@Corporate\_Hippie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Corporate_Hippie)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2005, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-punish-criminals/317631 "2005-08-20T00:02:16Z")
I’m wondering what people think the reasoning is, or ought to be, for punishing criminals. Is there a difference between why we do it and why most people think we do it? How have our reasons changed over time? (I’m thin… --- ## [Should the right to peacably assemble be restricted?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-right-to-peacably-assemble-be-restricted/317396)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2005, 11:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-right-to-peacably-assemble-be-restricted/317396 "2005-08-19T23:31:42Z")
We all know by now that during past national politcal conventions, the right of the people to peacably assemble and demonstrate has been restricted. People have been barred from moving into certain areas (usually those … --- ## [WWII - 3 1/2 years; Iraq - 2 1/2 and counting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-3-1-2-years-iraq-2-1-2-and-counting/316945)
**Author:** [@Soylent\_Gene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Gene)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2005, 8:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wwii-3-1-2-years-iraq-2-1-2-and-counting/316945 "2005-08-19T08:42:21Z")
When is Bush gonna “win” this war and get out? The only reason we are still there is because he screwed things up so bad that leaving will result in civil war, or years of bloody insurgent conflict. One year from now (… --- ## [Cornwell's case against Walter Sickert as Jack the Ripper (Yet Again, I know)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cornwells-case-against-walter-sickert-as-jack-the-ripper-yet-again-i-know/310214)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2005, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cornwells-case-against-walter-sickert-as-jack-the-ripper-yet-again-i-know/310214 "2005-08-19T00:52:09Z")
Links to some old threads on the subject are at bottom of post. Ms. Patricia Cornwell may or may not be a hack but she doesn’t, IMHO, have a flair for presenting her own best case, so the prosecution is dismissing her an… --- ## [What should we expect (demand?) from Palestinians if Gaza pullout "succeeds"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-we-expect-demand-from-palestinians-if-gaza-pullout-succeeds/316867)
**Author:** [@HeelB4Zod](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeelB4Zod)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2005, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-we-expect-demand-from-palestinians-if-gaza-pullout-succeeds/316867 "2005-08-18T22:14:43Z")
First time poster here - after years of lurking on the SDMB, I finally mustered the guts to write. Go easy on me. :smiley: I haven’t seen much talk about it, but the Gaza pullout is coming soon. After years of lurking,… --- ## [Judge: Parents can't teach pagan beliefs - Constitutional?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judge-parents-cant-teach-pagan-beliefs-constitutional/305629)
**Author:** [@Indyellen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indyellen)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2005, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judge-parents-cant-teach-pagan-beliefs-constitutional/305629 "2005-08-18T19:26:12Z")
A judge in Indiana, during a routine, non-contested divorce between two Pagan parents with joint custody, ruled during their divorce that they were not allowed to teach their religion to their child. Full Article Some … --- ## [Pacifist or not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pacifist-or-not/317388)
**Author:** [@Jeffro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeffro)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2005, 1:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pacifist-or-not/317388 "2005-08-18T13:35:24Z")
Not sure where this question goes. Anyway, do you agree or disagree with this quote? “Pacifism is a juvenile ideal refuted on every page of history.” From: http://www.victorhanson.com/articles/thornton081605.html --- ## [Public Law 62-5 (The law fixing the U.S. House of Representatives at 435 members)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-law-62-5-the-law-fixing-the-u-s-house-of-representatives-at-435-members/316942)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2005, 6:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/public-law-62-5-the-law-fixing-the-u-s-house-of-representatives-at-435-members/316942 "2005-08-18T06:54:07Z")
Back in the 19th century, the amount of representatives in the United States House of Representatives was based on population - as the population grew, so did the number of representatives. But in 1911, Public Law 62-5 w… --- ## [Presidential legacies over the last 50 years. Who' s got the best and worst?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-legacies-over-the-last-50-years-who-s-got-the-best-and-worst/317150)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2005, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidential-legacies-over-the-last-50-years-who-s-got-the-best-and-worst/317150 "2005-08-18T04:21:40Z")
Just curious what directions historians seem to be headed re judging Presidential legacies of various ex-Presidents over the past 50 years. Any surprises? 1953-1961 Dwight D. Eisenhower Mamie Doud Eisenhower 1961-1… --- ## [If An Aborted Fetus Could Be Frozen Alive (An Abortion Quandry)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-an-aborted-fetus-could-be-frozen-alive-an-abortion-quandry/317347)
**Author:** [@Lissa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lissa)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2005, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-an-aborted-fetus-could-be-frozen-alive-an-abortion-quandry/317347 "2005-08-18T00:30:22Z")
I’d vown and sworn I would never start an abortion thread, but I’ve been mulling this over in my head for days. . . . Hubby and I were debating over dinner, as we love to do (dinner with us is like reading the Dope) and… --- ## [Anything new in Bush debate bulge speculation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-new-in-bush-debate-bulge-speculation/317111)
**Author:** [@DanBlather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DanBlather)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2005, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anything-new-in-bush-debate-bulge-speculation/317111 "2005-08-17T23:00:17Z")
I just caught the end of radio segment that was talking about the theory that Bush had a prompter in his ear during the debates, and that the transmitter was showing on his back. Is there anything new in this area? --- ## [Japan and apologies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japan-and-apologies/317050)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2005, 5:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/japan-and-apologies/317050 "2005-08-17T17:06:25Z")
I was reading this article today and it seems resentment still runs pretty deep in Asia about the Japanese…and this is after 60 years. I’m unsure how fair this is though. Most if not all of the Japanese actually respon… --- ## [Gaza pullout: Why are settlers' homes being demolished?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaza-pullout-why-are-settlers-homes-being-demolished/317295)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2005, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gaza-pullout-why-are-settlers-homes-being-demolished/317295 "2005-08-17T15:56:59Z")
I heard on the radio that the process of Israel’s pullout from the Gaza Strip includes demolition of settlers’ homes. Why? Seems kind of mean. If the buildings are there – perfectly good houses – why not let the Pales… --- ## [What if the Union hadn't survived...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-union-hadnt-survived/317116)
**Author:** [@sixball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sixball)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2005, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-union-hadnt-survived/317116 "2005-08-17T14:01:52Z")
How do you think the world would be different if the Union had not survived the Civil War? Would the USA be more liberal and the CSA more conservative? Would anyone have been to the moon? --- ## [Jesus- potential Messiah who didn't make it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-potential-messiah-who-didnt-make-it/316707)
**Author:** [@FriarTed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FriarTed)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2005, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jesus-potential-messiah-who-didnt-make-it/316707 "2005-08-17T13:10:13Z")
In the “Christianity…LOGIC thread”, Diogenes here says I’ve read some Jewish & Noachide scholars who hold that Jesus was a potential Messiah, who even had a special mission as a “Light to the Goyim” and may well be a s… --- ## [The self-containment of the Nazis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-self-containment-of-the-nazis/317189)
**Author:** [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2005, 12:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-self-containment-of-the-nazis/317189 "2005-08-17T12:37:15Z")
What if the Nazis had confined their attrocities to Germany, rather than invading other countries and exporting the Holocaust through much of Europe? What would have been the response of the rest of the world upon discov… --- ## [Taxes and Healthcare – A Hypothetical Question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-and-healthcare-a-hypothetical-question/317289)
**Author:** [@UnPossible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UnPossible)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2005, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-and-healthcare-a-hypothetical-question/317289 "2005-08-17T04:39:42Z")
I’ve been a lurker on the Straight Dope for quite a while, and as some one with strong libertarian leanings I am honestly struggling to understand the thought process behind many of the posters with more liberal views. S… --- ## [What is the Christian view of Natives? Are they all Damned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-christian-view-of-natives-are-they-all-damned/316322)
**Author:** [@Phlosphr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Phlosphr)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2005, 4:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-christian-view-of-natives-are-they-all-damned/316322 "2005-08-17T04:09:15Z")
In the thread about Fetus’ and their Soul, there was mention about Hell, and how one get’s there. Same old hub-bub really, if you do not take Jesus Christ as your saviour, you are pretty much damned. I know, I know this… --- ## [1988 Election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1988-election/317072)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2005, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/1988-election/317072 "2005-08-16T16:49:37Z")
I’ve been reading a book on the 1988 election and can’t help noticing the contrast between that election and more recent elections. 1988 was an election in which the media coverage of the election was at its worst. Her… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=858) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=860)