# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=860 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 861 --- ## [Racisim is really classism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racisim-is-really-classism/316936)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2005, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racisim-is-really-classism/316936 "2005-08-16T15:43:23Z")
“For the poor always ye have with you…” Luke 4:18 “For the poor shall never cease out of the land…” Deuteronomy 15:11 Everywhere in the world there is class: people dividing themselves into lower and higher and dividi… --- ## [Let's solve all the world's problems!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-solve-all-the-worlds-problems/316997)
**Author:** [@DuhCow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DuhCow)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2005, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-solve-all-the-worlds-problems/316997 "2005-08-16T14:04:03Z")
So, it’s occurred to me that the collective IQ of this board must be absolutely staggering. Considering that, it’s a damn shame we all spend our time asking and answering questions about minor trivialities. It’s time for… --- ## [Israel pullout of Gaza poised to begin...what happens next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-pullout-of-gaza-poised-to-begin-what-happens-next/317025)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2005, 10:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israel-pullout-of-gaza-poised-to-begin-what-happens-next/317025 "2005-08-16T10:47:17Z")
Was reading today that Israel is gearing up for its expected withdrawl from the Gaza strip beginning on wednesday. Already there is a lot of violence happening there from the settlers against the government. Obviously … --- ## [Morality of tilting Pepsi bottles?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morality-of-tilting-pepsi-bottles/290415)
**Author:** [@rjung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rjung)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2005, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morality-of-tilting-pepsi-bottles/290415 "2005-08-16T05:51:50Z")
Okay, this isn’t a “great” debate by any stretch of the imagination, but it seems to be a question of morality in general, so I’ll toss it in GD to start. Moderators, please pinball the thread to whatever other thread y… --- ## [Cold War Secrets](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-war-secrets/316663)
**Author:** [@StaberindeMk2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StaberindeMk2)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2005, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cold-war-secrets/316663 "2005-08-16T00:58:52Z")
While browsing the web I came across this: http://www.astronautix.com/details/stsg3087.htm The interesting part… “In response to the American Strategic Defence Initiative and continued military use of the shuttle, the… --- ## [A Thought Experiment: "Judge-Made Law" and Habeas Corpus](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thought-experiment-judge-made-law-and-habeas-corpus/317100)
**Author:** [@Polycarp](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polycarp)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-thought-experiment-judge-made-law-and-habeas-corpus/317100 "2005-08-15T23:22:07Z")
It is my contention that people who suggest an argument should feel themselves obliged to live by an argument. In particular, I think this should govern those who claim for themselves the privilege of deciding what the … --- ## [Whites no Longer a Majority in Texas](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whites-no-longer-a-majority-in-texas/316701)
**Author:** [@MAGunter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MAGunter)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whites-no-longer-a-majority-in-texas/316701 "2005-08-15T23:04:10Z")
I’m quite surprised this hasn’t come up here yet. There’s a nice graphic here. Here’s a little snippet about it per the Dallas Morning News(i believe it’s under the amount allowed under fair use): I’m not positive it… --- ## [Please tell me about Israeli party politics WRT the Palestinians and the settlements](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-about-israeli-party-politics-wrt-the-palestinians-and-the-settlements/313041)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-about-israeli-party-politics-wrt-the-palestinians-and-the-settlements/313041 "2005-08-15T21:09:10Z")
Perhaps this should go in GQ, but, given the nature of the topic, it would probably be moved to GD before too long, so here goes . . . In Israeli politics, the elephant in the living room is always the Palestinian quest… --- ## [Social/Ethical issue of reincarnation in the future?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-ethical-issue-of-reincarnation-in-the-future/317059)
**Author:** [@Extrovertive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Extrovertive)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/social-ethical-issue-of-reincarnation-in-the-future/317059 "2005-08-15T19:04:06Z")
Assuming that scientists have pin-point proof of reincarnation and have developed sophisticated technology to analyze one’s action and determine what he/she will be re-born as, 90% accuracy. Suppose a couple “A” gave bi… --- ## [US civil rights abuses parallel those of third world countries](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-civil-rights-abuses-parallel-those-of-third-world-countries/316602)
**Author:** [@Fuji\_Kitakyusho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuji_Kitakyusho)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-civil-rights-abuses-parallel-those-of-third-world-countries/316602 "2005-08-15T15:48:19Z")
http://www.cbc.ca/story/world/national/2005/08/11/arar-lawsuit050811.html Countdown to Canadian Consular advisory to avoid travel to the US in 5…4…3… --- ## [Did anyone accurately predict where the Iraq invasion would take us?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-accurately-predict-where-the-iraq-invasion-would-take-us/316926)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anyone-accurately-predict-where-the-iraq-invasion-would-take-us/316926 "2005-08-15T14:34:52Z")
Not really a GQ or an IMHO so I’m going to put it here. Mods move if you must. When we began the current adventure in Iraq in April of 2003 did anybody accurately predict what the general sequences and outcomes would be… --- ## [Britons and Blair overreacting to terror attacks ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/britons-and-blair-overreacting-to-terror-attacks/315746)
**Author:** [@Rashak\_Mani](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rashak_Mani)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/britons-and-blair-overreacting-to-terror-attacks/315746 "2005-08-15T13:38:42Z")
I thought part of the way to defeat terrorism was to minimize their effect upon normal life. By keeping thing low tone or non-alarmist one would reduce the “propaganda” value of terror attacks… and minimize racial/religi… --- ## ['Perfect' Christians going to hell?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perfect-christians-going-to-hell/316811)
**Author:** [@Vesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vesus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perfect-christians-going-to-hell/316811 "2005-08-15T02:10:21Z")
Okay providing that christianity is right and that all other religions are wrong ive found a few loop holes that make many pure fun loving christians burn in hell for all eternity… First of all: In the second world war … --- ## [Spontaneous abortion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spontaneous-abortion/316722)
**Author:** [@Contrapuntal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Contrapuntal)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spontaneous-abortion/316722 "2005-08-15T01:14:32Z")
In this thread I made the assumption that a citizen has an obligation to report a death. I was unable to find anything specifically on point, although there were certain case where such reporting is required. Now, the… --- ## [Fire and early man](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-and-early-man/316668)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fire-and-early-man/316668 "2005-08-15T01:13:40Z")
Afaik man is the one animal who has been able to conquere his fear of fire and actually use it. This innovation, more than any other (again, afaik), allowed man to spread throughout the world. But…why man? What about … --- ## [Guantanamo violates separation clause](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guantanamo-violates-separation-clause/316669)
**Author:** [@DirkGntly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DirkGntly)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2005, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guantanamo-violates-separation-clause/316669 "2005-08-15T00:41:57Z")
From here: http://www.house.gov/blackburn/press/june\_30\_05.shtml “Each detainee is issued the following basic items: a Koran in their language, a sleeping mat, a washcloth, a sheet, and a surgical mask. “Comfort items”… --- ## [The effect of gasoline prices on politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effect-of-gasoline-prices-on-politics/316631)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2005, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-effect-of-gasoline-prices-on-politics/316631 "2005-08-14T14:20:03Z")
So gas prices here in Marietta, OH are spiking past $2.50. I realize there are places where it’s higher but things are poor here and it’s causing some backlash amongst the locals. I see this fairly often in the nationa… --- ## ["Able Danger" and the 9/11 Commission](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/able-danger-and-the-9-11-commission/316729)
**Author:** [@Evil\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_One)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2005, 2:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/able-danger-and-the-9-11-commission/316729 "2005-08-14T14:14:19Z")
I started looking for this thread yesterday. I thought that the finer minds of the SDMBwould surely be examining the facts and engaging in relevant and interesting debate on the issue. Nope. Here is the latest from… --- ## [Rate Raises: Is the Fed Living in the Past?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rate-raises-is-the-fed-living-in-the-past/316468)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2005, 12:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rate-raises-is-the-fed-living-in-the-past/316468 "2005-08-14T12:44:53Z")
OK, the Fed just raised rates for the 10th consecutive time. Link. I was watching Chris Matthews interview Krugman and Kudlow last night and they both agreed that the Fed should not have done so. These guys agree so ra… --- ## [Pleasant Dreams, everyone.....(Terrorism and WW III)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleasant-dreams-everyone-terrorism-and-ww-iii/316814)
**Author:** [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2005, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleasant-dreams-everyone-terrorism-and-ww-iii/316814 "2005-08-14T02:45:49Z")
I know i don’t normally post in GD, but i thought this would be thought provoking… i was talking with the mechanic at my local bike shop, who also happens to be a Air National Guardsman at a local USAF Reserve airfield … --- ## [A French woman as Governor General of Canada?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-french-woman-as-governor-general-of-canada/316854)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2005, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-french-woman-as-governor-general-of-canada/316854 "2005-08-13T22:42:42Z")
Up till now, I had no objection to Michaelle Jean becoming the next Governor General of Canada but it turns out that she holds French citizenship as well as being Canadian. The Governor General is the de facto Head of St… --- ## [Iraq news coverage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-news-coverage/316014)
**Author:** [@Nobody](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nobody)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2005, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-news-coverage/316014 "2005-08-13T22:22:49Z")
One of the complaints I’ve heard from right wing commentators is that the news coverage of the Iraqi war is part of what’s hurting our war efforts. One of the opinions I’ve heard made is that there might not have been a… --- ## [Universal health care and the poor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-health-care-and-the-poor/316016)
**Author:** [@Stoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoid)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2005, 6:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-health-care-and-the-poor/316016 "2005-08-13T18:57:08Z")
This is in the pit only because it was born in the pit originally. In this thread I asked John about an assertion he made. I guess he never saw it, so I’m brining it to his attention, because I am genuinely interested … --- ## [If our ancestors could have seen us today](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-our-ancestors-could-have-seen-us-today/316767)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2005, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-our-ancestors-could-have-seen-us-today/316767 "2005-08-12T20:04:14Z")
What things might they have done differently, if they didn’t approve of how we turned out? Would feudal/monarchal societies be appalled at democracy, or would the Church consider our comparatively libertarian society to … --- ## [Oil companies and cost of fuel to public](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-companies-and-cost-of-fuel-to-public/316413)
**Author:** [@OliverTwistofLime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OliverTwistofLime)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2005, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oil-companies-and-cost-of-fuel-to-public/316413 "2005-08-12T16:28:25Z")
As long as people are willing to pay top dollar per gallon of gas, the oil companies will continue to elevate prices. At what point do you think the citizens of the US will finally put their foot down and say thats it…… --- ## [Hawaiian Independence, convince me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawaiian-independence-convince-me/314700)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2005, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hawaiian-independence-convince-me/314700 "2005-08-12T16:21:32Z")
OK. I will not argue. I will not scream. I want to learn. Somebody put the best face possible on the idea of Hawaiian Independence. I honestly do not see how any serious person can support this idea. Let me outline my … --- ## [Will Saddam get the axe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-saddam-get-the-axe/316627)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2005, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-saddam-get-the-axe/316627 "2005-08-12T14:33:58Z")
This is more a poll to see what folks think, but knowing the topic I put it in GD because a debate could spark as to whether or not Saddam SHOULD get the axe, as well as perhaps the legal process being used in Iraq to de… --- ## [Notion that Pre-K is a now a necessity for kids. Is this a fact or made up nonsense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/notion-that-pre-k-is-a-now-a-necessity-for-kids-is-this-a-fact-or-made-up-nonsense/316558)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2005, 12:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/notion-that-pre-k-is-a-now-a-necessity-for-kids-is-this-a-fact-or-made-up-nonsense/316558 "2005-08-12T12:40:06Z")
From this story in the local paper is is now assumed that pre-kindergarten is now recognized as a valuable component of a child’s early educational experience Is it really and truly valuable and necessary as a matter o… --- ## [What happens to the soul of a fetus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-the-soul-of-a-fetus/316298)
**Author:** [@sixball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sixball)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2005, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-to-the-soul-of-a-fetus/316298 "2005-08-12T10:25:56Z")
If a fetus is aborted, what becomes of its soul? Without having been born, is it without sin? --- ## [Why does the US still spend so much on its military?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-us-still-spend-so-much-on-its-military/316586)
**Author:** [@ParadoxMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParadoxMan)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2005, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-us-still-spend-so-much-on-its-military/316586 "2005-08-12T01:14:35Z")
In the absence of any likely major superpower conflict in the near future, why does the US still maintain high levels of military spending? I can understand it more recently due to the Iraqi War, but why didn’t spending… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=859) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=861)