# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=865 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 866 --- ## [See, this is what happens when politicians go to military funerals uninvited.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/see-this-is-what-happens-when-politicians-go-to-military-funerals-uninvited/314054)
**Author:** [@Mr.Moto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Moto)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2005, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/see-this-is-what-happens-when-politicians-go-to-military-funerals-uninvited/314054 "2005-07-27T22:24:58Z")
Governor Rendell to send apology to Marine’s family over Lieutenant Governor’s comments. Now, I do not know the exact nature of Catherine Baker Knoll’s comments, and I will allow for the very real possibility that they… --- ## [The 2006 Pennsylvania gubernatorial thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2006-pennsylvania-gubernatorial-thread/314353)
**Author:** [@Chance\_the\_Gardener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chance_the_Gardener)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2005, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2006-pennsylvania-gubernatorial-thread/314353 "2005-07-27T09:14:25Z")
Okay, we all know that Senator Santorum is in for a tough fight next year, and there are lots of people, Pennsylvanians and non-Pennsylvanians alike, who either want to see him go down or keep his seat. As a western Pen… --- ## [Baseball/Softball Out Of the Olympics: What's the Real Reason?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-softball-out-of-the-olympics-whats-the-real-reason/311653)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 94\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2005, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baseball-softball-out-of-the-olympics-whats-the-real-reason/311653 "2005-07-27T05:17:19Z")
Tommy Lasorda was on the radio and he point-blank said that the reason these sports were ielimnated was anti-americanism. Bah, I say. but what I do believe is that there is a significant Euro-centric bias to the Olympic… --- ## [In Bush v. Gore 2000, what remedy did the 7-2 Supreme Court Decision offer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-bush-v-gore-2000-what-remedy-did-the-7-2-supreme-court-decision-offer/313889)
**Author:** [@Lynwood\_Slim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lynwood_Slim)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2005, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-bush-v-gore-2000-what-remedy-did-the-7-2-supreme-court-decision-offer/313889 "2005-07-27T04:46:21Z")
I have been reviewing the Bush v. Gore Supreme court case. After lots of research, the Wikipedia article seems to be a fair summary with good links. In any case, the Supreme Court had two decisions before it. One deci… --- ## [Shuttle Fuel Gauges vs. Launch](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shuttle-fuel-gauges-vs-launch/314337)
**Author:** [@Jinx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jinx)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2005, 1:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/shuttle-fuel-gauges-vs-launch/314337 "2005-07-27T01:46:54Z")
How far would NASA go to get off today’s launch? Can we really trust that the fuel gauge problem was really fixed? It almost sounds like NASA would accept a stuck fuel gauge (or, signal error) just to get off a launch.… --- ## [past the information age -- the Cognitive age?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/past-the-information-age-the-cognitive-age/313793)
**Author:** [@mrrealtime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mrrealtime)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2005, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/past-the-information-age-the-cognitive-age/313793 "2005-07-27T00:26:31Z")
Seems like now that information is pretty much distributed throughout most of the developed world, information is becoming less and less valueable, and what is now making people rich is their ability to make sense of the… --- ## [If there is a civil war within Islam, why is only one side actually fighting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-there-is-a-civil-war-within-islam-why-is-only-one-side-actually-fighting/313752)
**Author:** [@Camus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Camus)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2005, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-there-is-a-civil-war-within-islam-why-is-only-one-side-actually-fighting/313752 "2005-07-26T21:41:38Z")
It seems a popular refrain from progressive or “liberal” Muslims that there is a civil war within Islam fighting for its future direction; one group comprised of the progressives wants to modernize Islam without necessar… --- ## [Federal Law Banning Abortion: Likely?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-law-banning-abortion-likely/313351)
**Author:** [@Loopydude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loopydude)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2005, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/federal-law-banning-abortion-likely/313351 "2005-07-26T21:19:03Z")
I’m taking it as a given that Roe v Wade is toast, and it’s just a matter of time. If you consider that point highly debatable, this may not be your thread. If you are willing to take the above premise as given (even f… --- ## [President Kerry's Supreme Court nominee](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-kerrys-supreme-court-nominee/313630)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2005, 7:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/president-kerrys-supreme-court-nominee/313630 "2005-07-26T19:43:48Z")
Ah, wouldn’t it be nice…? \*WASHINGTON (AP, July 20) - President John Kerry walked from the Oval Office today, and introduced his first pick for the nation’s highest court to the nation as she stood by his side. “Judge … --- ## [Roberts' papers as deputy solicitor general covered by attorney-client privilege?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roberts-papers-as-deputy-solicitor-general-covered-by-attorney-client-privilege/314126)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2005, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roberts-papers-as-deputy-solicitor-general-covered-by-attorney-client-privilege/314126 "2005-07-26T16:55:50Z")
In connection with the confirmation proceedings of Supreme Court nominee Judge John G. Roberts, the Senate wants to look at papers Roberts wrote when he was deputy solicitor general under Bush I. (Hoping they might cast… --- ## [alcholism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcholism/313580)
**Author:** [@Jeffro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jeffro)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2005, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcholism/313580 "2005-07-26T03:28:01Z")
Is alcholism a “disease” or a geneticly caused problem? --- ## [Is it logical and/or prudent for the Gay community to be aligned with Transsexuals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-logical-and-or-prudent-for-the-gay-community-to-be-aligned-with-transsexuals/308990)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2005, 3:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-logical-and-or-prudent-for-the-gay-community-to-be-aligned-with-transsexuals/308990 "2005-07-26T03:06:01Z")
Is it logical and/or prudent for the Gay & Lesbian community to be aligned with Transsexuals/Transgendered people (and to a lesser extent Transvestites)? It always struck me as odd that the two groups are aligned when i… --- ## [Vaccines and Autism.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccines-and-autism/313562)
**Author:** [@Larry\_Borgia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Larry_Borgia)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2005, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vaccines-and-autism/313562 "2005-07-26T03:02:25Z")
I saw Robert Kennedy Jr. (I think) on the Daily Show claiming that Vaccines once contained an ingredient which caused a large number of children to be born with autism. I was under the impression that this claim had been… --- ## [Organized labor: RIP](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/organized-labor-rip/314073)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Lendervedder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Lendervedder)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2005, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/organized-labor-rip/314073 "2005-07-26T02:46:20Z")
The SEIU and Teamsters will be announcing today they are leaving the AFL-CIO. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8682415/) These are two of the three largest unions in the AFL-CIO, and it definitely will have an impact. The … --- ## [What's Wrong/Right With Judge Roberts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-right-with-judge-roberts/313322)
**Author:** [@The\_Misanthrope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Misanthrope)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2005, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-right-with-judge-roberts/313322 "2005-07-25T22:28:49Z")
Now that we know President Bush is nominating Judge Roberts to the Supreme Court, what is right or wrong with this judge with respect to him serving on the highest court? In short, what do we think about his judicial ph… --- ## [Which field of science will have the next life altering breakthrough?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-field-of-science-will-have-the-next-life-altering-breakthrough/313569)
**Author:** [@Kaleidoscope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaleidoscope)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2005, 9:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-field-of-science-will-have-the-next-life-altering-breakthrough/313569 "2005-07-25T21:03:03Z")
Which of the following braches of science in your opinion is most likely to have the next breakthrough? Genetics - Human Genome / genetic engineering Computer Science - Real AI Bio Science - Nano technology machines … --- ## [What Are The Implications Of The London Bombers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-implications-of-the-london-bombers/313677)
**Author:** [@The\_Misanthrope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Misanthrope)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2005, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-implications-of-the-london-bombers/313677 "2005-07-25T16:29:43Z")
To me, one of the most interesting – and disturbing – issues surrounding the July 7 and 21 bombings in London is the fact that we’ve got British citizens, or at least naturalized persons, committing terrorist acts agains… --- ## [Rove's racist push-poll against MCain: Is there any doubt Rove did it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roves-racist-push-poll-against-mcain-is-there-any-doubt-rove-did-it/313915)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2005, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/roves-racist-push-poll-against-mcain-is-there-any-doubt-rove-did-it/313915 "2005-07-25T15:34:57Z")
For those not aware of the story, back when Bush was campaiging for the 2000 Repub nomination: http://lawnorder.dailykos.com/story/2004/8/26/31853/5881 Is there doubt that this incredibly dirty trick was done, and tha… --- ## [Wild-Ass Speculating About July 21 London Bombers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-ass-speculating-about-july-21-london-bombers/313526)
**Author:** [@Eve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eve)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2005, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wild-ass-speculating-about-july-21-london-bombers/313526 "2005-07-25T15:09:06Z")
The whole thing is just too bizarre not to speculate about: why did the bombs not go off? Who? Why? How? Huh? From the London Times: I have to admit, I got nuthin’. I am not even able to begin to figure out who might … --- ## [How do Christian creationists explain Noah's ark?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-christian-creationists-explain-noahs-ark/312987)
**Author:** [@bouv](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bouv)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2005, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-christian-creationists-explain-noahs-ark/312987 "2005-07-25T07:17:06Z")
Now, first off, standard disclainmer that this is not directed towards all Christians, or even all Chirstians who beleive in Intelligent Design. This is more directed at those who take the Bible as literally as possible… --- ## [Karl Rove - CIA leaker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/karl-rove-cia-leaker/310896)
**Author:** [@Soylent\_Gene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Soylent_Gene)\ **Replies:** 440\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2005, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/karl-rove-cia-leaker/310896 "2005-07-25T03:25:05Z")
Lawrence O’Donnell of NBC News claims that Karl Rove is the Valery Plame leaker. here Do you get the feeling Bush, Rove, Cheney, & Co. will get through this just fine…like they always do? --- ## [Evolution and creationism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-and-creationism/313223)
**Author:** [@g\_under\_p](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/g_under_p)\ **Replies:** 235\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2005, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-and-creationism/313223 "2005-07-25T02:35:11Z")
I’ve long since convinced myself that evolution is as much a fact as the Earth going 'round the Sun. However, I’m also of the mind that it just isn’t fair to hear just one side of the argument. In that vein, I will often… --- ## [Who will Bush nominate to succeed Justice O'Connor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-bush-nominate-to-succeed-justice-oconnor/311049)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 278\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2005, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-bush-nominate-to-succeed-justice-oconnor/311049 "2005-07-24T16:32:48Z")
Nobody’s started a simple, open-ended handicapping thread on this yet, so here it is: Who will Bush nominate to succeed retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor? And why? --- ## [The Internal Combustion Engine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internal-combustion-engine/313918)
**Author:** [@Sevastopol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sevastopol)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2005, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-internal-combustion-engine/313918 "2005-07-24T14:11:29Z")
What is its future? Bio-Diesel, Hybrid, Hydrogen, electronic valves? Where is it all headed? --- ## ["Broken" Army Reserves.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broken-army-reserves/283415)
**Author:** [@Biggirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biggirl)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2005, 8:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/broken-army-reserves/283415 "2005-07-24T08:44:09Z")
Lt. Gen. James R. Helmly, the Reserves commander, says the Reserves ain’t doing to well. I read this story yesterday in my local paper and I have a few questions. I would have put this in GQ but I have a feeling there a… --- ## [Should SCOTUS nominees answer all questions put to them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-scotus-nominees-answer-all-questions-put-to-them/313424)
**Author:** [@Plan\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plan_B)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2005, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-scotus-nominees-answer-all-questions-put-to-them/313424 "2005-07-24T02:04:53Z")
In the last few days I’ve been hearing and reading about norms for what questions a SCOTUS nominee should answer. Apparently Sen. Schumer thinks they should answer pretty much everything thrown at them. OTOH, Judge G… --- ## [Did Martin Luther screw up Christianity?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-martin-luther-screw-up-christianity/311856)
**Author:** [@Ex\_Machina](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ex_Machina)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2005, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-martin-luther-screw-up-christianity/311856 "2005-07-24T00:11:14Z")
As an atheist I have no dog in the “faith alone” versus “faith with acts” fight. But I read the Bible quite frequently for ammunition and entertainment. I just don’t see the ‘faith alone’ concept supported by what I’ve r… --- ## [Could there be another US civil war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-there-be-another-us-civil-war/312644)
**Author:** [@Zog\_10](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zog_10)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2005, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-there-be-another-us-civil-war/312644 "2005-07-23T22:03:08Z")
So I was watching the movie Gettysburg over the weekend and it started me thinking about the history and causes leading up to the war. Which then got me thinking - could something similar happen again in the US? To sim… --- ## [Question for the Libertarians about public lands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-the-libertarians-about-public-lands/313564)
**Author:** [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2005, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-the-libertarians-about-public-lands/313564 "2005-07-23T21:21:01Z")
Please feel free to correct me, but I have heard it said that Libertarians primarily believe in individual rights, and that the right to hold property is the very most basic and should be the most unassailable. I have a… --- ## [The Assimilation of black culture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-assimilation-of-black-culture/313437)
**Author:** [@mswas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mswas)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2005, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-assimilation-of-black-culture/313437 "2005-07-23T18:41:37Z")
In this Ebonics thread people were discussing the validity of teaching ebonics in school. Something someone said struck me: The main thing that seperates other cultures that have an easier time assimilating than black… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=864) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=866)