# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=106 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 107 --- ## [Why haven't more nations passed the Magnitsky act](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-more-nations-passed-the-magnitsky-act/800254)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2017, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-havent-more-nations-passed-the-magnitsky-act/800254 "2017-11-14T01:08:09Z")
The US and Canada have passed it to freeze Russian assets in their country tied to crimes and human rights abuses (I don’t know if Estonias law does the same, don’t know). But with Putin’s Russia screwing with the elect… --- ## [Who Is The Left's Equivalent Of Donald Trump?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-lefts-equivalent-of-donald-trump/801137)
**Author:** [@HeyHomie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HeyHomie)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2017, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-the-lefts-equivalent-of-donald-trump/801137 "2017-11-13T14:42:41Z")
Whom could the Left put up as a POTUS candidate who is that side’s equivalent of Donald Trump? As in, their “qualifications” for the job consist mostly of bombast and self-promotion, and an appeal to the less-savory elem… --- ## [Is religion a form of ignorance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-religion-a-form-of-ignorance/800003)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 302\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2017, 12:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-religion-a-form-of-ignorance/800003 "2017-11-13T00:23:57Z")
This board avowedly fights against all forms of ignorance. The conspiracy nuts for example who believe that the US government planned 911 and brought down the Twin Towers with explosives or those who believe the Moon lan… --- ## [What if I don't WANT eternal life?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-i-dont-want-eternal-life/148116)
**Author:** [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Replies:** 256\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2017, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-i-dont-want-eternal-life/148116 "2017-11-12T15:17:47Z")
It seems to me that a lot of the Christian literature\* I see uses the promise of “eternal life” as the primary carrot for evangelization. “Repent and you will have eternal life,” “If you accept Christ you will never per… --- ## [The gun violence debate we're not having](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gun-violence-debate-were-not-having/800937)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2017, 12:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gun-violence-debate-were-not-having/800937 "2017-11-12T12:46:30Z")
Most arguments around gun control tend to revolve around access to guns. But historically, that’s not the only way we’ve fought gun violence. During the 90s, there was a concerted effort by many cities and states to redu… --- ## [Morality (NOT legality) of killing your cheating spouse with their lover?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morality-not-legality-of-killing-your-cheating-spouse-with-their-lover/550268)
**Author:** [@Freudian\_Slit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Freudian_Slit)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2017, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/morality-not-legality-of-killing-your-cheating-spouse-with-their-lover/550268 "2017-11-12T02:56:00Z")
There’s another thread going on about the legality. But I’m more interested in how we as a society would feel about it. That is, if you knew someone like that, would you feel comfortable hanging out with them? Would you… --- ## [How would the world change if people could only have two children?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-world-change-if-people-could-only-have-two-children/801049)
**Author:** [@StarvingButStrong](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/StarvingButStrong)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2017, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-world-change-if-people-could-only-have-two-children/801049 "2017-11-11T23:06:22Z")
Just a thought experiment that came to me in the middle of a night: How would the world change if people could never have more than two children each? Rules: This applies on the individual level, to both men and women. … --- ## [How to reduce rape by half?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-reduce-rape-by-half/800943)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2017, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-reduce-rape-by-half/800943 "2017-11-11T14:30:15Z")
This university program has been studied and apparently has been very successful: That sounds like a pretty successful program, and it sounds to me like it does pretty obvious things. Thoughts? --- ## [What are other countries doing right to prevent mass shootings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-other-countries-doing-right-to-prevent-mass-shootings/800900)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 124\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2017, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-other-countries-doing-right-to-prevent-mass-shootings/800900 "2017-11-11T00:46:14Z")
These tragedies happen every few months in the USA, but are incredibly rare in places like Scandinavia, the UK, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. What are they doing that prevents massacres, and how can those same poli… --- ## [Last Week: Screw You Boss, We're Joining a Union / This Week: Whaddya Mean Closing??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-week-screw-you-boss-were-joining-a-union-this-week-whaddya-mean-closing/800812)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 224\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2017, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/last-week-screw-you-boss-were-joining-a-union-this-week-whaddya-mean-closing/800812 "2017-11-10T22:49:08Z")
The Guardian reports: Assuming the “threats,” were along the lines of: if you unionize I won’t be interested in continuing to bleed money into this operation, then. . . I’d be deeply concerned too, but for different re… --- ## [Why not put anything but rudimentary info on a mass shooter behind a paywall?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-put-anything-but-rudimentary-info-on-a-mass-shooter-behind-a-paywall/800988)
**Author:** [@Settimo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Settimo)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2017, 2:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-not-put-anything-but-rudimentary-info-on-a-mass-shooter-behind-a-paywall/800988 "2017-11-10T02:44:17Z")
I’m perfectly happy knowing next to nothing about these ass-hats. I certainly don’t want to see photos of their face for the next two months in the news. I don’t want to know about their families, their fathers, mothers,… --- ## [The Atlantic on College Responses to Sex Assault Accusations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-atlantic-on-college-responses-to-sex-assault-accusations/801149)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2017, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-atlantic-on-college-responses-to-sex-assault-accusations/801149 "2017-11-09T22:11:35Z")
Haven’t seen discussion of a 3 part series in the Atlantic on this issue. The Uncomfortable Truth About Campus Rape Policy. Summary: colleges are under tremendous pressure - in large part due to Obama Administration pol… --- ## [Are there any shared national values?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-shared-national-values/800901)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2017, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-shared-national-values/800901 "2017-11-09T21:25:02Z")
I thought of this after hearing a Dan Rather blurb on the radio last week. He was talking about how “America is better” than much of today’s discourse, and referred to shared American values, such as the right to vote. … --- ## ["It's better to let ten guilty men go free...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-better-to-let-ten-guilty-men-go-free/119918)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2017, 3:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-better-to-let-ten-guilty-men-go-free/119918 "2017-11-09T15:17:31Z")
“Then let one innocent man be punished.” With all due respect to those who believe in that saying, this is a foolish principle. If you let those 10 guilty men go free, they will in all probability go on to rob, rape, an… --- ## [Should I vote for a sales tax increase?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-vote-for-a-sales-tax-increase/800607)
**Author:** [@iamthewalrus\_3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iamthewalrus_3)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2017, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-i-vote-for-a-sales-tax-increase/800607 "2017-11-08T19:53:45Z")
Ok, in my local elections, there’s a 1% increase in the sales tax rate on the ballot (the rate would go from 7.75% to 8.75%) that would go into the city’s general fund. The stated reason for needing the funds is upgradi… --- ## [Can big data, everpresent sensors and AI replace the scientific method](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-big-data-everpresent-sensors-and-ai-replace-the-scientific-method/794701)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 8, 2017, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-big-data-everpresent-sensors-and-ai-replace-the-scientific-method/794701 "2017-11-08T03:49:33Z")
Observe, form hypothesis, construct controlled experiments, draw conclusions. That is the scientific method in a nutshell. But we are on the cusp of an age where there will be billions, probably trillions, of sensors al… --- ## [War with North Korea Imminent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-with-north-korea-imminent/799782)
**Author:** [@AI\_Proofreader](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AI_Proofreader)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/war-with-north-korea-imminent/799782 "2017-11-07T22:34:22Z")
News this week below make me wonder, especially after “only one thing will work,” “have no choice but to totally destroy North Korea” and “fire and fury such as the world has never seen” statements from Trump, and the “w… --- ## [The President calls for the death penalty on suspect before trial- what are the legal ramifications?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-president-calls-for-the-death-penalty-on-suspect-before-trial-what-are-the-legal-ramifications/800499)
**Author:** [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-president-calls-for-the-death-penalty-on-suspect-before-trial-what-are-the-legal-ramifications/800499 "2017-11-07T19:13:54Z")
This morning, Trump tweeted: “NYC terrorist was happy as he asked to hang ISIS flag in his hospital room. He killed 8 people, badly injured 12. SHOULD GET DEATH PENALTY!” It seems to me that this is a huge gift to the g… --- ## [What should be done about Gettysburg?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-be-done-about-gettysburg/793853)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 206\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-be-done-about-gettysburg/793853 "2017-11-07T17:53:26Z")
There are one or two Confederate statues and memorials there. What, if anything, should be done to them? --- ## [What's going on in the UK with pedophile rape gangs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-in-the-uk-with-pedophile-rape-gangs/800758)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 7, 2017, 3:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-going-on-in-the-uk-with-pedophile-rape-gangs/800758 "2017-11-07T15:08:53Z")
This sounds like it should be a fake story. I kinda wish it was. Most people heard about the Rochdale pedophile ring: The Rochdale child sex abuse ring involved under-age teenage girls in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, E… --- ## [Is flashing for beads a form of sexual harassment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-flashing-for-beads-a-form-of-sexual-harassment/800540)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [November 6, 2017, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-flashing-for-beads-a-form-of-sexual-harassment/800540 "2017-11-06T16:14:44Z")
There’s an article on Cracked talking about different forms of sexual harassment that are seen as normal behavior by society. One of the items says this: I disagree. The premise that seems to be at work here is that a… --- ## [Why is Trump's Senior Campaign offical holding high-level meetings in the White House?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-trumps-senior-campaign-offical-holding-high-level-meetings-in-the-white-house/800614)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 5, 2017, 4:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-trumps-senior-campaign-offical-holding-high-level-meetings-in-the-white-house/800614 "2017-11-05T04:05:38Z")
…besides the fact that she is also Trump’s daughter-in-law, that is? Apparently she has conducted over half a dozen meetings so far on what seems to be non-campaign issues. Others more knowledgeable than I can comment … --- ## [Coal production up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coal-production-up/800320)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2017, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coal-production-up/800320 "2017-11-04T15:11:43Z")
It’s Fox, and they aren’t quoting government statistics but a spokesperson for the industry. Howeer, the Dept of Energy seems to approximately confirm his numbers: But forecasts that this is just a one year spike i… --- ## [Where does the U.S. justice system draw the line between the powers of the president and obstruction](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-u-s-justice-system-draw-the-line-between-the-powers-of-the-president-and-obstruction/800468)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [November 4, 2017, 10:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-the-u-s-justice-system-draw-the-line-between-the-powers-of-the-president-and-obstruction/800468 "2017-11-04T10:20:00Z")
Hi Where does the U.S. justice system draw the line between the powers of the president to fire and FBI director/pardoning those under investigation by the FBI and obstruction of justice. What has a US President typical… --- ## [Gender neutral/ambiguous restrooms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-neutral-ambiguous-restrooms/799829)
**Author:** [@OldGuy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldGuy)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2017, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gender-neutral-ambiguous-restrooms/799829 "2017-11-03T16:38:06Z")
My place of work has some large restrooms labeled “Men” or “Women” and with the usual silhouettes of a figure in pants or a skirt. It also had some single occupancy restrooms labeled with both silhouettes. Recent it rep… --- ## [Donald Trump: The First White President \[article in The Atlantic by Ta-Nehisi Coates\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-the-first-white-president-article-in-the-atlantic-by-ta-nehisi-coates/795725)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 753\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2017, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-the-first-white-president-article-in-the-atlantic-by-ta-nehisi-coates/795725 "2017-11-03T12:05:03Z")
The article is here: Wow. I’m still processing it, but what an incredible article. The premise (as I understand it) is that Trump’s racism – above and beyond any recent presidential candidate – was the key to his su… --- ## [Please Do Not Forward \[List of Available Jobs\] to Cisgender Straight White Males: Legal Implications](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-not-forward-list-of-available-jobs-to-cisgender-straight-white-males-legal-implications/800426)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 3, 2017, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-not-forward-list-of-available-jobs-to-cisgender-straight-white-males-legal-implications/800426 "2017-11-03T11:50:26Z")
What are the legal implications if the person in charge of a department sends out an internal email with a list of available jobs but includes the message in the thread title? \[ul\] \[li\]Is this legal?\[/li\]\[li\]If not, wh… --- ## [Ellen Degeneres gets called out for hypocrisy - or does she?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ellen-degeneres-gets-called-out-for-hypocrisy-or-does-she/800013)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2017, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ellen-degeneres-gets-called-out-for-hypocrisy-or-does-she/800013 "2017-11-02T15:46:24Z")
Seen this story? Lesbian tv personality Ellen Degeneres is in trouble after a nasty tweet where she was staring at a womans boobs and then sent out a nasty message about it “bring those balloons”. Whats interesting is … --- ## [Are there any majority-black areas that are low crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-majority-black-areas-that-are-low-crime/800050)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 2, 2017, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-majority-black-areas-that-are-low-crime/800050 "2017-11-02T02:18:34Z")
I’ve noticed that some of my white acquaintances who swear they aren’t racist will sometimes talk about the ‘sketchiness’ of an area of town. Usually those areas are mostly black people. But when they say sketchiness, … --- ## [Why are people reproducing like rabbits? TAX checks FOOD stamps & more fun benefits!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-people-reproducing-like-rabbits-tax-checks-food-stamps-more-fun-benefits/800168)
**Author:** [@bartsmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bartsmom)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [November 1, 2017, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-people-reproducing-like-rabbits-tax-checks-food-stamps-more-fun-benefits/800168 "2017-11-01T20:03:15Z")
In the 1970’s there was a popular bumper sticker that said, “It’s the POPULATION, Stupid!” and we had a movement called Zero Population Growth. The idea was to replace yourself and your mate with 2 children. Enter Uncl… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=105) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=107)