# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=115 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 116 --- ## [So based on today.......](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-based-on-today/793518)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2017, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-based-on-today/793518 "2017-08-13T16:36:54Z")
My neighbor was watching what went on today and wondered which side was going to pull an okc type of bombing on the other (or do it themselves against fed and blame the other side ) and possibly start a second civil war … --- ## [The torch mob at the Jefferson statue.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-torch-mob-at-the-jefferson-statue/793517)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2017, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-torch-mob-at-the-jefferson-statue/793517 "2017-08-13T03:04:35Z")
I’m talking about This Image; I know it’s a crappy shot. Still, I’ve been told that is a group of peaceful counter-protesters ‘Guarding’ the statue; but they are surrounded by a torch wielding mob. Does anyone know wha… --- ## [Would Pres Trump object to Obamacare as severely, if it was always called the ACA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-pres-trump-object-to-obamacare-as-severely-if-it-was-always-called-the-aca/792753)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2017, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-pres-trump-object-to-obamacare-as-severely-if-it-was-always-called-the-aca/792753 "2017-08-12T23:40:16Z")
I’ve watched Pres Trump push to have the ACA replaced and/or dismantled, and when that doesn’t seem to be happening, he has been advocating letting it die a death of a thousand cuts. But he hasn’t put forward a replaceme… --- ## ["Nero fiddled while Rome Burned". FAKE NEWS? How much of History class is even true?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nero-fiddled-while-rome-burned-fake-news-how-much-of-history-class-is-even-true/792459)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2017, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nero-fiddled-while-rome-burned-fake-news-how-much-of-history-class-is-even-true/792459 "2017-08-12T21:30:38Z")
Just a thought. All the simple stuff we were taught in history class - from ‘one lantern or two’ or ‘The British are Coming!’ to the story of Julius Caesar…how much of it was true and how much of it was convenient propa… --- ## [What is the worst single consequence of global warming?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-single-consequence-of-global-warming/772001)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2017, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-worst-single-consequence-of-global-warming/772001 "2017-08-12T00:20:24Z")
Is it rising ocean levels? That’s what I seem to hear about the most. Or is there something else that’s going to be worse? --- ## [What about Catholicism lent itself, specifically, to the abuse of young boys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-catholicism-lent-itself-specifically-to-the-abuse-of-young-boys/792782)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2017, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-about-catholicism-lent-itself-specifically-to-the-abuse-of-young-boys/792782 "2017-08-11T15:15:24Z")
This may sounds crass or totally out of school, but it seems odd that such a specific crime seems to have attached to a specific religion. I mean, there are other strict religions and even other ones that don’t allow the… --- ## [Is there a beter way for American politicial parties to choose a candidate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-beter-way-for-american-politicial-parties-to-choose-a-candidate/792988)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2017, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-beter-way-for-american-politicial-parties-to-choose-a-candidate/792988 "2017-08-11T12:29:08Z")
I once read a person describing how the president was picked. “Every 4 years the citizens search the land and find the wisest, most experienced man and choose that man to be president”. Well everyone knows that’s not h… --- ## [Just how effective will the new UN sanctions on N Korea be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-how-effective-will-the-new-un-sanctions-on-n-korea-be/792904)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2017, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/just-how-effective-will-the-new-un-sanctions-on-n-korea-be/792904 "2017-08-11T05:05:04Z")
The UN Security Council has just unanimously approved new sanctions on N Korea. How effective will these sanctions be? Is there anything there that will seriously hurt the Korean economy? Are these sanctions any more b… --- ## [What political norms have been lost in the USA in recent decades?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-political-norms-have-been-lost-in-the-usa-in-recent-decades/792669)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2017, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-political-norms-have-been-lost-in-the-usa-in-recent-decades/792669 "2017-08-10T17:21:33Z")
From an Elections thread: This is a topic that could lead to an interesting discussion if some informed posters join in. There certainly are differences between the TEA Party caucus and previous conservative caucuses, … --- ## [Study: belief in the meritocracy leads to worse outcomes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-belief-in-the-meritocracy-leads-to-worse-outcomes/792262)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2017, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-belief-in-the-meritocracy-leads-to-worse-outcomes/792262 "2017-08-10T16:39:50Z")
Here’s the article: In short, reseasrchers did a relatively long-term study on a group of disadvantaged, and mostly non-white, middle school students. At multiple points they surveyed opinions about whether society w… --- ## [Astrology - An Historical Footnote](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astrology-an-historical-footnote/792723)
**Author:** [@bonzer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bonzer)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2017, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/astrology-an-historical-footnote/792723 "2017-08-10T01:16:12Z")
An old thread Why Do People Believe In Astrology? from 2002 was resurrected in the last twenty four hours as a zombie, before eventually being locked by Bone on the grounds that the resurrector was suspected of commercia… --- ## [Was Henry Wallace impeachment insurance for FDR?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-henry-wallace-impeachment-insurance-for-fdr/793062)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2017, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-henry-wallace-impeachment-insurance-for-fdr/793062 "2017-08-09T02:30:23Z")
The subject of Franklin Roosevelt and his Vice Presidents came up in another thread. To briefly recap history, Roosevelt’s first VP was John Nance Garner. Garner was a Southern conservative and by 1940, relations betwee… --- ## [What's the Straight Dope on Nootropics?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-nootropics/792984)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2017, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-straight-dope-on-nootropics/792984 "2017-08-08T20:42:41Z")
(Some people here might remember me as the guy who is firmly against bad science, particularly bad medicine (a certain fan of cannabinoid oils got a week of broadsides from me not too long ago). So keep in mind I’m tryin… --- ## [Is Democratic Socialism viable in America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-democratic-socialism-viable-in-america/792874)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Lowry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Lowry)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2017, 3:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-democratic-socialism-viable-in-america/792874 "2017-08-08T15:34:04Z")
My roommate has been really getting into Democratic Socialism, and talking it up among our friends, so I’ve been trying to learn more about it. She sent out this article, and it answers some questions and raises others. … --- ## [Trump backs plan that would curb legal immigration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-backs-plan-that-would-curb-legal-immigration/792651)
**Author:** [@Icarus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Icarus)\ **Replies:** 246\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2017, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-backs-plan-that-would-curb-legal-immigration/792651 "2017-08-07T04:10:14Z")
CNN report Trump is backing a plan that would reform the legal immigration system to use a merit based scoring. The eventual outcome is projected to cut the number of green cards issued in half. Key points: So, my … --- ## [Which election laws did Trump's people supposedly break?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-election-laws-did-trumps-people-supposedly-break/792060)
**Author:** [@Keeve](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Keeve)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 7, 2017, 2:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-election-laws-did-trumps-people-supposedly-break/792060 "2017-08-07T02:34:07Z")
It is a basic principle of American politics that the American government should be chosen by Americans, and not by any others. Clearly, it would be unpatriotic and/or distasteful for non-Americans to have a major role … --- ## [One public pension per person, please](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-public-pension-per-person-please/792575)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2017, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/one-public-pension-per-person-please/792575 "2017-08-06T17:39:18Z")
Here in the state of Illinois, it seems that the practice of amassing multiple public pensions may have reached its epitome - in addition to what many consider to be excessive pensions vested too quickly. To me, the pra… --- ## [The Mueller investigation leads to a Trump impeachment -- How does it go down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mueller-investigation-leads-to-a-trump-impeachment-how-does-it-go-down/792636)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2017, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mueller-investigation-leads-to-a-trump-impeachment-how-does-it-go-down/792636 "2017-08-06T17:32:40Z")
For the sake of the hypothetical, let’s say that Mueller finds compelling evidence of corruption and/or election law violations at the highest levels of the Trump campaign. Furthermore, he believe he can put together a … --- ## [Subsidies for US Foxconn plant](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subsidies-for-us-foxconn-plant/792297)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2017, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/subsidies-for-us-foxconn-plant/792297 "2017-08-06T13:46:27Z")
The proposed plant in Wisconsin may receive up to $2 billion in taxpayer subsidies. LCD Panels are already dirt cheap, and there is no reason to believe that this will change anytime soon. Should taxpayers really be fo… --- ## [I'm a liberal opposed to illegal immigration](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-liberal-opposed-to-illegal-immigration/781202)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2017, 12:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-a-liberal-opposed-to-illegal-immigration/781202 "2017-08-05T12:49:26Z")
Why are so many liberals so protective of immigrants who have broken U.S. laws in order to come to or stay in this country? I am a liberal on most issues, especially social issues. I tend to vote Democratic. But I do ha… --- ## [Blackwater Sentences Overturned](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackwater-sentences-overturned/792793)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2017, 8:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/blackwater-sentences-overturned/792793 "2017-08-05T08:27:43Z")
Murder conviction in Blackwater case thrown out, other sentences overturned I’m not sure I understand the exact issue with the sentencing. It sounds to me like it’s two unrelated grounds, one constitutional and one l… --- ## [Young Blood Infusion: Ethical and Medical concerns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/young-blood-infusion-ethical-and-medical-concerns/792585)
**Author:** [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2017, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/young-blood-infusion-ethical-and-medical-concerns/792585 "2017-08-04T16:11:49Z")
So, this is a thing. Taking blood from under 25s, filtering it for its plasma and injecting it into an older wealthy person as a youth elixer. Ethically, we have a blood shortage and the rich are using scarce blood fo… --- ## [House passes "repeal and replace"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-passes-repeal-and-replace/785871)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 1347\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 11:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-passes-repeal-and-replace/785871 "2017-08-03T23:54:09Z")
House just passed the “repeal and replace” bill that reverses key portions of Obamacare. I believe this is a wise policy move. But my finely trained sense of the SDMB suggests that a few here may disagree. --- ## [Resolved: The Electoral College was created to keep the slave states in the Union](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-the-electoral-college-was-created-to-keep-the-slave-states-in-the-union/792646)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-the-electoral-college-was-created-to-keep-the-slave-states-in-the-union/792646 "2017-08-03T22:04:21Z")
Over in this thread, the claim was made that: The “valuable purpose” it \[the Electoral College\] was created to serve was to keep the slave states in the union. Rather than continue the hijack of a thread about Hillary … --- ## [Trump's Transgender Policy for the Military](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-transgender-policy-for-the-military/792184)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-transgender-policy-for-the-military/792184 "2017-08-03T20:13:46Z")
Trump just announced that Transgendered folks will no longer be allowed to serve in the military. As some of you may know, Obama allowed them to serve openly, starting a year ago. For debate, the two reasons cited by T… --- ## [Can we hope to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation while we still allow Male GM (circumcision)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-hope-to-eliminate-female-genital-mutilation-while-we-still-allow-male-gm-circumcision/791838)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-hope-to-eliminate-female-genital-mutilation-while-we-still-allow-male-gm-circumcision/791838 "2017-08-03T18:36:38Z")
It’s boring today so I thought I would get a good old knuckle-duster going over The Skin. I get the feeling that the anti-circumcision side is growing, judging by certain groups and web sites that are springing up oppos… --- ## [Why Do People Believe In Astrology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-believe-in-astrology/137322)
**Author:** [@Surreal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Surreal)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2017, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-believe-in-astrology/137322 "2017-08-03T18:25:27Z")
Polls consistently show that a large percentage of Americans- up to 48%- say that they believe in astrology (http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/skepticism/blfaq\_astro\_index.htm). The actual figure could even be higher… --- ## [Maine's welfare reform: model for the nation or cold-hearted cruelty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maines-welfare-reform-model-for-the-nation-or-cold-hearted-cruelty/792343)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maines-welfare-reform-model-for-the-nation-or-cold-hearted-cruelty/792343 "2017-08-02T23:04:29Z")
Paul LePage was elected Governor of Maine in 2010 and re-elected in 2014. I wasn’t directly involved in any of that, but my understanding is that he made welfare reform a center-piece of both his campaigns and his admini… --- ## [North Korean nukes and ICBMs: What, if anything, should America do about it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-nukes-and-icbms-what-if-anything-should-america-do-about-it/792532)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2017, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-nukes-and-icbms-what-if-anything-should-america-do-about-it/792532 "2017-08-02T16:16:28Z")
North Korea has built a (semi-?)credible nuclear arsenal and is developing ICBM capabilities at a rapid pace. What, if anything, would you like to see the USA do about it? --- ## [Lost Ice Age Civilizations...possible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-ice-age-civilizations-possible/792051)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2017, 7:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lost-ice-age-civilizations-possible/792051 "2017-08-01T07:03:07Z")
More a speculation thread than a GQ question, but I’ve been watching some shows about supposedly lost civilizations that ended when the ice age ended and melt waters caused large and dramatic sea level rise across the wo… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=114) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=116)