# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=117 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 118 --- ## [Effects of Material Culture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-of-material-culture/790554)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2017, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/effects-of-material-culture/790554 "2017-07-19T18:24:32Z")
My sociology class has gotten to childhood and economics, and I’m not sure I like what is being said. Consumer culture has materialized emotions, in that now love and value are expressed through buying material goods an… --- ## [On Hobby Lobby and artifact smuggling](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-hobby-lobby-and-artifact-smuggling/791092)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2017, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-hobby-lobby-and-artifact-smuggling/791092 "2017-07-18T17:11:22Z")
I’ve got some legal questions about the recent kerfuffle involving Hobby Lobby and their \[del\]importation\[/del\] smuggling of \[del\]tile samples\[/del\] ancient artifacts. The first part probably has a fairly factual answer,… --- ## [Will a man who has undergone a penectomy and orchiectomy avoid false rape prosecutions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-man-who-has-undergone-a-penectomy-and-orchiectomy-avoid-false-rape-prosecutions/749147)
**Author:** [@GlowingDarkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GlowingDarkness)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 18, 2017, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-a-man-who-has-undergone-a-penectomy-and-orchiectomy-avoid-false-rape-prosecutions/749147 "2017-07-18T00:32:41Z")
Just to clarify I don’t mean transgender surgery. I mean a doctor removing the sex organs in the male without creating a vagina. If an individual has no penis, no vagina, and no testicles will most people believe that th… --- ## [Police warning each other about body cam recordings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-warning-each-other-about-body-cam-recordings/791195)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 149\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2017, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-warning-each-other-about-body-cam-recordings/791195 "2017-07-17T23:11:40Z")
I recently saw a video of a police shooting in which the officers repeatedly warned their fellow officers that they were recording. It struck me as odd, and suspicious. A bit like ‘Hey, I’m recording, so don’t act like y… --- ## [Why no tax deduction for blood/tissue donation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-tax-deduction-for-blood-tissue-donation/790054)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2017, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-no-tax-deduction-for-blood-tissue-donation/790054 "2017-07-16T05:24:39Z")
Just got back from donating red blood cells, and wondered what the pros and cons might be of allowing a tax deduction for the donation of blood and other body products. I guess I’m operating from a presumption that such… --- ## [Is America in decline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-america-in-decline/790856)
**Author:** [@Reddy\_Mercury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reddy_Mercury)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2017, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-america-in-decline/790856 "2017-07-16T02:01:44Z")
Looking at things from a historical perspective, with regard to failed nation-states, is America in decline? If so, when would you say the decline began? Myself, I think we are in a decline and have been since the Vietn… --- ## [Worst case scenario for no net neutrality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-case-scenario-for-no-net-neutrality/790901)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2017, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/worst-case-scenario-for-no-net-neutrality/790901 "2017-07-15T12:55:38Z")
There seem to be two major concerns with a lack of net neutrality: Pricing: Imagine the Internet having price tiers like cable tv channels. Want to browse ESPN.com? That’s another five bucks a month. Want to use Amazon … --- ## [The greatest danger to America today is Anti-liberalism.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-danger-to-america-today-is-anti-liberalism/790828)
**Author:** [@igor\_frankensteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/igor_frankensteen)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2017, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-greatest-danger-to-america-today-is-anti-liberalism/790828 "2017-07-15T02:04:12Z")
Anti-liberalism first of all, needs to be recognized for what it is, and what it is not. What it is not, is conservatism. Some of the most radical and disruptive ideas of our age, are being spewed by the Anti-liberals… --- ## [Are we seeing a gradual encroachment on the professions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-seeing-a-gradual-encroachment-on-the-professions/790863)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2017, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-seeing-a-gradual-encroachment-on-the-professions/790863 "2017-07-14T14:15:00Z")
Let me explain first that I’m not insinuating that professional standards are declining, rather that the professions themselves are losing territory. Let me explain. In England for instance over the last decade we have … --- ## [Should Democrats rethink their policy on immigration?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-democrats-rethink-their-policy-on-immigration/790595)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2017, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-democrats-rethink-their-policy-on-immigration/790595 "2017-07-14T13:53:53Z")
Just read this article on Politico, Trump is winning the immigration debate. The salient point is that the Democrats need to recalibrate their absolutist position on immigration. Is there really anything so terrible in… --- ## [Why do American Presidents get so many assassination attempts compared to other world leaders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-american-presidents-get-so-many-assassination-attempts-compared-to-other-world-leaders/777092)
**Author:** [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2017, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-american-presidents-get-so-many-assassination-attempts-compared-to-other-world-leaders/777092 "2017-07-13T17:53:40Z")
We have had 43 American Presidents and four of them have been killed while in office. However, that is only the tip of the iceberg. All modern Presidents with the possible exception of LBJ :dubious: have had multiple, se… --- ## [Security Officers At O'Hare, Midway Will No Longer Be Police, City Decides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-officers-at-ohare-midway-will-no-longer-be-police-city-decides/791150)
**Author:** [@mikecurtis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mikecurtis)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2017, 11:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/security-officers-at-ohare-midway-will-no-longer-be-police-city-decides/791150 "2017-07-13T11:59:24Z")
Changes at O’hare! --- ## [Dear CA - Make Up Your Mind! Do What With Suicidal. CA 5150 = Lock 'Em UP; SB128 - Give 'Em Barbies!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-ca-make-up-your-mind-do-what-with-suicidal-ca-5150-lock-em-up-sb128-give-em-barbies/790972)
**Author:** [@usedtobe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/usedtobe)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2017, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dear-ca-make-up-your-mind-do-what-with-suicidal-ca-5150-lock-em-up-sb128-give-em-barbies/790972 "2017-07-12T23:26:14Z")
I have had the dubious honor of being held against my will TWICE due to (gross misinterpretation of CA 5150 - Psych Hold because the patient may be suicidal. Now, the good Governor has signed SB128 - provide lethal dose… --- ## ['MERICA!!! patriotism / nationalism: good or bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/merica-patriotism-nationalism-good-or-bad/790438)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 195\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2017, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/merica-patriotism-nationalism-good-or-bad/790438 "2017-07-12T17:00:52Z")
Tomorrow is the 4th of July. In red-state-America, there will be BBQs and parades, flag ceremonies by local Boy Scout troops, many Pledges of Allegiance will be recited, perhaps some singing of the Star-Spangled Banner, … --- ## [Islam in the UK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islam-in-the-uk/790396)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 210\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2017, 3:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islam-in-the-uk/790396 "2017-07-12T15:38:16Z")
Since this is such a hot topic right now, some disclaimers off the bat: This discussion is focused primarily on the the manifestations of the Islamic faith in the UK currently and for the past 20 years or so. I do not … --- ## [How many Settlements does Israel Need?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-settlements-does-israel-need/790599)
**Author:** [@Paul\_in\_Qatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Paul_in_Qatar)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2017, 10:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-settlements-does-israel-need/790599 "2017-07-12T10:24:34Z")
Play nice. I see Israel is building new settlements again. I understand this has a lot of political aspects to it. Nonetheless, I would like to understand the numbers that underpin it. Do Israeli Jews have a shortage o… --- ## [What's the difference between NATO and the powder keg of alliances that led to WW1?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-nato-and-the-powder-keg-of-alliances-that-led-to-ww1/790847)
**Author:** [@SamuelA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SamuelA)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2017, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-difference-between-nato-and-the-powder-keg-of-alliances-that-led-to-ww1/790847 "2017-07-12T00:09:48Z")
So as I understand it, if Putin so much as sends an armored car into Estonia by mistake, this would lead to immediate open conflict between all the member nations of Europe and Russia. Russia would begin to lose the con… --- ## [Constitutional "Originalists" and Slavery](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constitutional-originalists-and-slavery/300894)
**Author:** [@gaucho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaucho)\ **Replies:** 254\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2017, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constitutional-originalists-and-slavery/300894 "2017-07-11T19:05:39Z")
Not trying to start a debate here, just curious. As I understand it, Constitutional “Originalists” like Antonin Scalia believe that the Constitutions and Bill of Rights are not living, evolving texts, but should be stri… --- ## [Conservatism results in ignorance.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-results-in-ignorance/790462)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2017, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatism-results-in-ignorance/790462 "2017-07-11T14:42:21Z")
Best example of this I can give is about Radical Islamic Terrorism as it’s a hot topic atm. During the Islamic Golden age the people in Bagdad were tolerance, and educated. They progressed socially and advanced technolo… --- ## [Nuclear NK](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-nk/790655)
**Author:** [@ishamael69](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ishamael69)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2017, 1:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nuclear-nk/790655 "2017-07-11T13:21:48Z")
Why are we sitting around letting NK get the capability of launching nukes to the US? I keep hearing how horrible it would be to have them launching attacks into SK, but won’t it be 10x worse when they are nuclear attac… --- ## [Dr. Barbara Thiering's "Jesus the Man"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dr-barbara-thierings-jesus-the-man/18004)
**Author:** [@2sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2sense)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2017, 5:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dr-barbara-thierings-jesus-the-man/18004 "2017-07-11T05:35:14Z")
I am looking for a discussion. I put this topic in GD because of the controversial nature of the book. The only person I have met that had heard of it was a Believer. He declined to talk about it. Rudely. Dr. Thiering’s… --- ## [Stephen Hawking's dire warnings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-hawkings-dire-warnings/790488)
**Author:** [@RupieDupie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RupieDupie)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2017, 5:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stephen-hawkings-dire-warnings/790488 "2017-07-10T17:41:44Z")
Stephen Hawking has made some very dire predictions regarding the future of the humanity and the chances of survival due to; Climate Change Artificial Intelligence Nuclear Weapons Disease But on a long enough time s… --- ## [North Korean nuclear ambitions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-nuclear-ambitions/790643)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2017, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-nuclear-ambitions/790643 "2017-07-10T14:03:24Z")
Say that North Korea develops nuclear-armed ICBMs capable of hitting anywhere in the United States; what does NK actually do with this capability? \[ol\] \[li\]Launch an unprovoked attack on the USA\[/li\]\[li\]Invade South Ko… --- ## [Amtrak poised to be sidetracked](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amtrak-poised-to-be-sidetracked/790147)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2017, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/amtrak-poised-to-be-sidetracked/790147 "2017-07-10T03:21:29Z")
So far, the 2018 budget will drop about $1billion in Amtrak subsidies, effectively killing cross-country rail service. Shorter runs like Boston-NYC-DC will probably continue, but it will likely no longer be possible to g… --- ## [UHC/Single Payer in the US...how would you do it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uhc-single-payer-in-the-us-how-would-you-do-it/790433)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2017, 12:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uhc-single-payer-in-the-us-how-would-you-do-it/790433 "2017-07-10T00:57:27Z")
Leaving aside whether we should or shouldn’t, whether it’s good or bad or stinky or sad, assume it’s something you want to do. You are President. Your party, whichever it is, has a small majority in the house and senat… --- ## [Are we at war with Russia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-at-war-with-russia/790716)
**Author:** [@carlb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carlb)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2017, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-at-war-with-russia/790716 "2017-07-09T19:46:49Z")
First, a few caveats: \[ul\] \[li\]I am not in any way advocating for war with Russia,\[/li\]\[li\]I am assuming that the various intelligence agencies of the USA are correct that Russia has been engaging in some pretty signif… --- ## [What would the world look like today if Archduke Ferdinand had never been assassinated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-world-look-like-today-if-archduke-ferdinand-had-never-been-assassinated/790298)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2017, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-the-world-look-like-today-if-archduke-ferdinand-had-never-been-assassinated/790298 "2017-07-09T14:22:31Z")
I was debating this with my friends last night. The assassination of Ferdinand was the tipping point that caused WW1. WW1 caused WW2, which caused the Cold War, which lead to Korea, Vietnam, and the Mujahedden, which l… --- ## [Fall of the Ottoman Empire - Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fall-of-the-ottoman-empire-questions/790798)
**Author:** [@Reddy\_Mercury](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reddy_Mercury)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2017, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fall-of-the-ottoman-empire-questions/790798 "2017-07-09T13:17:48Z")
The Edwardian era to the end of WWI is a fascinating period to me; but I know little about it, and it seems very, very complex. So I’ll start with one topic: I’ve heard by that by the start of the 20th century, The Ott… --- ## [Drug Testing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-testing/767581)
**Author:** [@Vicsage](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vicsage)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2017, 7:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/drug-testing/767581 "2017-07-09T07:07:59Z")
Since Howard Dean kind of brought up the subject, Should a candidate for president be required to be drug tested? We test cashiers at supermarkets, opticians at Lenscrafters, and god knows who else. Should the person w… --- ## [Time to ban neonicotinoid insecticides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-ban-neonicotinoid-insecticides/790453)
**Author:** [@dtilque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dtilque)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2017, 6:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/time-to-ban-neonicotinoid-insecticides/790453 "2017-07-08T18:17:18Z")
There’s more and more evidence that Colony Collapse Disorder is largely caused by neonicotinoid insecticides. It’s time to have an outright ban on them. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=116) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=118)