# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=128 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 129 --- ## [Free speech versus the spread of "harmful" ideas...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-versus-the-spread-of-harmful-ideas/782870)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2017, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-versus-the-spread-of-harmful-ideas/782870 "2017-03-25T23:06:16Z")
One of the points often brought up in debating Milo Yanowhatever is that of free speech, and whether common citizens shutting off avenues of such is harmful to the overall idea of it. One in particular is that by limitin… --- ## [Educate me: serious proposals on single-payer health care in US](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-serious-proposals-on-single-payer-health-care-in-us/782983)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2017, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/educate-me-serious-proposals-on-single-payer-health-care-in-us/782983 "2017-03-25T17:07:35Z")
First: no way is this happening before 2019, and almost certainly not then. But with ACA technically the law of the land, with Trump’s explicit hope that it explodes, with Ryan failing to get anything else passed, I’m st… --- ## [Trump cleared of Conflict of Interest with the Washington D.C. hotel](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-cleared-of-conflict-of-interest-with-the-washington-d-c-hotel/782918)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [March 25, 2017, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-cleared-of-conflict-of-interest-with-the-washington-d-c-hotel/782918 "2017-03-25T16:26:21Z")
Article here: http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-trump-hotel-idUKKBN16U2S7 :smack: It is good to be POTUS. --- ## [George Soros](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-soros/782862)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-soros/782862 "2017-03-24T22:11:10Z")
Seems to be a big bogeyman in RW circles. Sort of a LW parallel to the Koch Brothers. But with more of an internationalist flavor, and he is much discussed worldwide, particularly (ISTM) in Eastern Europe. Mostly based o… --- ## [Is Germaine Greer a paedophile?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-germaine-greer-a-paedophile/192324)
**Author:** [@bifar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bifar)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-germaine-greer-a-paedophile/192324 "2017-03-24T21:51:31Z")
(Or pedophile, for vowel-bothering Merricans out there:) ) Greer is bringing out a book of photos of pre-pubescent males (called The Boy) and has talked about her own, erm, ‘appreciation’ of their beauty. From here Th… --- ## [Has Liberalism Changed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-liberalism-changed/780517)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-liberalism-changed/780517 "2017-03-24T13:07:08Z")
The Bernie/Hillary split as a convenient example, though not perfect. Bernie seemed to be a thouroughgoing old school liberal. Hillary was sort of a half-assed new liberal. What I’ll call “old school” liberalism had se… --- ## [Trump & Co. are not fascists.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-co-are-not-fascists/782772)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [March 24, 2017, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-co-are-not-fascists/782772 "2017-03-24T12:55:11Z")
Trump & Co. includes: \[ul\] \[li\]Trump\[/li\]\[li\]Bannon\[/li\]\[li\]Conway\[/li\]\[li\]Miller\[/li\]\[li\]Preibus\[/li\]\[li\]Spicer\[/li\]\[li\]Various other minions that come and go\[/li\]\[/ul\] All can be, and often are, described by a long … --- ## [Question for Democrats - Restaurant exclusion sign](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-democrats-restaurant-exclusion-sign/782543)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 294\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/question-for-democrats-restaurant-exclusion-sign/782543 "2017-03-23T19:07:18Z")
Question for Democrats. There is a story of a Hawaiian restaurant that put up a sign saying Trump supporters are not allowed to eat there and called Trump supporters Nazis. So, would you continue to eat at this restaur… --- ## [Why shouldn't we prevent immigration from Muslim countries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-we-prevent-immigration-from-muslim-countries/782304)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-shouldnt-we-prevent-immigration-from-muslim-countries/782304 "2017-03-23T17:24:05Z")
Let’s leave aside the first amendment for a moment. It’s clearly a barrier, but I feel like this issue is still worth talking about. To put it bluntly, as a feminist and civil rights activist I cannot imagine that our s… --- ## [Backpage shuts down sex ads citing government pressure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpage-shuts-down-sex-ads-citing-government-pressure/776822)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/backpage-shuts-down-sex-ads-citing-government-pressure/776822 "2017-03-23T17:17:21Z")
Story here. Does anyone else find this worrying? I’ve never availed myself of adult sex sites like this but I can see they fill a need. And if Backpage has committed offenses (which from all I’ve read I don’t believe t… --- ## [At what point did Civil Defense in the USA during the Cold War become pointless?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-did-civil-defense-in-the-usa-during-the-cold-war-become-pointless/780550)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 2:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-did-civil-defense-in-the-usa-during-the-cold-war-become-pointless/780550 "2017-03-23T02:45:45Z")
If it ever did? Or if there was ever any point in the first place? I’ve just watched one of the TED lectures on youtube titled, ‘How to survive a nuclear attack’, the lecturer takes the usual sneering tone towards the c… --- ## [So tell me, what defines a True Atheist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-what-defines-a-true-atheist/781222)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 343\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-tell-me-what-defines-a-true-atheist/781222 "2017-03-23T00:43:44Z")
A take off from this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=820569 Czarcasm is particularly invited to respond. --- ## [So what is wrong with wiretapping?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-is-wrong-with-wiretapping/782795)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 23, 2017, 12:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-what-is-wrong-with-wiretapping/782795 "2017-03-23T00:43:03Z")
This is about the alleged wiretapping of Trump. We go back and forth on if it’s true or not but I ask, would it be wrong? I mean shouldnt the government be looking at the people who are potentially going to be in positi… --- ## [Are the Dems and media becoming over-invested in Trump/Russia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-dems-and-media-becoming-over-invested-in-trump-russia/781823)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [March 22, 2017, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-the-dems-and-media-becoming-over-invested-in-trump-russia/781823 "2017-03-22T20:14:24Z")
Article from Rolling Stone which suggests there are dangers in the current obsession of the Dems and the media with Trump and his supposed role as a Russian puppet. The whole article needs to be read but I give an extrac… --- ## [A question for those that call themselves "Christian"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-those-that-call-themselves-christian/781219)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2017, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-question-for-those-that-call-themselves-christian/781219 "2017-03-21T14:49:27Z")
In a post in another thread someone said , and I ask how one can tell the difference? What exactly defines one as a “True Christian”, and not one in name only? I can only ask, but it would be nice if self-designated … --- ## [A-10 Warthog vs. AH-64 Apache](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-10-warthog-vs-ah-64-apache/782276)
**Author:** [@Cuckoorex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cuckoorex)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 21, 2017, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-10-warthog-vs-ah-64-apache/782276 "2017-03-21T13:52:38Z")
If you had to pick one to go into battle with against entrenched ground forces, which would you go with? Head to head, which would have the advantage? Both scenarios assume ace pilots. --- ## [Can Trump Make Deals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-trump-make-deals/782474)
**Author:** [@Crane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crane)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2017, 11:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-trump-make-deals/782474 "2017-03-20T11:11:50Z")
Basic to deal making is understanding the players and pieces in the game. Trump exhibits total cluelessness about international trade. We do not have a trade agreement with Germany. But, Trump believes there is one that,… --- ## [Possible Proposal About Pharmaceuticals](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-proposal-about-pharmaceuticals/782568)
**Author:** [@igor\_frankensteen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/igor_frankensteen)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [March 20, 2017, 4:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/possible-proposal-about-pharmaceuticals/782568 "2017-03-20T04:19:50Z")
I don’t know if this belongs as a “great debate” or not, but I had an idea occur to me, and I wonder what others think here about it. Right now, American businesses are allowed to charge one price here, and completely d… --- ## [What should the smallest unit of a currency be able to buy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-smallest-unit-of-a-currency-be-able-to-buy/782043)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2017, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-smallest-unit-of-a-currency-be-able-to-buy/782043 "2017-03-19T20:02:14Z")
I’ve read a few arguments here and there for getting rid of the cent in the U.S. The two arguments are the cost to mint them, and their lack of purchasing power. The question then is: Whatever you call the smallest deno… --- ## [How good is radical skepticism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-is-radical-skepticism/782132)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2017, 4:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-is-radical-skepticism/782132 "2017-03-19T16:57:19Z")
Essentially the claim that nothing can be known and that our senses lie all the time, that reason tends to favor our desires. Some people claim that and say they maintain a matter of suspending judgment on just about eve… --- ## [College football player hits a woman: The case of Joe Mixon](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-football-player-hits-a-woman-the-case-of-joe-mixon/775255)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 226\ **Last updated:** [March 19, 2017, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-football-player-hits-a-woman-the-case-of-joe-mixon/775255 "2017-03-19T01:37:38Z")
Two and a half years ago, an incoming freshman at the University of Oklahoma went into a popular restaurant/bar on his 18th birthday. Joe Mixon was a very highly recruited running back and was considered by many to be t… --- ## [How many generations does it take before one's considered American?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-generations-does-it-take-before-ones-considered-american/400585)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2017, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-generations-does-it-take-before-ones-considered-american/400585 "2017-03-18T15:09:41Z")
Discussing the recent tragedy in Virginia with some of my relatives (who happen to be from Virginia), a few of their comments brought up, IMHO, an interesting question: How many generations does it take before one’s con… --- ## [Detente Invitation to Pro-Trump and Anti-Trump camps.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detente-invitation-to-pro-trump-and-anti-trump-camps/782171)
**Author:** [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Replies:** 201\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2017, 2:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/detente-invitation-to-pro-trump-and-anti-trump-camps/782171 "2017-03-18T14:26:01Z")
In an effort to ease tension and reach a better understanding of positions between the Pro-Trump and Anti-Trump factions, I’m proposing we lay down our arms and try to find, if at all possible, some sort of common ground… --- ## [Should churches be able to have their own state-sanctioned police force?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-churches-be-able-to-have-their-own-state-sanctioned-police-force/781959)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 258\ **Last updated:** [March 18, 2017, 5:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-churches-be-able-to-have-their-own-state-sanctioned-police-force/781959 "2017-03-18T05:15:02Z")
This story appeared on the AP yesterday. Here’s the crux of the biscuit:\[ \](Church cops? Congregation eyes its own unusual police force | AP News) I don’t think this is a good idea. Beyond that, I think it would s… --- ## [Should Supreme Court justices be elected?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-supreme-court-justices-be-elected/782261)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2017, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-supreme-court-justices-be-elected/782261 "2017-03-17T16:52:34Z")
Because of partisan fighting, the Supreme Court has had an empty seat for longer than any time before 1869. Some people are arguing that we shouldn’t nominate anyone until after the Presidential election in 2020. I thi… --- ## [Taxes and growth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-and-growth/781822)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [March 17, 2017, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxes-and-growth/781822 "2017-03-17T01:13:49Z")
It seems to be a given among conservatives that lower taxes will lead to more economic growth. Are conservatives talking about lowering the corporate tax rate (which are currently the highest in the world and cause mult… --- ## [Daylight Saving Time (in USA)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daylight-saving-time-in-usa/782000)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2017, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/daylight-saving-time-in-usa/782000 "2017-03-16T15:39:35Z")
It’s occurs too soon. When I was a kid, DST started on the last Sunday in April. In the 70s, it was moved to the first Sunday in April. Europe starts the last Sunday in March, which is where I think it should be. Lat… --- ## [Charges Against Darrelle Revis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charges-against-darrelle-revis/780077)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2017, 2:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/charges-against-darrelle-revis/780077 "2017-03-16T14:22:51Z")
Breaking down the charges against Jets CB Darrelle Revis, plus a look at the next legal steps I have to say, I’m sympathetic to Revis here. And to many other celebrities who find themselves in such situations. Understoo… --- ## ["I'm not oppressed" - "Yes, you are."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-oppressed-yes-you-are/782244)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2017, 12:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/im-not-oppressed-yes-you-are/782244 "2017-03-16T12:33:08Z")
There sometimes arises a very rare, but very odd, situation in political debate where a man will declare that women are oppressed by patriarchy, and a woman will say that she is not, or a white person will say that racia… --- ## [Why didn't the Senate ratify the TPP last year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-the-senate-ratify-the-tpp-last-year/782282)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2017, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-didnt-the-senate-ratify-the-tpp-last-year/782282 "2017-03-16T03:00:21Z")
When did the TPP become such a poison pill that the (nominally) free trade Republicans didn’t ratify it last year? Maybe Sanders would have opposed it, but there are probably plenty of Democrats who would have voted for… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=127) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=129)