# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=131 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 132 --- ## [US and NATO (and Trump, of course) + Mattis Gives Trump's Ultimatum To Europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-and-nato-and-trump-of-course-mattis-gives-trumps-ultimatum-to-europe/779915)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 218\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2017, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-and-nato-and-trump-of-course-mattis-gives-trumps-ultimatum-to-europe/779915 "2017-02-23T21:51:55Z")
So, looks like Trump’s latest policy translated from his campaign rhetoric concerning NATO is…well, being developed is probably too generous…a trial balloon has been floated I suppose. Here is a BBC article on it: I’v… --- ## [Coinjoined Twins and Abortion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coinjoined-twins-and-abortion/779797)
**Author:** [@Zach29](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zach29)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2017, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/coinjoined-twins-and-abortion/779797 "2017-02-20T16:33:53Z")
Here’s a hypothetical. Suppose there are conjoined twins and they both share the same uterus. They get pregnant. Twin A wants an abortion but Twin B vehemently wants to keep the baby. Which of these two twins has the gr… --- ## [I don't like Islam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-like-islam/779277)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 214\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2017, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-like-islam/779277 "2017-02-23T02:46:13Z")
There, I said it. I think of myself as a liberal humanist, so although I don’t much care for any religion this is a jarring admission for me. The first thing that needs to be said is that I have no problem with individu… --- ## [Are standard politicians trustworthy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-standard-politicians-trustworthy/778314)
**Author:** [@Pantastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pantastic)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2017, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-standard-politicians-trustworthy/778314 "2017-02-22T22:24:52Z")
I’ve seen the idea that US politicians are generally reliable about keeping their campaign promises floated around on this board a lot. It is based on things like this study from 538.com. The contention of the article an… --- ## [New Oklahoma Abortion Bill hands over final say to males](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-oklahoma-abortion-bill-hands-over-final-say-to-males/779456)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2017, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-oklahoma-abortion-bill-hands-over-final-say-to-males/779456 "2017-02-22T04:35:21Z")
As described here, Link to PDF copy of bill Link to PDF copy of bill here. Not only is this law sexist to the extreme, it is unconstitutional. --- ## [Can intelligence agencies (CIA, Europol) use 'unethical' tactics to nab terrorists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-intelligence-agencies-cia-europol-use-unethical-tactics-to-nab-terrorists/779922)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2017, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-intelligence-agencies-cia-europol-use-unethical-tactics-to-nab-terrorists/779922 "2017-02-20T22:44:41Z")
I posted this in GD since there is obviously no factual answer. Also aside from being granted extrajudicial powers, this question is concerned with whether they would use such tactics. In our post 9/11 world, we know fo… --- ## [Does it matter if the Russians Have Kompromat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-matter-if-the-russians-have-kompromat/779938)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2017, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-it-matter-if-the-russians-have-kompromat/779938 "2017-02-20T17:45:32Z")
OK, let’s suppose the Russians have awful stuff on Trump. Golden showers, and he’s the recipient. Trump taking loans from oligarchs and promising to stay out of the Russian sphere of influence. Whatever you can imagine, … --- ## [What gives with "bully culture"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gives-with-bully-culture/779762)
**Author:** [@Translucent\_Daydream](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Translucent_Daydream)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2017, 10:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-gives-with-bully-culture/779762 "2017-02-20T10:29:33Z")
Is bullying worse now than it used to be? Are we less tough now than we used to be? I’m not sure I understand what’s going on with this problem. I was raised to be in trouble if I didn’t stand up for myself and I wouldn’… --- ## [Islamophobia follows from observing Islam-majority nations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islamophobia-follows-from-observing-islam-majority-nations/779229)
**Author:** [@Chief\_Pedant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chief_Pedant)\ **Replies:** 183\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2017, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islamophobia-follows-from-observing-islam-majority-nations/779229 "2017-02-20T03:21:17Z")
Wherever Muslims have a majority within a nation, that nation has a cultural theme, specific laws, and defacto practices which which are broadly antithetical to western culture, laws and practices. This is the root of I… --- ## [Whole language vs phonics - is it really this vicious a debate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-language-vs-phonics-is-it-really-this-vicious-a-debate/778125)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2017, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whole-language-vs-phonics-is-it-really-this-vicious-a-debate/778125 "2017-02-20T02:53:12Z")
So I listen to the generally excellent podcast Lexicon Valley, which discusses issues of language, usually interesting etymologies and so forth. I just listened to the Jan. 10 episode, and it featured an interview with M… --- ## [International reaction to Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248)
**Author:** [@NiceGuyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NiceGuyJack)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2017, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-reaction-to-trump/779248 "2017-02-20T01:19:53Z")
As an expat in Singapore, I find it quite interesting how the locals have reacted to the the Trump presidency. I can tell you they are incredulous. Mind you, most Singaporeans have criticism of their own government. High… --- ## [March 8 is A Day Without Men Day.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/march-8-is-a-day-without-men-day/780283)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2017, 1:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/march-8-is-a-day-without-men-day/780283 "2017-02-20T01:19:10Z")
Personally, I’m looking forward to staying home. Except my wife will be there. :frowning: Maybe I’ll go to the office, but won’t answer the phone. :slight\_smile: --- ## [What should happen to Democrat sanctuary cities?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-happen-to-democrat-sanctuary-cities/780031)
**Author:** [@Blinkyandpinky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blinkyandpinky)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2017, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-happen-to-democrat-sanctuary-cities/780031 "2017-02-19T17:51:09Z")
A showdown will soon be taking place between various illegal, Democrat run sanctuary cities VS the rule of law and the current administration. All funding should be pulled from such cities, and that will apparently be h… --- ## [Presidents and Top Secret clearance.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-and-top-secret-clearance/780057)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2017, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/presidents-and-top-secret-clearance/780057 "2017-02-19T14:31:43Z")
Getting Top Secret security clearance is a pain in the ass. You have to basically list everyone you’ve ever met. You need multiple references from every place you’ve ever lived, and many of those people will be personall… --- ## [Trump gives unwarranted nuke-launch order; just how likely is it to be carried out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-gives-unwarranted-nuke-launch-order-just-how-likely-is-it-to-be-carried-out/779805)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2017, 4:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-gives-unwarranted-nuke-launch-order-just-how-likely-is-it-to-be-carried-out/779805 "2017-02-19T04:26:59Z")
One of the most frequent paranoid alarms raised about a Trump presidency was the “red button” fear; the idea that Trump might order a nuclear attack for petty or unwarranted reasons and that, somehow, those orders would … --- ## [Transsexuals and the "gender assigned at birth" phrase](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transsexuals-and-the-gender-assigned-at-birth-phrase/779777)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2017, 3:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transsexuals-and-the-gender-assigned-at-birth-phrase/779777 "2017-02-19T03:59:11Z")
I hear “gender assigned at birth” come up a lot in discussions with / about trans folks. It seems like a really bizarre phrase to me. Their (I’m sure someone would complain whichever adjective I used here, so I’ll just l… --- ## [Deep State](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-state/779933)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2017, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deep-state/779933 "2017-02-18T03:15:02Z")
Wikipedia From The Atlantic: Are Deep-State Leakers Defending Democracy or Corroding It? From the Chicago Tribune: Trump is showing how the Deep State really works ISTM that while Deep Staters are understandably provo… --- ## [How qualified is Acosta for Labor Secretary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-qualified-is-acosta-for-labor-secretary/780012)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2017, 1:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-qualified-is-acosta-for-labor-secretary/780012 "2017-02-18T01:54:16Z")
I don’t know anything about Acosta, but at very first blush he looks a helluva lot better than Puzder every did. I am cautious about letting Trump set the bar so low that I’m grateful for anything he does; at the same ti… --- ## [convince me that charter schools are a good thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-that-charter-schools-are-a-good-thing/779298)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2017, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-that-charter-schools-are-a-good-thing/779298 "2017-02-17T20:32:05Z")
I grew up with an elementary school teacher. She worked in EMR for decades, until the paperwork became too much, going to 2\[sup\]nd\[/sup\] grade for the last decade or so. Because of that, I tend to have pretty fixed notio… --- ## [Judges "of color" to only be replaced by judges "of color" (proposed RI law)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judges-of-color-to-only-be-replaced-by-judges-of-color-proposed-ri-law/779484)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 10:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judges-of-color-to-only-be-replaced-by-judges-of-color-proposed-ri-law/779484 "2017-02-16T22:24:59Z")
Came across this proposed law while looking for something else. I have a feeling that this does not have a serious chance of being enacted into law, but don’t really know. But in any event, does anyone support this? I… --- ## [What's Putin's game ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-putins-game/779932)
**Author:** [@Kobal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kobal2)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-putins-game/779932 "2017-02-16T21:00:43Z")
So, y’alls in the US are much abuzz about Putin’s interference in the election process and possible role in getting that guy elected. Thing is, it’s not Putin’s only dabbling in foreign fuckery. He’s rumored to have had … --- ## [Donald Trump Threatens to Send Troops to Mexico](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-threatens-to-send-troops-to-mexico/778788)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-threatens-to-send-troops-to-mexico/778788 "2017-02-16T19:07:11Z")
http://time.com/4657474/donald-trump-enrique-pena-nieto-mexico-bad-hombres/ Well, kind of speechless on this one. Let’s see debate… Umm… well, let’s start with the obvious. Is he right? Is Mexico incapable of solving… --- ## [Trump's 'Bad Boy' Appeal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-bad-boy-appeal/779927)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 6:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trumps-bad-boy-appeal/779927 "2017-02-16T18:31:44Z")
Granted, there’s been some Trump overload here and elsewhere but I’ve not seen this theory out there. There’s been a lot of discussion of how Trump supporters reconcile their support with his many personal failings. But… --- ## [Mattis Gives Trump's Ultimatum To Europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattis-gives-trumps-ultimatum-to-europe/779967)
**Author:** [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 12:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mattis-gives-trumps-ultimatum-to-europe/779967 "2017-02-16T12:29:10Z")
What we’re seeing here is Trump’s negotiating style in action: bully, bluster and threaten. While these are useful tools to have at hand, they are much less effective when used against our supposed allies. I’m also not c… --- ## [49% vs. 41% in favour of Muslim ban](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49-vs-41-in-favour-of-muslim-ban/778708)
**Author:** [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Replies:** 297\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 9:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/49-vs-41-in-favour-of-muslim-ban/778708 "2017-02-16T09:39:01Z")
New Reuters poll: Kind of weird really as surely the ban is illegal. http://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-trump-immigration-poll-exclusive-idUKKBN15F2M6 --- ## [Duties of Intel Community Under Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duties-of-intel-community-under-trump/779929)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 9:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duties-of-intel-community-under-trump/779929 "2017-02-16T09:13:20Z")
I have no cite but I recently read that the heads of our (U.S.) national security agencies may be/are reluctant to reveal sensitive information to the current administration for fear of said info going right back to Russ… --- ## [West Virginia public schools sued over Bible classes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-virginia-public-schools-sued-over-bible-classes/779342)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 4:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/west-virginia-public-schools-sued-over-bible-classes/779342 "2017-02-16T04:31:07Z")
Article here. I like that-it’s open to all…all Christians, that is. :rolleyes: It’s “opt-out” if you don’t want to take the course during school hours, not “opt-in” if you do, and with 96% of the students taking the … --- ## [Fact checking Trump might be playing into his hands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-checking-trump-might-be-playing-into-his-hands/779275)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 2:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fact-checking-trump-might-be-playing-into-his-hands/779275 "2017-02-16T02:04:15Z")
Was reading this article on CNN and thinking about the Straight Dope and how we all do this…when someone says something that’s obviously false, our overwhelming reaction here is to fact check, then go into excruciating d… --- ## [Kid who was bullied commits suicide. Should bully be charged with involuntary manslaughter? (real)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kid-who-was-bullied-commits-suicide-should-bully-be-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-real/778878)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [February 16, 2017, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kid-who-was-bullied-commits-suicide-should-bully-be-charged-with-involuntary-manslaughter-real/778878 "2017-02-16T00:26:54Z")
This is actually happening so not just a hypothetical: Personally I think bullies are despicable and Ms. Branham seems worthy of our contempt (assuming the story as related is true). That said I am hard pressed to see… --- ## [What really helps terrorist groups to recruit?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-helps-terrorist-groups-to-recruit/779750)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2017, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-helps-terrorist-groups-to-recruit/779750 "2017-02-15T17:29:36Z")
Eli Lake argues that the Muslim immigration ban is not much of a factor: https://www.bloomberg.com/view/articles/2017-02-10/trump-s-travel-ban-is-not-recruiting-more-terrorists That last argument says it all, IMO. No … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=130) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=132)