# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=134 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 135 --- ## [Should it be incumbent on Twitter etc to ban Trump's accounts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-it-be-incumbent-on-twitter-etc-to-ban-trumps-accounts/778811)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2017, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-it-be-incumbent-on-twitter-etc-to-ban-trumps-accounts/778811 "2017-02-04T03:31:09Z")
If only to ensure he filters his proclamations through more conventional media outlets? My take is that Twitter etc enables this shitstain to puke his stuff without any checks or balances, but if he were confined to rep… --- ## [Obama and Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-trump/772676)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2017, 1:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-trump/772676 "2017-02-03T13:59:42Z")
So the other day I was having a conversation with my father and the subject of Donald Trump came up. He (my father) is a vehement opponent of Trump. He also thinks that Trump is a threat to the entire US democrary system… --- ## [Is the internet and social media making us more polarized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-internet-and-social-media-making-us-more-polarized/778188)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2017, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-internet-and-social-media-making-us-more-polarized/778188 "2017-02-03T13:33:15Z")
I wonder if this might be part of the toxic mix making people more polarized than they were before. Remember that black mirror episode where you had an implant in your eye that recorded everything you saw in life and co… --- ## [Attack on Quebec mosque](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attack-on-quebec-mosque/778581)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2017, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/attack-on-quebec-mosque/778581 "2017-02-03T01:27:30Z")
Story in Washington Post . I always get the impression from the media that Canada is far more welcoming to and tolerant of Muslim immigrants than the US or UK but is that in fact the case? There have been several outr… --- ## [First GOP / Trump Showdown: DeVos?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-gop-trump-showdown-devos/778772)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/first-gop-trump-showdown-devos/778772 "2017-02-02T16:56:33Z")
At this point with two turning against DeVos it will be a tie and Pence will certainly side with DeVos. But if one more Republican votes against her. Well, it could be interesting. I don’t think Trump would be very h… --- ## [Trump on Gay Marriage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-on-gay-marriage/771968)
**Author:** [@Doyle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doyle)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 5:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-on-gay-marriage/771968 "2017-02-02T05:51:41Z")
Not a Trump supporter and didn’t watch the 60 Minutes interview, but from what I’ve read and seen about the interview, he has no intention in rolling back gay marriage. Am I getting bad info? --- ## [What's the evidence that Bannon is a white supremacist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-evidence-that-bannon-is-a-white-supremacist/778571)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-evidence-that-bannon-is-a-white-supremacist/778571 "2017-02-02T05:37:02Z")
I’m strongly liberal and anti-Trump, and I really hate Breitbart news and Steve Bannon. But as far as I can tell, there’s a lot clearer evidence that he’s unscrupulous, power-hungry, some kind of crazy anarchist who want… --- ## [Foreign-Born Nazi Sympathizers to Lose Gov't Benefits!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-born-nazi-sympathizers-to-lose-govt-benefits/778798)
**Author:** [@Olfatbut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Olfatbut)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [February 2, 2017, 3:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/foreign-born-nazi-sympathizers-to-lose-govt-benefits/778798 "2017-02-02T03:39:43Z")
OK, not really. But what if? Here’s the scenario. The Drumpftruck pulls up and unloads legislation to deny Social Security, Medicare, etc to terrorists and terrorist-sympathizers. Designed to rally Islamophobes naturall… --- ## [Legal permanent residents being stopped at the border](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-permanent-residents-being-stopped-at-the-border/778431)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-permanent-residents-being-stopped-at-the-border/778431 "2017-02-01T15:58:35Z")
The regime is preventing legal, permanent residents of the United States from entering the country from targeted countries. https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/28/us/refugees-detained-at-us-airports-prompting-legal-challeng… --- ## ["Alternative Facts" -- Do not accuse other posters with this phrase.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternative-facts-do-not-accuse-other-posters-with-this-phrase/778749)
**Author:** [@tomndebb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tomndebb)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [February 1, 2017, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alternative-facts-do-not-accuse-other-posters-with-this-phrase/778749 "2017-02-01T14:51:04Z")
When Ms. Conway tried to deflect the accusations of lying away from Mr. Spicer with her claim the he was using “alternative facts,” Chuck Todd explicitly noted “Look, alternative facts are not facts. They’re falsehoods."… --- ## [What is the justification for rioting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-justification-for-rioting/777648)
**Author:** [@HumbleThinker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HumbleThinker)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-justification-for-rioting/777648 "2017-01-31T21:42:27Z")
So according to NPR and other news sources, there was a/multiple riots on 12th Street near a security checkpoint during the inauguration event. As soberly as possible (as I know this can become a heated topic quite quic… --- ## [So I've changed my mind: Donald Trump is pursuing a rational, intelligent strategy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-ive-changed-my-mind-donald-trump-is-pursuing-a-rational-intelligent-strategy/778119)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 9:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-ive-changed-my-mind-donald-trump-is-pursuing-a-rational-intelligent-strategy/778119 "2017-01-31T21:19:05Z")
I had just finished reading why Donald Trump is like Frank Sinatra, which came after getting the scoop on why Donald Trump is a lot like JFK, and was halfway through learning why Donald Trump is like Liberace when I sudd… --- ## [Are adults who approve of harsh punishments often victims of 'Stockholm Syndrome'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-adults-who-approve-of-harsh-punishments-often-victims-of-stockholm-syndrome/778666)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-adults-who-approve-of-harsh-punishments-often-victims-of-stockholm-syndrome/778666 "2017-01-31T18:05:17Z")
I know Stockholm Syndrome is used with hostages and their captors but I think that the tactics used are very similar to children/young adults who experience a high degree of emotional and physical distress from authority… --- ## [Refugee Policy – A Draft Open Letter to My Governor, Andrew Cuomo](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refugee-policy-a-draft-open-letter-to-my-governor-andrew-cuomo/778560)
**Author:** [@JBGUSA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBGUSA)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 11:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/refugee-policy-a-draft-open-letter-to-my-governor-andrew-cuomo/778560 "2017-01-31T11:48:36Z")
I invite comments on and improvements to this letter, which I intend to transmit shortly. Of course, any replies consistent with the TOS are welcome. Dear Honorable Governor: You are not like what I am going to write. I… --- ## [Stop referring to the President of the United States as the "Leader of the Free World"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-referring-to-the-president-of-the-united-states-as-the-leader-of-the-free-world/778467)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 7:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stop-referring-to-the-president-of-the-united-states-as-the-leader-of-the-free-world/778467 "2017-01-31T07:19:18Z")
The current President has made it clear that he is the leader of the American regime, period. His actions today show he is not interested in defending freedom in the world. In fact, he wants to restrict freedom. He als… --- ## [Do Muslim U.S. citizens have anything to worry about?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-muslim-u-s-citizens-have-anything-to-worry-about/778617)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-muslim-u-s-citizens-have-anything-to-worry-about/778617 "2017-01-31T06:52:34Z")
From the Trump administration, I mean. For instance, I have a close friend who’s the American-born son of Pakistani immigrants (themselves now U.S. citizens), who is very concerned. I’ve been telling him I don’t think … --- ## [What effect would a 20% tarrif on Mexican goods have on American cosumers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-effect-would-a-20-tarrif-on-mexican-goods-have-on-american-cosumers/778293)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-effect-would-a-20-tarrif-on-mexican-goods-have-on-american-cosumers/778293 "2017-01-31T05:04:34Z")
I know that there’s lots of auto parts produced there, but what else? --- ## [Dropping Chairman of Joint Chiefs from NSC: Internal Strife?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-chairman-of-joint-chiefs-from-nsc-internal-strife/778537)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 31, 2017, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dropping-chairman-of-joint-chiefs-from-nsc-internal-strife/778537 "2017-01-31T01:32:51Z")
As as I’m sure most of you know Trump removed the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the Director of National Intelligence from the National Security Council and replaced them with Steven Bannon. I was thinking (… --- ## [An open letter to Trump](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-trump/778532)
**Author:** [@nearwildheaven](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nearwildheaven)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-open-letter-to-trump/778532 "2017-01-30T17:19:02Z")
This was printed in my local newspaper today. TL : DR - Mr. Trump, the world is not your own personal fan club. --- ## [Why the change in 2nd Amendment jurisprudence between 19th and 20th centuries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-change-in-2nd-amendment-jurisprudence-between-19th-and-20th-centuries/778483)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-the-change-in-2nd-amendment-jurisprudence-between-19th-and-20th-centuries/778483 "2017-01-30T17:00:38Z")
Whether you hold with the “individual right” interpretation of the Second Amendment or the “collective right” interpretation, one thing seems clear from the history: for virtually all of the 19th century, both judicial d… --- ## [WTF is up with organized, anonymous briefings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-up-with-organized-anonymous-briefings/778585)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wtf-is-up-with-organized-anonymous-briefings/778585 "2017-01-30T16:37:32Z")
Unnamed White House official on implementing travel ban: ‘It really is a massive success story.’ What possible rationale is there for an organized-from-the-top briefing from officials who must not be named? The only r… --- ## [How to defeat a populist leader, with lessons from history](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-defeat-a-populist-leader-with-lessons-from-history/778327)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-defeat-a-populist-leader-with-lessons-from-history/778327 "2017-01-30T15:14:24Z")
I think this is a good read, relatively brief, and very useful. How to Culture Jam a Populist in 4 Easy Steps by Andrés Miguel Rondón The historical lessons are from Venezuela and efforts to defeat Hugo Chavez. A lot o… --- ## [Why are certain accents undesirable even in proficient speakers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-certain-accents-undesirable-even-in-proficient-speakers/778325)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-certain-accents-undesirable-even-in-proficient-speakers/778325 "2017-01-30T14:04:07Z")
This is based on some anecdotal experience but also from a ‘general consensus’ among various people I’ve met. Having lived in the United States and the Republic of Ireland for some time, I have come across a fair share … --- ## [Can fracking cause largish earthquakes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-fracking-cause-largish-earthquakes/778516)
**Author:** [@septimus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/septimus)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-fracking-cause-largish-earthquakes/778516 "2017-01-30T04:49:54Z")
(This might belong in GQ, IMHO, or MPSIMS, but Googling suggestss that this is a major on-going debate.) Rachel Maddow claims that fracking causes earthquakes, including the largest earthquake in continental U.S. in re… --- ## [The Propriety of Making Mexico Pay for the Wall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-propriety-of-making-mexico-pay-for-the-wall/778338)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-propriety-of-making-mexico-pay-for-the-wall/778338 "2017-01-30T03:55:20Z")
There’s been an enormous amount of discussion of Trump’s claim that he will build a wall and make Mexico pay for it. But this seems to have focused on whether Trump can or will do this. What I’m thinking is that even if … --- ## [Resolved: Opiates should be available for home use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-opiates-should-be-available-for-home-use/777527)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-opiates-should-be-available-for-home-use/777527 "2017-01-30T03:01:34Z")
I finally got the virus that was going around, and I felt like garbage with a nasty cough. What did I do? Took half a hydrocodone pill left over from a surgery, and now I feel OK! The cough disappears like magic, and the… --- ## [Canada not taking unaccompanied male refugees?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-not-taking-unaccompanied-male-refugees/778495)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [January 30, 2017, 1:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canada-not-taking-unaccompanied-male-refugees/778495 "2017-01-30T01:13:21Z")
It’s CBC so I imagine it must be totally true. Guardian seems to confirm that this is indeed Canadian policy: First, reasonable policy? Second, couldn’t Trump have saved himself a lot of trouble by just copying Can… --- ## [Let's make Mexico great again!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-make-mexico-great-again/778277)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2017, 3:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-make-mexico-great-again/778277 "2017-01-29T15:14:59Z")
Let me start by saying that a US border wall, no matter how financed or who pays, will be ridiculously expensive. It certainly won’t do much to improve inter-country relations, and it looks like the auxiliary costs, lik… --- ## [Abolish the White Race - By Any Means Necessary](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abolish-the-white-race-by-any-means-necessary/777807)
**Author:** [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2017, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/abolish-the-white-race-by-any-means-necessary/777807 "2017-01-28T19:45:43Z")
One the numerous images coming out of the events surrounding Trumps inauguration was a S.H.A.R.P looking man with a jacket that had large letters that said “Race Traitor” with text surrounding it that read “Treason to Wh… --- ## [Opportunity Hoarding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opportunity-hoarding/777862)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2017, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opportunity-hoarding/777862 "2017-01-28T15:35:19Z")
I was listening to NPR this afternoon, and they were talking about a new concept to me: opportunity hoarding. One of the women on the program gave an example. She said that 90% of white students at \[a particular high sc… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=133) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=135)