# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=137 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 138 --- ## [What is Putin's motivation for continuing support of Assad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-putins-motivation-for-continuing-support-of-assad/776852)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2017, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-putins-motivation-for-continuing-support-of-assad/776852 "2017-01-12T21:15:32Z")
Please speak to me in small words. --- ## [How About This for an ACA Alternative](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-this-for-an-aca-alternative/776528)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2017, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-about-this-for-an-aca-alternative/776528 "2017-01-12T17:24:06Z")
OK- I am not a health economist, so let’s try to keep this civil. It’s just an idea and I am wondering if it would work- I am completely open to reasons why it won’t work, though please save your breath if the only reaso… --- ## [Let's talk term limits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-term-limits/776396)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [January 12, 2017, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-talk-term-limits/776396 "2017-01-12T03:12:37Z")
I’m sure there have been previous discussions here on the dope, but this is in the news thanks to Ted Cruz. \[ \](Sen. Cruz and Rep. DeSantis Introduce Constitutional Amendment To Impose Term Limits On Members of Congre… --- ## [Paths for Trump on the Economy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paths-for-trump-on-the-economy/771857)
**Author:** [@WillFarnaby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WillFarnaby)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 11, 2017, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paths-for-trump-on-the-economy/771857 "2017-01-11T18:36:39Z")
Historically, a recession is overdue. Many assets are in a bubble right now. He has a few choices on how to deal with this. Intervene with monetary and fiscal stimulus. Keep the doves at the Fed. Harangue congress to p… --- ## [Republicans To Immediately Deregulate Banks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-to-immediately-deregulate-banks/775121)
**Author:** [@Budget\_Player\_Cadet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Budget_Player_Cadet)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/republicans-to-immediately-deregulate-banks/775121 "2017-01-10T18:42:13Z")
So the House Freedom Caucus released a list of regulations it plans to roll back. There’s a lot in there which is bizarre, disturbing, or nonsensical (wait, we really want to make life easier for for-profit colleges?!… --- ## [Alabama's Bathroom Bill](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alabamas-bathroom-bill/776725)
**Author:** [@scr4](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scr4)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alabamas-bathroom-bill/776725 "2017-01-10T18:41:36Z")
Alabama has introduced its own “bathroom bill”. The article has a link to the actual bill. This seems slightly different from others. As far as I can tell from a quick perusal, it says bathrooms must be either (1) singl… --- ## [What would be the response to a "peaceful" terrorist organization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-response-to-a-peaceful-terrorist-organization/776752)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 3:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-response-to-a-peaceful-terrorist-organization/776752 "2017-01-10T15:07:27Z")
Something I was musing over the weekend: Suppose that there were a terrorist organization like ISIS, except that instead of using violence, it was committed to using peaceful, legal methods of accomplishing its means. … --- ## [Israeli soldier convicted of Manslaughter in military court](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israeli-soldier-convicted-of-manslaughter-in-military-court/776420)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 8:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israeli-soldier-convicted-of-manslaughter-in-military-court/776420 "2017-01-10T08:11:03Z")
Surprised not to see a thread on this. Bloomberg - Are you a robot?. Background from wikipedia Basically it sounds like the same sort of thing that the Black Lives Matter movement was targeting in the US. The one bi… --- ## [Why redshirt when taking a gap year more practical?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-redshirt-when-taking-a-gap-year-more-practical/743632)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2017, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-redshirt-when-taking-a-gap-year-more-practical/743632 "2017-01-10T01:10:03Z")
So I’ve noticed that a lot of parents said there sole reason for redshirting their fall child was that they didn’t want them to go to college at 17. But if that’s the only reason, why not have them take a gap year instea… --- ## [Autonomous Car - Should it kill you, or two pedestrians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/autonomous-car-should-it-kill-you-or-two-pedestrians/773811)
**Author:** [@ThisIsTheEnd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThisIsTheEnd)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2017, 10:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/autonomous-car-should-it-kill-you-or-two-pedestrians/773811 "2017-01-09T22:02:36Z")
Watched Werner Herzog’s \*Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World \*last night, highly recommend. For now, it seems clear the masses are too busy dicking with their phones to realize technology is racing far out in… --- ## [Are Republicans in Congress conceding the benefits of the ACA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-republicans-in-congress-conceding-the-benefits-of-the-aca/776743)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2017, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-republicans-in-congress-conceding-the-benefits-of-the-aca/776743 "2017-01-09T20:33:26Z")
Here’s a link from the Washington Examiner, and here from TPM (riffing on the other link). They cite multiple Republicans in Congress and in Trump’s incoming team saying that they don’t intend for anyone to lose their i… --- ## [I recently stumbled onto the "box wars" of conservative/liberal world views](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-recently-stumbled-onto-the-box-wars-of-conservative-liberal-world-views/776421)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2017, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-recently-stumbled-onto-the-box-wars-of-conservative-liberal-world-views/776421 "2017-01-09T16:11:34Z")
I noticed a graphic in a youtube video in a Haidt talk, looked up the graphic and saw many more variations. The video where I got the tip off: it shows up a bit before the 6 minute mark Here is the original image: ht… --- ## [Catholic priest appeals to Donald Trump to end abortion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catholic-priest-appeals-to-donald-trump-to-end-abortion/775500)
**Author:** [@Calico\_Jack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Calico_Jack)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2017, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/catholic-priest-appeals-to-donald-trump-to-end-abortion/775500 "2017-01-09T15:57:27Z")
Interesting, with Republicans now in control of all branches of government, and a conservative SCOTUS, I wonder if Roe vs Wade will be overturned in the coming years. If there was a time for Republicans to act on it, … --- ## [The way to break the theocracy of Islam is to destroy Gods commands](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-way-to-break-the-theocracy-of-islam-is-to-destroy-gods-commands/775759)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2017, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-way-to-break-the-theocracy-of-islam-is-to-destroy-gods-commands/775759 "2017-01-09T02:01:45Z")
In particular, to destroy the ONE ethical foundation of theists around the world. “Because God said so” This formulation of god based ethics that virtually all traditions of ethical monotheism are founded on is the ori… --- ## [What is fake news?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-fake-news/776456)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2017, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-fake-news/776456 "2017-01-08T22:42:57Z")
“Fake news” is a term that basically didn’t exist until late October, but once it was out there, people have been falling over themselves to slap this label on anything they don’t like. But what is fake news? Let’s loo… --- ## [Could the 9/11 hijackers have been 'deradicalised' before the attacks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-9-11-hijackers-have-been-deradicalised-before-the-attacks/776305)
**Author:** [@femmejean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/femmejean)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2017, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-9-11-hijackers-have-been-deradicalised-before-the-attacks/776305 "2017-01-08T16:53:45Z")
Aside from law enforcement intervention and deterrence using the criminal justice system, is there a way for society to ‘prevent’ potential terrorists from becoming mass murderers? In other words, convincing them that it… --- ## [Duty not to follow unlawful orders--extends to top generals and president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duty-not-to-follow-unlawful-orders-extends-to-top-generals-and-president/775442)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2017, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duty-not-to-follow-unlawful-orders-extends-to-top-generals-and-president/775442 "2017-01-07T23:56:42Z")
If the president gives an unlawful order to his generals, I am guessing they have a duty not to follow those orders. Is that correct? What would some examples of potential unlawful orders be? The president ordering it d… --- ## [Is SuperMax (ADX Florence) prison poorly thought out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-supermax-adx-florence-prison-poorly-thought-out/775707)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2017, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-supermax-adx-florence-prison-poorly-thought-out/775707 "2017-01-07T23:25:52Z")
The recent thread about life imprisonment vs. death penalty had me thinking about a related topic: I will be the first to say I am not knowledgeable about incarceration and the corrections system (maybe Little Nemo is t… --- ## [What would it take to get major powers to commit genocide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-to-get-major-powers-to-commit-genocide/775202)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2017, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-to-get-major-powers-to-commit-genocide/775202 "2017-01-07T22:56:04Z")
Do you think there is/are any possible action(s) that radical Muslims could do to get the American people / government / military to say “f\*\*\* it, just kill them all” and actually set out to systematically eliminate an e… --- ## [When did the fifties metaphorically begin?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-fifties-metaphorically-begin/414184)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2017, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-did-the-fifties-metaphorically-begin/414184 "2017-01-07T16:20:56Z")
Chronologically, the debate is between January 1, 1950 and January 1, 1951. But we’re talking the metaphorical decade not the chronological one. The Thirties began on October 29, 1929. The Forties began on September 1,… --- ## [Two State Solution: how could it actually practically work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-state-solution-how-could-it-actually-practically-work/775894)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2017, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/two-state-solution-how-could-it-actually-practically-work/775894 "2017-01-07T03:05:37Z")
It’s back in the news yet again. So lets say a miracle happens, Israel and Palestine agree to a two state solution. Palestine gets the west bank, east Jerusalem and the gaza strip. Israel recognises the Palestinian st… --- ## [Should the President maintain a blog?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-president-maintain-a-blog/252844)
**Author:** [@Tyrrell\_McAllister](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tyrrell_McAllister)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2017, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-president-maintain-a-blog/252844 "2017-01-07T02:26:30Z")
(I don’t mean the current president specifically.) How might it change our perception of the President if he (or she, but I’ll use “he” for the remainder of the OP) maintained a daily blog recording his thoughts on the … --- ## [Has Donald Trump's election been followed by a wave of hate crimes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-donald-trumps-election-been-followed-by-a-wave-of-hate-crimes/775872)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2017, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-donald-trumps-election-been-followed-by-a-wave-of-hate-crimes/775872 "2017-01-05T21:29:10Z")
Some sources seem to take it for granted that hate crimes are increasing after Trump’s election. But are they really? Perhaps I’m inclined to skepticism because of personal experience. During my senior year in college… --- ## [Let's bring those jobs back... How?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-bring-those-jobs-back-how/772448)
**Author:** [@k9bfriender](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/k9bfriender)\ **Replies:** 320\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2017, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-bring-those-jobs-back-how/772448 "2017-01-05T18:22:36Z")
So, rural white america has spoken. And they have said to stop ignoring their needs, to stop ignoring their plight. They have said, rather loudly, that their needs will be forefront before anyone else’s are addressed. O… --- ## [Global Warming and the Necessity for Nuclear Power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-and-the-necessity-for-nuclear-power/773910)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2017, 5:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-and-the-necessity-for-nuclear-power/773910 "2017-01-05T17:10:59Z")
I’d like to talk about a very fundamental disconnect in the debate over global warming: The chosen solution of renewable power is fundamentally incompatible with the claim that time is short and something must be done no… --- ## [Why don't "scientists" accept that not everything follows strict logic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-scientists-accept-that-not-everything-follows-strict-logic/776117)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2017, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-scientists-accept-that-not-everything-follows-strict-logic/776117 "2017-01-05T00:51:34Z")
This thread on “Mysterious Happenings” got me thinking about the many atheists and evolutionists and others who have argued against the concepts of God and the supernatural. They insist that everything must follow the sc… --- ## [Scientists discover method to turn CO2 into Ethanol](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientists-discover-method-to-turn-co2-into-ethanol/768958)
**Author:** [@ultimate11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ultimate11)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2017, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientists-discover-method-to-turn-co2-into-ethanol/768958 "2017-01-04T21:29:46Z")
So I found this online: It looks like a double edged sword. On one hand, it could advert climate change. On another hand, it could improve feedstock prices (less corn usage for ethanol)- what do you guys think about th… --- ## [Why are some industries fragmented while others are consolidated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-industries-fragmented-while-others-are-consolidated/776020)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2017, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-some-industries-fragmented-while-others-are-consolidated/776020 "2017-01-04T20:56:01Z")
For example, trucking in the US is an incredibly fragmented industry, where the 50 largest companies handle just 30% of the volume and there are over 110,000 carriers and 350,000 owner operators. On the other hand, shipp… --- ## [Co-opting Trumpism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/co-opting-trumpism/767589)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2017, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/co-opting-trumpism/767589 "2017-01-04T18:19:03Z")
(I’m hoping to start a discussion on governance, not on this election per se, which is why I’m putting this in GD.) The fact that \>40% of the voting public will vote for a shaved baboon who says the things they want to … --- ## [Syria: Putin succeeds where Obama failed](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/syria-putin-succeeds-where-obama-failed/775884)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2017, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/syria-putin-succeeds-where-obama-failed/775884 "2017-01-04T16:01:39Z")
Cease-fire brokered by Russia and Turkey begins across Syria Another legacy Obama leaves behind, having presided over the most inept adminstration to deal with foreign affairs in a long long time. Liberals may excoriat… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=136) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=138)