# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=150 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 151 --- ## [What's Wrong With Black Lives Matter](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-black-lives-matter/762879)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 300\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2016, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-black-lives-matter/762879 "2016-08-20T18:43:40Z")
The thing is it’s pretty much only black males who get killed. They don’t kill black women. So they should re-name it: Black Male Lives Matter. Unless that doesn’t sound as good, or something. --- ## [Are souls fireproof.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-souls-fireproof/762300)
**Author:** [@Disgruntled\_Penguin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Disgruntled_Penguin)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2016, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-souls-fireproof/762300 "2016-08-19T16:45:48Z")
This is for our christians on the board. Let me explain. Hell is described as a place of fire and brimstone where the souls of evil people are eternally tormented for believing bad things. How does this even work with a… --- ## [Extradite Gulen to Turkey?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extradite-gulen-to-turkey/762434)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2016, 3:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extradite-gulen-to-turkey/762434 "2016-08-19T03:11:50Z")
So, Erdogan believes Gulen was behind the failed coup and wants the U.S. to send him back to Turkey. But is there any actual evidence Gulen was behind it? I’d find it hard to believe that U.S. intelligence hasn’t been ke… --- ## [So, the hostages in Iran weren't allowed to leave until the plane showed up with the 400mil...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-hostages-in-iran-werent-allowed-to-leave-until-the-plane-showed-up-with-the-400mil/762057)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2016, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-the-hostages-in-iran-werent-allowed-to-leave-until-the-plane-showed-up-with-the-400mil/762057 "2016-08-19T00:08:04Z")
Does that make it ransom? I understand we had a previous agreement/settlement to pay them 1.7 billion. And the 400 million was just the first installment. I’m looking for a good argument as to why that first payment wa… --- ## [How Should the US Deal with Wikileaks and Snowden?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-the-us-deal-with-wikileaks-and-snowden/761121)
**Author:** [@DerekMichaels00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DerekMichaels00)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2016, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-the-us-deal-with-wikileaks-and-snowden/761121 "2016-08-18T15:36:55Z")
Both of these entities are leaking American (and other countries’) security secrets to the world. Given that, how should America, the main and most powerful target, deal with them? I think the CIA and FBI ought to take … --- ## [Kids at pg14/R movies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-at-pg14-r-movies/762832)
**Author:** [@Yersenia\_Pestis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yersenia_Pestis)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [August 17, 2016, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kids-at-pg14-r-movies/762832 "2016-08-17T01:58:51Z")
Sitting at the movies I’m always stunned the high number of kids going to see movies rated above their age… Should movies theaters ban this? I know they could care less (they just see a bottom line), but is it right? --- ## [College Students Seek New Roommate (And Specify Skin Color)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-students-seek-new-roommate-and-specify-skin-color/762546)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/college-students-seek-new-roommate-and-specify-skin-color/762546 "2016-08-16T15:27:56Z")
That caveat was that the race of the candidate for roommate was critical. And when a classmate challenged that condition, the student who posted the notice on Facebook pushed back. “It’s exclusive \[because\] I don’t want… --- ## [Should parents be trained an licensed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-parents-be-trained-an-licensed/761332)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 173\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2016, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-parents-be-trained-an-licensed/761332 "2016-08-16T15:03:58Z")
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/psychoanalysis-now/2015/01/should-parents-be-trained-and-licensed/ An interesting topic to be sure, considering how there are some people who have parents that aren’t really in any position… --- ## [Is 'a radicalized Muslim' a meaningful term in 2016?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-radicalized-muslim-a-meaningful-term-in-2016/761725)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 3:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-a-radicalized-muslim-a-meaningful-term-in-2016/761725 "2016-08-15T03:04:46Z")
We hear in the west that there’s an epidemic of radicalized Muslims, mostly young disaffected males living in places like Europe, the US and here in Australia too. But the reality seems to be that the perpetrators of re… --- ## [Clinton's email and Iranian Spys.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clintons-email-and-iranian-spys/762179)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2016, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/clintons-email-and-iranian-spys/762179 "2016-08-15T02:16:46Z")
So apparently discussion about an Iranian spy/defector who is now dead was on Clinton’s private email server. I don’t know if it had anything to do with the man’s death but I do know that the secretary of state should be… --- ## [Prevent World War I](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prevent-world-war-i/762166)
**Author:** [@Roderick\_Femm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roderick_Femm)\ **Replies:** 89\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2016, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/prevent-world-war-i/762166 "2016-08-13T21:23:59Z")
A hundred years ago Europe was in the middle of (to most of us) unimaginable horror - trench warfare, poison gas, millions of (mostly) men dying, countries bankrupted. From what I have read about it, most people seem to … --- ## [Why don't payday loans violate usury laws? \[ed.\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-payday-loans-violate-usury-laws-ed/421763)
**Author:** [@bob\_co](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_co)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2016, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-payday-loans-violate-usury-laws-ed/421763 "2016-08-13T20:05:50Z")
In recent news, I saw that on Oct 1, it became illegal to loan money to a member of the US armed services at more than %36 APR. My girlfriend is in the car title / payday loan business. She received a memo from corporat… --- ## [Does Islam drive homophobic violence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-islam-drive-homophobic-violence/757202)
**Author:** [@Valteron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Valteron)\ **Replies:** 896\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2016, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-islam-drive-homophobic-violence/757202 "2016-08-13T11:33:11Z")
As you are no doubt already aware, I, Valteron am a crazy bigoted Islamophobe, so I will in all humility ask questions and allow myself to be enlightened by all the other posters. Is it possible that Islamic doctrines… --- ## [Economic effect of legal marijuana](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-effect-of-legal-marijuana/762462)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2016, 3:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economic-effect-of-legal-marijuana/762462 "2016-08-12T15:48:16Z")
In Maine and California, voters may make the choice to legalise it this November. How much will these states benefit from this? It is often stated that legalisation will end a lot of black market related crime, saving … --- ## [What if someone wanted a "Race-Reconstructive surgery"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-someone-wanted-a-race-reconstructive-surgery/762387)
**Author:** [@MyFootsZZZ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MyFootsZZZ)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2016, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-someone-wanted-a-race-reconstructive-surgery/762387 "2016-08-12T15:24:35Z")
I don’t even know what they would call it, or if it’s even possible to change skin pigment… What if one doesn’t believe they identify with the race they’re born with? I know it’s a different scenario than wanting to un… --- ## [What all methods could Israel use to stop a hostile neighbor from getting nukes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-all-methods-could-israel-use-to-stop-a-hostile-neighbor-from-getting-nukes/762048)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2016, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-all-methods-could-israel-use-to-stop-a-hostile-neighbor-from-getting-nukes/762048 "2016-08-11T16:10:02Z")
Just out of curiosity. I’m talking all methods (legal and illegal, moral and immoral). The only caveat is that the methods work and not be outrageously immoral. The reason I pick Israel is because that is a nation who ac… --- ## [Why stay alive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-stay-alive/762317)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2016, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-stay-alive/762317 "2016-08-11T00:39:40Z")
Simply put, why not just die? Why keep on living? There doesn’t seem to be any rational reason behind continuing to exist. --- ## ["Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/architects-engineers-for-9-11-truth/761917)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 225\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2016, 12:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/architects-engineers-for-9-11-truth/761917 "2016-08-10T00:20:37Z")
Hi I haven’t discussed 9/11 conspiracy theories before. I’m rewatching the original Zeitgeist movie on Youtube. The first segment about the origins of Christianity is appalling but I’m finding the 9/11 section intriguing… --- ## [To what extent can robots help us make better decisions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-can-robots-help-us-make-better-decisions/762015)
**Author:** [@PlaceboTarget](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PlaceboTarget)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 9, 2016, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-what-extent-can-robots-help-us-make-better-decisions/762015 "2016-08-09T13:49:45Z")
Robots may or may not make things simpler in the future. There are people who believe computers will be sooner or later used in various decision-making processes, such as human resources management for example, due to t… --- ## ["Have you even read the U.S. Constitution?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-even-read-the-u-s-constitution/761299)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [August 8, 2016, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-you-even-read-the-u-s-constitution/761299 "2016-08-08T17:24:51Z")
Many people seem to believe that the best moment at the Democratic Convention was the speech by Khizr Khan, in which he challenged Donald Trump, “Have you even read the U.S. Constitution?” Much as I dislike lots of othe… --- ## [What eastern european and/or ex soviet nations would actually welcome a return of Russian hegemony](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-eastern-european-and-or-ex-soviet-nations-would-actually-welcome-a-return-of-russian-hegemony/761395)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2016, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-eastern-european-and-or-ex-soviet-nations-would-actually-welcome-a-return-of-russian-hegemony/761395 "2016-08-06T21:13:33Z")
Supposedly eastern Ukraine is full of people who ethnically and politically identify with Russia. Are they an outlier? I’m surprised after the Ukranian famines under Stalin that there are Ukranians who want to go back t… --- ## [Which party do you predict will succeed the ANC in South Africa? And when?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-party-do-you-predict-will-succeed-the-anc-in-south-africa-and-when/758461)
**Author:** [@ILikeForeignLanguages](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ILikeForeignLanguages)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 6, 2016, 1:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-party-do-you-predict-will-succeed-the-anc-in-south-africa-and-when/758461 "2016-08-06T13:12:09Z")
I personally believe the EFF will become the ruling party in South Africa in 2024. I don’t think it will happen in 2019, because the ANC still has a strong enough majority to win the 2019 elections by a hair. Also, the r… --- ## [Kato Kaelin planted evidence! OJ case.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kato-kaelin-planted-evidence-oj-case/760150)
**Author:** [@Ingalls831](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ingalls831)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 5, 2016, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kato-kaelin-planted-evidence-oj-case/760150 "2016-08-05T17:47:38Z")
So I’m wondering - why has no one ever suspected Kato Kaelin for planting the evidence at OJ’s Rockingham estate? Isn’t obvious? Young, aspiring actor, friends with Nicole, living at her place and after that offered to … --- ## [Christians: What's the lowdown on The Second Coming?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-whats-the-lowdown-on-the-second-coming/758518)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [August 4, 2016, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/christians-whats-the-lowdown-on-the-second-coming/758518 "2016-08-04T22:53:12Z")
Has the Book of Revelation got it down pat? Is the Book of Revelation only a metaphor for what will happen and, if so, what does this metaphor actually mean? Or will The Second Coming have nothing to do with that book?… --- ## [What is the purpose of nuclear weapons?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-nuclear-weapons/758036)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2016, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-purpose-of-nuclear-weapons/758036 "2016-08-03T18:10:38Z")
Unlike many other weapons, there is no peaceful use for them. You can cut vegetables with a knife, hunt with a gun, and use chemical explosives in mining.The nukes could be dismantled for nuclear power plant fuel, but t… --- ## [Officer Nero Not Guilty On All Charges](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/officer-nero-not-guilty-on-all-charges/755505)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2016, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/officer-nero-not-guilty-on-all-charges/755505 "2016-08-03T14:29:19Z")
Nero was charged with assault, misconduct in office by corruptly performing an unlawful act, reckless endangerment and misconduct in office by corruptly failing to do an act that is required by the duties of his office. … --- ## [Are human brains the world's most precious resource?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-human-brains-the-worlds-most-precious-resource/757656)
**Author:** [@Gozu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gozu)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2016, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-human-brains-the-worlds-most-precious-resource/757656 "2016-08-03T11:52:27Z")
I’ve been assuming as such and deriving most of my political, ethical, economic and spiritual beliefs around this “seemingly obvious” notion. I woke up today and it occurred to me that I have never really challenged or … --- ## [How can a President create jobs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-president-create-jobs/761378)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 3, 2016, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-a-president-create-jobs/761378 "2016-08-03T00:25:54Z")
All the candidates have been talking a lot about creating jobs for Americans. But that isn’t really what a president does. The number of government jobs is decided by Congress. The president does have some power over … --- ## [Is it time to lift the taboo on nigga?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-to-lift-the-taboo-on-nigga/761497)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2016, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-to-lift-the-taboo-on-nigga/761497 "2016-08-02T23:11:57Z")
And I do mean nigga not nigger, Teenagers use it all the time as a term of affection and respect, copying the example of their rap star idols. Black teenagers use it to white teenagers, white to black, white to white, an… --- ## [Do Latino managers discriminate in hiring](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-latino-managers-discriminate-in-hiring/761393)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2016, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-latino-managers-discriminate-in-hiring/761393 "2016-08-02T21:24:33Z")
In recent years I hear more and more complaints from Americans with English as a first language who are willing to work for low wages complain about shops where thy can’t get in because all they hire is Latinos. I see th… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=149) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=151)