# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=151 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 152 --- ## [Labor union analog for knowledge workers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/labor-union-analog-for-knowledge-workers/760804)
**Author:** [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2016, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/labor-union-analog-for-knowledge-workers/760804 "2016-08-02T16:29:19Z")
I have participated in debates in the past here trying to explain why our current Unions are not suitable for knowledge workers. These debates have convinced me that making the required changes to both attract and addre… --- ## [Are Maine's new opioid laws a step in the right direction?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-maines-new-opioid-laws-a-step-in-the-right-direction/761039)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [August 2, 2016, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-maines-new-opioid-laws-a-step-in-the-right-direction/761039 "2016-08-02T09:23:29Z")
Laws are going into effect soon that will cap the amount of opioid drugs a patient can receive. Medical use does lead to a lot of addiction and overdose, so I think this might be a good idea. It will also reduce the … --- ## [Examples of failed democracies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-failed-democracies/760061)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2016, 10:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/examples-of-failed-democracies/760061 "2016-08-01T22:35:13Z")
There is a quote attributed to Robert Heinlein "…when the plebs discover that they can vote themselves bread and circuses without limit and that the productive members of the body politic cannot stop them, they will do s… --- ## [Solution to US gun violence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solution-to-us-gun-violence/761181)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2016, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solution-to-us-gun-violence/761181 "2016-08-01T20:51:03Z")
I have been watching the DNC and this was a big theme. But I realised something from the speeches. No matter how much politicians like to talk about solving the problem, very little seems to actually be done about it. … --- ## [The meaning of Freedom of the Press](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-meaning-of-freedom-of-the-press/761388)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2016, 1:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-meaning-of-freedom-of-the-press/761388 "2016-08-01T13:31:48Z")
I’ve been reading about the Bill of Rights lately and it’s making me think about the meaning of the various rights. Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are both included in the First Amendment. But as a practical… --- ## [Atheism is Irrational - Crazy Atheists Cringe Compilation 2016](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheism-is-irrational-crazy-atheists-cringe-compilation-2016/761425)
**Author:** [@Theism\_Defence](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Theism_Defence)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [August 1, 2016, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheism-is-irrational-crazy-atheists-cringe-compilation-2016/761425 "2016-08-01T00:50:34Z")
Link redacted --- ## [Why abortions would/wouldn't be legal all the way up to childbirth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-abortions-would-wouldnt-be-legal-all-the-way-up-to-childbirth/760974)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 31, 2016, 6:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-abortions-would-wouldnt-be-legal-all-the-way-up-to-childbirth/760974 "2016-07-31T06:30:59Z")
In a separate thread, the vast majority (86%) of pro-choice Dopers who voted in the poll, voted that abortion should be legal even if a fetus is a person. Others in the thread also said that the mother should have sole … --- ## [On an assault weapon ban](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-an-assault-weapon-ban/757469)
**Author:** [@Uqbar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Uqbar)\ **Replies:** 687\ **Last updated:** [July 30, 2016, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-an-assault-weapon-ban/757469 "2016-07-30T11:01:20Z")
A thread for debating an assault weapon ban (since this has come up again and again, both on these boards, and in the news, here in the wake of the Orlando shooting). To get it started, I propose the theory behind such a… --- ## [Why are Americans now so "unAmerican"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-americans-now-so-unamerican/760060)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2016, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-americans-now-so-unamerican/760060 "2016-07-29T21:11:35Z")
On both sides without bias there is push for what can be interpreted as unconstitutional policies. From the left we have a want for “banning guns” (over generalization for regulating gun control better than we do alcohol… --- ## [Is the drone program a war crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-drone-program-a-war-crime/758910)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 128\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2016, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-drone-program-a-war-crime/758910 "2016-07-29T20:48:56Z")
American drone strikes have killed hundreds of civilians in countries that we weren’t even fighting wars in. Only about 10% of drone victims were the intended targets. This isn’t “collateral damage”. This is unaccept… --- ## [CMS Hospital Ratings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cms-hospital-ratings/761146)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 29, 2016, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cms-hospital-ratings/761146 "2016-07-29T18:42:29Z")
New quality ratings roil hospitals, give consumers help IMO, a poor, overly simplistic, rating system is worse than no rating system at all. And the important point is that the problem is not just that an individual… --- ## [New Overtime Rule](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-overtime-rule/760713)
**Author:** [@boytyperanma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boytyperanma)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2016, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-overtime-rule/760713 "2016-07-28T19:41:56Z")
No ones been talking about this one in my circles, I was wondering if other people have heard or if I’m misreading the law. It will go into effect on December 1, 2016 The Labor Department is raising the minimum for sala… --- ## [What would happen if the US decided to punt the FED?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-the-us-decided-to-punt-the-fed/760279)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2016, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-happen-if-the-us-decided-to-punt-the-fed/760279 "2016-07-28T16:28:36Z")
I don’t want to get into a debate about whether or not the US will ever be able to pay off its debt in the current system. What I want to discuss is, what would actually happen? A couple of scenarios I can think of (fe… --- ## [What will replace smartphones](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-replace-smartphones/760700)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2016, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-replace-smartphones/760700 "2016-07-28T16:20:21Z")
Computers went from labs to on our desktops, to laptops to smartphones. So what is next? If the trendline aside from computers having more power is also miniaturization and portability, what is smaller and more portable … --- ## [What do people claim was the reason for a Benghazi "stand down" order?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-people-claim-was-the-reason-for-a-benghazi-stand-down-order/761004)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2016, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-people-claim-was-the-reason-for-a-benghazi-stand-down-order/761004 "2016-07-28T14:11:06Z")
This is \*\*\*not \*\*\*a debate thread, this is a General Question: The folks who claim there was a stand-down order at Benghazi - what do they put forth as the motive? Do they think the administration wanted to see the amb… --- ## [Are pets slaves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-pets-slaves/760388)
**Author:** [@Machinaforce](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machinaforce)\ **Replies:** 280\ **Last updated:** [July 28, 2016, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-pets-slaves/760388 "2016-07-28T02:21:50Z")
This has been mulling around in my head recently and some people I know have made good points (I think) towards it. I find it hard to argue against, even if the arguments are mostly from an emotional point of view. But I… --- ## [Woman sentenced for murder of her rapist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-sentenced-for-murder-of-her-rapist/760033)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/woman-sentenced-for-murder-of-her-rapist/760033 "2016-07-27T05:08:26Z")
Woman who pointed out alleged rapist is sentenced in killing Such are the facts, although I should well have used the qualifier ‘alleged’ before rapist in the topic heading. In any case the following is my reason for p… --- ## [Any reason we can't have compulsory voting in the UK?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-we-cant-have-compulsory-voting-in-the-uk/758813)
**Author:** [@Memnon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Memnon)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [July 27, 2016, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-reason-we-cant-have-compulsory-voting-in-the-uk/758813 "2016-07-27T03:45:11Z")
In the aftermath of Brexit, I’ve seen lots of haughty posts on my Facebook feed proclaiming that “THE OLD HAVE BETRAYED THE YOUNG!!!”. This fatuous, judgemental nonsense is typically followed by some pious jeremiad argu… --- ## [The frequently-used "Blacks kill blacks, and it's overlooked" argument (Black Lives Matter)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-frequently-used-blacks-kill-blacks-and-its-overlooked-argument-black-lives-matter/759713)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-frequently-used-blacks-kill-blacks-and-its-overlooked-argument-black-lives-matter/759713 "2016-07-26T19:41:59Z")
Whenever the Black Lives Matter issue is brought up, one is likely to encounter an argument along the following lines: “In America, there are many black people who are killed by other black people. The BLM folks are sil… --- ## [How far are we from baseball playing robots?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-are-we-from-baseball-playing-robots/760088)
**Author:** [@txtumbleweed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/txtumbleweed)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2016, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-far-are-we-from-baseball-playing-robots/760088 "2016-07-26T17:23:42Z")
“This is a simple game. You throw the ball. You hit the ball. You catch the ball.” Skip - Bull Durham I was watching my Astros play today and got to thinking about how, at least in the 80’s, folks thought robots would … --- ## [Spread of Christianity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spread-of-christianity/760492)
**Author:** [@Doyle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doyle)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2016, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/spread-of-christianity/760492 "2016-07-25T21:35:10Z")
After Paul of Tarsus, would Constantine I be the next most import person in the spread of Christianity? --- ## [Islamic democracy vs Secular dictatorship, which would you choose?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islamic-democracy-vs-secular-dictatorship-which-would-you-choose/760186)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2016, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/islamic-democracy-vs-secular-dictatorship-which-would-you-choose/760186 "2016-07-24T16:27:24Z")
The events with Turkey have crystallized something inside me that was not so clear before. I hate Islamists more than I love democracy. Of course I’d prefer liberal democracy over just about everything, but that does n… --- ## [(Dallas, Baton Rouge) Violence is not the answer. What is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dallas-baton-rouge-violence-is-not-the-answer-what-is/760138)
**Author:** [@jsc1953](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsc1953)\ **Replies:** 103\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2016, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dallas-baton-rouge-violence-is-not-the-answer-what-is/760138 "2016-07-22T15:29:25Z")
IMHO, there are 2 equally horrible situations at work. Police - largely white – who can be characterized as trigger-happy, ill-trained, paranoid or racist, pick one…are shooting civilians, a disproportionate number of… --- ## [Is Matthew 12:40 Using Common Idiomatic Language?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-matthew-12-40-using-common-idiomatic-language/744651)
**Author:** [@rstrats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rstrats)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2016, 9:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-matthew-12-40-using-common-idiomatic-language/744651 "2016-07-21T21:30:23Z")
Matthew 12:40 quotes the Messiah saying that He would be in the “heart of the earth” for 3 days and 3 nights. I think a majority of folks believe that the crucifixion took place on the 6th day of the week, with the resur… --- ## [How come there isn't more hay being made about the 1996 "Chinagate" scandal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-isnt-more-hay-being-made-about-the-1996-chinagate-scandal/760471)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2016, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-there-isnt-more-hay-being-made-about-the-1996-chinagate-scandal/760471 "2016-07-21T16:01:10Z")
I was just reading the wikipedia article on this https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996\_United\_States\_campaign\_finance\_controversy. I confess that I don’t remember this scandal. This seems like a much bigger deal than othe… --- ## [What would it take for us to get a third party POTUS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-for-us-to-get-a-third-party-potus/760172)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2016, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-it-take-for-us-to-get-a-third-party-potus/760172 "2016-07-21T01:39:26Z")
I know a few Sanders supporters who are flocking to Jill Stein or Gary Johnson. A few third party and independent candidates have become governors and been successful in the Senate. What would it take for a member of a t… --- ## [Is college 'fraternity' subculture complicit in the state of the U.S. today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-college-fraternity-subculture-complicit-in-the-state-of-the-u-s-today/759621)
**Author:** [@iLemming](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iLemming)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2016, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-college-fraternity-subculture-complicit-in-the-state-of-the-u-s-today/759621 "2016-07-20T19:27:37Z")
NB: By “state”, I refer to the socio-economic inequity relative to the purported First World status of the U.S.; the racial malaise that seems to forever permeate society; the quasi ‘caste’ system associated with positio… --- ## [The Kirkpatrick Doctrine Today.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kirkpatrick-doctrine-today/759792)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2016, 8:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-kirkpatrick-doctrine-today/759792 "2016-07-20T08:14:26Z")
I was just wondering what ultimately became of the Kirkpatrick Doctrine. This is the doctrine that said the USA should support authoritarian regimes, against Communist ones (and democratic ones, apparently), because they… --- ## [Deaf people blocked from armed services](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deaf-people-blocked-from-armed-services/758341)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2016, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/deaf-people-blocked-from-armed-services/758341 "2016-07-19T20:18:56Z")
Deaf teacher’s quest for armed service inspires students. I have every sympathy with this guy but come on! Deaf people in the military? Really? The purpose of the military isn’t to make people feel good about themselve… --- ## [Feminists treat men badly. It’s bad for feminism.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feminists-treat-men-badly-it-s-bad-for-feminism/759149)
**Author:** [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Replies:** 265\ **Last updated:** [July 19, 2016, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/feminists-treat-men-badly-it-s-bad-for-feminism/759149 "2016-07-19T19:59:17Z")
Nice article about how crude man-bashing is becoming a habit among some feminists and why it’s not only hypocritical but also bad for the movement. Same goes for the anti-racism movement and any other social justice move… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=150) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=152)