# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=156 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 157 --- ## [Plano High School students not permitted to wear honors regalia at graduation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plano-high-school-students-not-permitted-to-wear-honors-regalia-at-graduation/756228)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2016, 2:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/plano-high-school-students-not-permitted-to-wear-honors-regalia-at-graduation/756228 "2016-06-03T14:16:30Z")
Here in Texas there’s been a bit of an uproar over Plano High School’s decision to ban graduating students from wearing National Honor Society regalia at commencement. The idea was that allowing them to wear such regalia… --- ## [Protesting tactics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesting-tactics/756248)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2016, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/protesting-tactics/756248 "2016-06-03T12:11:05Z")
There was a story recently about protests at Milo Yiannopoulous’s “Dangerous Faggot Tour”. It described several actions by protesters, some of which I thought were legitimate and fine and some of which I considered deepl… --- ## [The classic 'Who would you save, your drowning dog or a stranger?' question](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-classic-who-would-you-save-your-drowning-dog-or-a-stranger-question/194541)
**Author:** [@Idle\_Thoughts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Idle_Thoughts)\ **Replies:** 324\ **Last updated:** [June 3, 2016, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-classic-who-would-you-save-your-drowning-dog-or-a-stranger-question/194541 "2016-06-03T00:25:25Z")
…And you only have time to save one of them. Seriously. Who would you save? (for those of you who have no dog, just imagine how it would be if you did have one) And no, don’t say your dog can swim. A common way to ge… --- ## [Third-party candidates should be allowed to participate in Presidential debates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-party-candidates-should-be-allowed-to-participate-in-presidential-debates/755920)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2016, 4:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/third-party-candidates-should-be-allowed-to-participate-in-presidential-debates/755920 "2016-06-02T04:30:14Z")
A candidate’s debate should include all candidates. When we have our gubernatorial elections in Maine, the debates always include every candidate who wishes to join. Presidential debates should be the same way. Pri… --- ## [The big boost in approval rating after the 9/11 attacks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-boost-in-approval-rating-after-the-9-11-attacks/755972)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 2, 2016, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-big-boost-in-approval-rating-after-the-9-11-attacks/755972 "2016-06-02T02:01:19Z")
Immediately in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, President Bush’s approval ratings soared to above 80% or even above 90%. This was a rally-around-the-flag phenomenon. Now, I would like to explore a few hypotheticals: Had … --- ## [IMF Says Neo-Liberalism might not work after all](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imf-says-neo-liberalism-might-not-work-after-all/756182)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2016, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/imf-says-neo-liberalism-might-not-work-after-all/756182 "2016-06-01T19:30:13Z")
Well to be honest, I never thought this would be so forthcoming, so, considering this crack in economic consensus has become apparent, what other models of economic growth or sustainability would be preferable? A heavy… --- ## [The Truth About Millennials](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-truth-about-millennials/755716)
**Author:** [@DerekMichaels00](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DerekMichaels00)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2016, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-truth-about-millennials/755716 "2016-06-01T17:11:28Z")
are millennials really more entitled/spoiled than other generations before them? Or did they get a horrific hand to play with (recession, more global competition than parents, cost of living going up before they grew up … --- ## [Does progressivism occur in waves or is it a constant force in US politics](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-progressivism-occur-in-waves-or-is-it-a-constant-force-in-us-politics/756198)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 1, 2016, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-progressivism-occur-in-waves-or-is-it-a-constant-force-in-us-politics/756198 "2016-06-01T02:03:21Z")
I was under the impression there were 3 distinct progressive eras. The first was 1890-1920. Anti-trust measures. Direct election of senators. Women’s suffrage. Progressive income tax. Second was under FDR. Abolition of… --- ## [Occupy Wall Street is back, kindasorta](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occupy-wall-street-is-back-kindasorta/756087)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2016, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/occupy-wall-street-is-back-kindasorta/756087 "2016-05-31T21:38:17Z")
The original OWS was a spontaneous demonstration of resentment with real organization or leadership and no definite demands or goals. But now there’s a new actual organization called Take On Wall Street and it does have… --- ## [Why People Vote for Trump - help!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-people-vote-for-trump-help/754027)
**Author:** [@Algher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Algher)\ **Replies:** 99\ **Last updated:** [May 31, 2016, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-people-vote-for-trump-help/754027 "2016-05-31T19:59:15Z")
So dear old mom sent me a piece of crap email (copied below). What is GREAT is that mom asked me how to refute / check these numbers! I consider this a huge step for her, but I would like to ask the 'Dope for assistance.… --- ## [America's role on the world stage: retreat?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-role-on-the-world-stage-retreat/755317)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [May 29, 2016, 11:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/americas-role-on-the-world-stage-retreat/755317 "2016-05-29T11:05:21Z")
Should America cede leadership to China and Russia and religious extremists? If not how should America try to lead? Personally I’ve been a big fan of Obama’s cautious and measured use of military power and his preferen… --- ## [Why wasn't Jesus a woman?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wasnt-jesus-a-woman/221908)
**Author:** [@monica](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monica)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2016, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wasnt-jesus-a-woman/221908 "2016-05-28T18:26:47Z")
Perhaps this has been asked before, but I was wondering: Why wasn’t Jesus born as a woman? A possible explanation could be that men were more respected in that time, but being the child of God, you would think either se… --- ## [If Europeans had settled in Africa would they have done a better job than current Africans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-europeans-had-settled-in-africa-would-they-have-done-a-better-job-than-current-africans/755648)
**Author:** [@GlowingDarkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GlowingDarkness)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2016, 7:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-europeans-had-settled-in-africa-would-they-have-done-a-better-job-than-current-africans/755648 "2016-05-28T07:34:45Z")
Let say for a moment that when European settlers arrived they killed of many tribes and mated with the rest. Leaving few pure native Africans. Instead of extracting resources however, they decided to start a colony like… --- ## [Why did the hijackers on Flight 93 make so many "mistakes"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-hijackers-on-flight-93-make-so-many-mistakes/755800)
**Author:** [@GlowingDarkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GlowingDarkness)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2016, 7:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-the-hijackers-on-flight-93-make-so-many-mistakes/755800 "2016-05-28T07:29:33Z")
I’ve watched a few documentaries on Flight 93, the last plane that was apparently headed for the Capitol but crashed after a passenger revolt. A few things caught my eye on this about the hijackers. After hijacking th… --- ## [Are pensions a crippling drain on the economy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-pensions-a-crippling-drain-on-the-economy/755722)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 28, 2016, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-pensions-a-crippling-drain-on-the-economy/755722 "2016-05-28T00:42:19Z")
Many once-great companies have been ruined by their pension plans. Sears seems to be the next one to be dragged into the grave by this. Then when the company goes under, taxpayers get stuck making up the shortfall. Why… --- ## [Why is pain "painful" and pleasure the opposite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-pain-painful-and-pleasure-the-opposite/755639)
**Author:** [@GlowingDarkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GlowingDarkness)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 27, 2016, 3:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-pain-painful-and-pleasure-the-opposite/755639 "2016-05-27T03:15:21Z")
I didn’t think this would be objective enough for GQ so I decided to post it here. Unless you have a syndrome which prevents pain from being transmitted to the brain, or damaged nerve endings, you can feel pain. And for… --- ## [What does this mean, in terms of me, or society, or the small business environment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-mean-in-terms-of-me-or-society-or-the-small-business-environment/755667)
**Author:** [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2016, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-this-mean-in-terms-of-me-or-society-or-the-small-business-environment/755667 "2016-05-26T16:58:16Z")
This was inspired by another GD thread – Entrepreneurship as a Way Out of Poverty I’ll start by saying I’m not in poverty now, but I was a few years back and I’m still digging my way out of a financial hole that 3+ year… --- ## [The 70-year-old new mother in India](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-70-year-old-new-mother-in-india/755211)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2016, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-70-year-old-new-mother-in-india/755211 "2016-05-26T16:48:40Z")
A 70 year old woman gave birth to her first child after a fifty year long childless marriage. She says she was constantly taunted for her infertility, so at long last she embarked on a lengthy IVF program which resulted … --- ## [Why is their a strong belief that single women can't raise boys?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-their-a-strong-belief-that-single-women-cant-raise-boys/755149)
**Author:** [@GlowingDarkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GlowingDarkness)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2016, 1:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-their-a-strong-belief-that-single-women-cant-raise-boys/755149 "2016-05-26T01:58:45Z")
I’ve heard this from quite a lot of people. This is mainly directed at the African American community in the US. They say that single women cannot raise boys to be “men” and that only men can do it because the female exp… --- ## [Are Philosophy courses too Eurocentric?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-philosophy-courses-too-eurocentric/754570)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 91\ **Last updated:** [May 26, 2016, 1:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-philosophy-courses-too-eurocentric/754570 "2016-05-26T01:30:21Z")
As I was going through the New York Times at lunch I came across this article titled “If Philosophy Won’t Diversify, Let’s Call It What It Really Is”. The authors(jay Garfield and Brian Van Norden) lead off with this pa… --- ## [American revolution and the French](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-revolution-and-the-french/754893)
**Author:** [@ric62](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ric62)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 4:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-revolution-and-the-french/754893 "2016-05-25T16:54:34Z")
I have read a few books on the American revolution but I don’t know military history or tactics very well. So my question- could the Americans succeeded if the French did not provide aid but instead remained neutral? It … --- ## [Are American doctors overpaid?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-american-doctors-overpaid/755457)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-american-doctors-overpaid/755457 "2016-05-25T02:31:02Z")
I have been reading about the UK doctors strike, and saw that many British doctors make $35-40k/year. Here in the US, most doctors make well over 100k. Our price of healthcare is driving a lot of people to bankruptcy. --- ## [How long could natives have kept Europeans away?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-natives-have-kept-europeans-away/755334)
**Author:** [@Victor\_Charlie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victor_Charlie)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-could-natives-have-kept-europeans-away/755334 "2016-05-25T02:16:36Z")
The earliest European expeditions to the New World would’ve been no match for native tribes and civilizations had the latter decided kill them the moment they reached land. What if, following Columbus’s “discovery”, the … --- ## [Curiosity... (Filial Responsibility)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/curiosity-filial-responsibility/755535)
**Author:** [@txst16](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/txst16)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/curiosity-filial-responsibility/755535 "2016-05-25T00:50:02Z")
If a parent considers their job strictly to give life with no regards to the quality of that life then is it really morally wrong for the child to assume their job is strictly living with no regards to the quality of sat… --- ## [Evolving use of "n-word"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolving-use-of-n-word/755175)
**Author:** [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 12:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolving-use-of-n-word/755175 "2016-05-25T00:42:13Z")
I find the evolving use of words, especially offensive terms, interesting. The “n-word” is particularly interesting because it has become so commonly used among some black people that I think it’s going to become no long… --- ## [Why GMO labeling is a good idea](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-gmo-labeling-is-a-good-idea/748508)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 218\ **Last updated:** [May 25, 2016, 12:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-gmo-labeling-is-a-good-idea/748508 "2016-05-25T00:17:45Z")
In another thread: It’s still nutritional information. Genetically modified organisms not only have new genes, they have new proteins coded for by those genes, which is usually the point. Someone might have an aller… --- ## [Palmer vs. DC (Right to Bear Arms)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palmer-vs-dc-right-to-bear-arms/694237)
**Author:** [@Bone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bone)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/palmer-vs-dc-right-to-bear-arms/694237 "2016-05-24T20:04:30Z")
It only took 5 years for the district court to release the opinion. That, and the fact that the attorney had to file two Writ of Mandamus to attempt to force the court to issue their opinion. Some background: Well, t… --- ## [Do drug addicts lack willpower?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-drug-addicts-lack-willpower/755480)
**Author:** [@GlowingDarkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GlowingDarkness)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2016, 12:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-drug-addicts-lack-willpower/755480 "2016-05-24T12:20:14Z")
An overwhelming majority of countries today frown upon using drugs. Laws are passed and in some the death penalty is offered. The reason given by politicians and citizens who are against it are that drugs destroy the bod… --- ## [Should declawing cats be illegal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-declawing-cats-be-illegal/754970)
**Author:** [@T-Minus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/T-Minus)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2016, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-declawing-cats-be-illegal/754970 "2016-05-23T19:35:43Z")
I heard of people declawing cats and said it was no different then fixing a cat. What is your guys opinion on it? Should it be illegal? Or do you think nothing is wrong with it? --- ## [French Reinsertion and Citizenship Centres](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-reinsertion-and-citizenship-centres/754430)
**Author:** [@AdamF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AdamF)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2016, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-reinsertion-and-citizenship-centres/754430 "2016-05-23T13:38:04Z")
As per this Guardian article, the French government seems to have started dabbling in brainwashing. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=155) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=157)