# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=158 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 159 --- ## [When was the peak of Soviet Military Power? (Cold War)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-peak-of-soviet-military-power-cold-war/607382)
**Author:** [@Atomic\_Alex](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atomic_Alex)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-peak-of-soviet-military-power-cold-war/607382 "2016-05-14T22:43:24Z")
This question could be considered in the wider sense of at which point was the Soviet Union at the peak of its power during the Cold War in terms of global political influence, economic might (stop laughing at the back!) … --- ## [Is this the start of The Great Republican Schism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-the-start-of-the-great-republican-schism/754089)
**Author:** [@Euphonious\_Polemic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Euphonious_Polemic)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-the-start-of-the-great-republican-schism/754089 "2016-05-14T20:18:11Z")
It looks like we might be seeing the cracks starting to widen, with people lining up on each side. Lindsey Graham says he won’t vote for Trump (nor Clinton - big surprise) Paul Ryan is not supporting Trump. Romney, Mc… --- ## [Finland - less school time = much better results](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finland-less-school-time-much-better-results/753471)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/finland-less-school-time-much-better-results/753471 "2016-05-14T10:52:32Z")
A clip from Michael Moore’s 2015 film “Where to Invade Next” (which I hadn’t heard of) https://www.facebook.com/londonplay.charity/videos/956499087796724/ It says that in the 1960s Finland’s schools “sucked” then after… --- ## [Sexism and dress codes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-and-dress-codes/754600)
**Author:** [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 14, 2016, 3:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sexism-and-dress-codes/754600 "2016-05-14T03:45:20Z")
So a company in England has changed its dress code for women after a petition from an employee who was sent home for not wearing high heels: The complainant called the policy requiring heels “sexist.” But just high h… --- ## [Why does religion drive people to kill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-religion-drive-people-to-kill/753826)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-religion-drive-people-to-kill/753826 "2016-05-13T22:20:55Z")
Throughout all of human history, there has been religious inspired violence. Religion has lead to many wars, terrorist attacks, and genocides. I am not singling out any particular religions, and pretty much all of them… --- ## [Why do most Americans deny evolution?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-americans-deny-evolution/337801)
**Author:** [@bonitahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bonitahi)\ **Replies:** 326\ **Last updated:** [May 13, 2016, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-most-americans-deny-evolution/337801 "2016-05-13T03:53:13Z")
Why do most Americans deny evolution? “Less than half of all Americans believe in evolution.” source American Museum of Natural History page 53, Newsweek, November 28, 2005. Last week Gov. Jeb Bush of FL (I’m paraphr… --- ## [D.C. Statehood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-c-statehood/752421)
**Author:** [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Replies:** 214\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2016, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/d-c-statehood/752421 "2016-05-12T22:32:21Z")
While the issue of D.C. Statehood is an old and well debated one, it’s somewhat fresh now because a series of news outlets (particularly the Washington Post) have started renewed writing on the issue because of the recen… --- ## [Why have we wasted so much money on the F-35?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-we-wasted-so-much-money-on-the-f-35/753228)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2016, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-have-we-wasted-so-much-money-on-the-f-35/753228 "2016-05-12T17:00:31Z")
We could do a lot of good with $400 billion. If that money had been put into healthcare, education, or infrastructure, our nation would be a much better place. Even just writing a $1000+ check to every citizen would be… --- ## [Should we stop using social security numbers for everything?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-stop-using-social-security-numbers-for-everything/754446)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2016, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-stop-using-social-security-numbers-for-everything/754446 "2016-05-12T14:39:34Z")
I am studying network security, and I think one of the greatest flaws in our economy is that so many transactions require a SSN. A simple nine-digit number is now the ultimate prize for criminals. I know it is supposed … --- ## [Panspermia.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/panspermia/754471)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [May 12, 2016, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/panspermia/754471 "2016-05-12T07:10:19Z")
I have always wondered, and I don’t think I have asked it yet on these boards. What is the Straight Dope on the theory of Panspermia, that we have been seeded here from extraterrestrial sources? (The theory has two versi… --- ## [Schools banning all TV and computer use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schools-banning-all-tv-and-computer-use/753970)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2016, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/schools-banning-all-tv-and-computer-use/753970 "2016-05-11T22:49:28Z")
A family friend told me about a school in Australia where the parents of the primary school students have to promise to not let the kids watch TV or use computers at all. I found an example of a similar school in the UK… --- ## [A serious question for gun control advocates: effect of loosening gun laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-serious-question-for-gun-control-advocates-effect-of-loosening-gun-laws/753127)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 250\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2016, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-serious-question-for-gun-control-advocates-effect-of-loosening-gun-laws/753127 "2016-05-11T15:13:54Z")
Not only have most states become “Shall Issue” for carry permits, but an increasing number have dropped all permit requirements altogether. According to the presumption that more guns means more gun crime, this should ha… --- ## [according to this the american factory is dead and not coming back](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-this-the-american-factory-is-dead-and-not-coming-back/753525)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 84\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2016, 11:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/according-to-this-the-american-factory-is-dead-and-not-coming-back/753525 "2016-05-11T11:08:58Z")
http://www.msn.com/en-us/money/markets/the-impossibility-of-reviving-american-manufacturing/ar-BBsmUog?li=BBnbfcN As I always say in these articles part of the problem is the “build a wall” crowd who screwed them selves… --- ## [How do I beat this argument? \[Humans throughout human history did it this way, so you should too\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-beat-this-argument-humans-throughout-human-history-did-it-this-way-so-you-should-too/754134)
**Author:** [@Mr.Insaneo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Insaneo)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [May 11, 2016, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-beat-this-argument-humans-throughout-human-history-did-it-this-way-so-you-should-too/754134 "2016-05-11T02:37:30Z")
“Humans throughout human history did it this way, so you should too” At times I confront people using methods that are dangerous, time-consuming, etc. As a result, they defend themselves by saying that either they’ve a… --- ## [When was the last time a Presidency as scandal free as Obama's.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-a-presidency-as-scandal-free-as-obamas/754268)
**Author:** [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [May 10, 2016, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-was-the-last-time-a-presidency-as-scandal-free-as-obamas/754268 "2016-05-10T15:27:01Z")
In the light of how Benghazi has been pursued, surely if there were any worms in Obama’s apple, they would have been gleefully exposed. Is his administration scandal free? --- ## [Things that are political suicide](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-are-political-suicide/753953)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2016, 4:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-are-political-suicide/753953 "2016-05-09T04:53:37Z")
In this thread, we are to exclude the \*\*blatant \*\* career-ending blunders like committing murder or donating personal dollars to fund terrorism or praising the Holocaust or being exposed as a secret member of al-Qaeda, e… --- ## [SCOTUS nominations have become political? Only since Bork.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-nominations-have-become-political-only-since-bork/753741)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 170\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2016, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-nominations-have-become-political-only-since-bork/753741 "2016-05-09T03:52:48Z")
If you have an extra 3 hours and 21 minutes on your hand watch the important part of the Bork confirmation hearings: There is absolutely no question that Judge Bork was well read, well qualified, and in all respects we… --- ## [Obama budgets $17,613 for every new illegal minor](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-budgets-17-613-for-every-new-illegal-minor/753709)
**Author:** [@Rucksinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rucksinator)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2016, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-budgets-17-613-for-every-new-illegal-minor/753709 "2016-05-09T00:08:28Z")
I suppose this (Obama budgets $17,613 for every new illegal minor | Washington Examiner) is the original, or at least it’s at the top of a Google search. It seems every other site is quoting it. What’s the straightdope… --- ## [Trump and Sanders are the most important candidates of this primary season](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-sanders-are-the-most-important-candidates-of-this-primary-season/753902)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2016, 3:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-sanders-are-the-most-important-candidates-of-this-primary-season/753902 "2016-05-08T15:11:37Z")
Regardless of who wins the nomination, Trump and Bernie have pushed the debate on substantive issues more than any other primary that I can recollect. There was a time when the common political wisdom was that free trad… --- ## [Bali Executions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bali-executions/753328)
**Author:** [@Walker\_in\_Eternity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Walker_in_Eternity)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bali-executions/753328 "2016-05-06T21:04:40Z")
It seems that Indonesia is getting ready to execute some drug dealers by firing squad again.. Why is the west getting angry about this? The people to be executed presumably knew what to expect before smuggling drugs in… --- ## [Which industry gets more subsidies, oil or renewables?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-industry-gets-more-subsidies-oil-or-renewables/754066)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-industry-gets-more-subsidies-oil-or-renewables/754066 "2016-05-06T20:36:50Z")
There are significant tax incentives for renewable energy. And many people rail against renewables for this reason. Does it actually get more then the oil industry? We have never had a war for renewable energy. Taxpa… --- ## [Should the names of Confederate figures be removed from public places of honor?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-names-of-confederate-figures-be-removed-from-public-places-of-honor/750544)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 202\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-names-of-confederate-figures-be-removed-from-public-places-of-honor/750544 "2016-05-06T18:11:01Z")
I did a cursory search and did not find this topic addressed. If I missed it, please forgive me. Anyhoo, the school board of the Austin (Texas) Independent School District has voted to rename the campus of Robert E. Le… --- ## [Why are elected officials permitted to accept gifts?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-elected-officials-permitted-to-accept-gifts/753329)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-elected-officials-permitted-to-accept-gifts/753329 "2016-05-06T18:09:59Z")
Yesterday the Supremes heard oral argument on the ex-VA governor’s appeal of his conviction for bribery. The governor and his wife accepted some $170 in gifts/loans from a bsinessman, and in return, set up meetings betw… --- ## [Ok, so what the hell happened in Germany in NYE?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-what-the-hell-happened-in-germany-in-nye/742538)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 828\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ok-so-what-the-hell-happened-in-germany-in-nye/742538 "2016-05-06T13:22:51Z")
I’ve been reading on Reddit the situation of the attacks on women in Cologne and now it appears to have been organised in part by the very Asylum seekers that Germany took on, not only that, but it’s rumoured that the au… --- ## ["Well, he would, wouldn't he?" - fair or unfair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-he-would-wouldnt-he-fair-or-unfair/753924)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2016, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/well-he-would-wouldnt-he-fair-or-unfair/753924 "2016-05-06T06:13:51Z")
When Lord William Waldorf Astor denied having met or had an affair with Marilyn Rice-Davies, she famously replied, “Well, he would, wouldn’t he?” - meaning, if Astor were innocent, he would deny guilt, and if he were gui… --- ## [How do you enforce bathroom gender laws without checking IDs and/or genitals?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-enforce-bathroom-gender-laws-without-checking-ids-and-or-genitals/753121)
**Author:** [@Pantastic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pantastic)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2016, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-enforce-bathroom-gender-laws-without-checking-ids-and-or-genitals/753121 "2016-05-05T16:15:23Z")
Several people arguing in favor of the various bathroom bills or their versions have stated that they don’t favor forcing people to show ID to use the restroom or having someone check their genitals. Yet I don’t see how … --- ## [Radical Conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radical-conservative/752286)
**Author:** [@OffByOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OffByOne)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2016, 2:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/radical-conservative/752286 "2016-05-05T14:30:12Z")
When I took Civics in high school, I was taught the political spectrum like this (from left to right): Radical – Liberal – Centrist – Conservative – Reactionary Nowadays (almost 50 years later), I hear and read the ter… --- ## [Should the U.S. have statutes of limitations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-have-statutes-of-limitations/753448)
**Author:** [@Arrogantly\_Ignorant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arrogantly_Ignorant)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2016, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-u-s-have-statutes-of-limitations/753448 "2016-05-05T02:43:50Z")
I created this topic since it seemed to be generating some thoughtful discussions on whether the United States should have statutes of limitations. Some of the arguments I’ve heard in favor of having statutes of limitat… --- ## [Should rational adults be allowed to commit suicide with the help of society?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-rational-adults-be-allowed-to-commit-suicide-with-the-help-of-society/753580)
**Author:** [@GlowingDarkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GlowingDarkness)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2016, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-rational-adults-be-allowed-to-commit-suicide-with-the-help-of-society/753580 "2016-05-05T01:33:12Z")
I can understand why we must try to prevent teens from committing suicide due to things like bullying, parental abuse, etc. And also people who have depression caused by chemical imbalances. Because these can be (not in… --- ## [Transgender and public bathrooms](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transgender-and-public-bathrooms/752190)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 358\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2016, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transgender-and-public-bathrooms/752190 "2016-05-04T22:56:02Z")
As I understand the North Caroline issue, LGBT want to be able to choose their own bathrooms but NC prohibits this. Personally, I would feel a bit uncomfortable if someone with a vagina came into a bathroom while I was … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=157) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=159)