# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=160 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 161 --- ## [Russia without Marxist Comunism WWI til now - how different would history be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-without-marxist-comunism-wwi-til-now-how-different-would-history-be/749818)
**Author:** [@DagNation](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DagNation)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2016, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-without-marxist-comunism-wwi-til-now-how-different-would-history-be/749818 "2016-04-19T14:07:33Z")
During world war 1 the Russian monarchy fell apart and the communist rebels eventually took power. My question is, if there had not been the Marxist-Communist ideology, and the Russian rebellion had instead led to a non… --- ## [Capital punishment vs. killing of enemy combatants in wartime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capital-punishment-vs-killing-of-enemy-combatants-in-wartime/751826)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2016, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/capital-punishment-vs-killing-of-enemy-combatants-in-wartime/751826 "2016-04-19T13:40:57Z")
There are many people who are opposed to the death penalty, but see no problem with the killing of enemy combatants in wartime. As far as I can tell, the main difference between the two things is that an enemy combatant… --- ## [Is there any reason why racial diversity in pro sports wouldn't be a good thing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-reason-why-racial-diversity-in-pro-sports-wouldnt-be-a-good-thing/750606)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2016, 1:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-reason-why-racial-diversity-in-pro-sports-wouldnt-be-a-good-thing/750606 "2016-04-19T01:39:16Z")
We already have a thread on this topic, but I felt it would be meaningful to look at the issue from another angle - namely, the benefits of diversity in the 4 American pro sports leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB): MLB is alr… --- ## [Could the refusal of Garland's nomination dangerously politicize the Supreme Court?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-refusal-of-garlands-nomination-dangerously-politicize-the-supreme-court/751083)
**Author:** [@Arrogantly\_Ignorant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arrogantly_Ignorant)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2016, 6:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-the-refusal-of-garlands-nomination-dangerously-politicize-the-supreme-court/751083 "2016-04-18T18:40:47Z")
In another thread, I mentioned that the Senate’s actions potentially politicize the Supreme Court by establishing a dangerous precedent. I’m not naive, I know that basically since the inception of the Supreme Court, it h… --- ## [Supreme court appointment without senate approval?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-appointment-without-senate-approval/751882)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2016, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-appointment-without-senate-approval/751882 "2016-04-18T17:17:12Z")
A very interesting piece appeared in the Votemaster this morning: http://www.electoral-vote.com/evp2016/Pres/Maps/Apr11.html#item-12. To summarize: there is a long-standing legal doctrine that a right not exercised is w… --- ## [Should Opiates be fully legalized?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-opiates-be-fully-legalized/750579)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2016, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-opiates-be-fully-legalized/750579 "2016-04-17T23:56:54Z")
Opiate addiction is a massive problem, but prohibition is not helping. People have no way of knowing how strong the heroin they buy is, and they OD. Illegal drugs of any kind lead to gangs and shootings. Keeping thing… --- ## [Will the Tesla Model 3 revolutionize Amercan driving?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-tesla-model-3-revolutionize-amercan-driving/726537)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 800\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2016, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-tesla-model-3-revolutionize-amercan-driving/726537 "2016-04-17T22:47:33Z")
Assuming it lives up to its promises. Going on sale in 2017 3rd generation so (hopefully) all the kinks have been worked out. 200-300 mile range. $35,000 before government subsidies meaning it is in the price range o… --- ## [Will Globalization Ever 'Produce the Goods'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-globalization-ever-produce-the-goods/752116)
**Author:** [@JustinC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustinC)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2016, 10:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-globalization-ever-produce-the-goods/752116 "2016-04-17T22:34:01Z")
I’m gradually growing more suspicious and wary of globalisation, we’re fed the immediate impact of hundreds of millions being brought out of poverty and cheap goods for all. At first they seemed to be a nice thing. It tu… --- ## [Are highway tolls a form of double taxation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-highway-tolls-a-form-of-double-taxation/752308)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2016, 8:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-highway-tolls-a-form-of-double-taxation/752308 "2016-04-17T08:56:52Z")
Toll booths create traffic jams, which means drivers have to use more gas to get to their destination than if they weren’t there. They have to pay taxes on that gas. Does this mean that unless someone is driving an ele… --- ## [Maine's Governor Wants a Raise for His Successors; I say, "Halve it!"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maines-governor-wants-a-raise-for-his-successors-i-say-halve-it/752277)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2016, 4:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maines-governor-wants-a-raise-for-his-successors-i-say-halve-it/752277 "2016-04-17T04:22:59Z")
Actually, more than halve it. Cut 60% right out of his salary. Why should our elected officials get a salary that allows them to live better than the people they serve? According to Wikipedia, the per capita income in Ma… --- ## [Who's the biggest driver of the success of a company? Employees or CEO?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-the-biggest-driver-of-the-success-of-a-company-employees-or-ceo/751777)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 6:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whos-the-biggest-driver-of-the-success-of-a-company-employees-or-ceo/751777 "2016-04-15T18:24:57Z")
I ask because in a recent conference after the spacex landing on a Sea Barge, Elon Musk made mention that The people working at Space X were the ones that did the work. And normally I’d agree that the vast majority of t… --- ## [Trimming cost of military weapons but still getting same quality and quantity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trimming-cost-of-military-weapons-but-still-getting-same-quality-and-quantity/749710)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trimming-cost-of-military-weapons-but-still-getting-same-quality-and-quantity/749710 "2016-04-15T18:22:44Z")
One hears of the fighter jets that cost $70 million, $135 million apiece, etc., the submarines that cost $2 billion, the missiles that cost hundreds of thousands apiece, etc. Now, how much of this is irreducible cost, a… --- ## [What does it mean to be jewish?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-to-be-jewish/751163)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-it-mean-to-be-jewish/751163 "2016-04-15T15:13:47Z")
I have a number of friends who identify themselves as being jews, however a couple consider themselves “athiestic jews”. I have also seen people on this board identify themselves this way. How exactly does this work? … --- ## [Is gender now legally self-defined in the US? If not, should it be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gender-now-legally-self-defined-in-the-us-if-not-should-it-be/752127)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2016, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-gender-now-legally-self-defined-in-the-us-if-not-should-it-be/752127 "2016-04-15T00:00:38Z")
With all the furore about public restrooms I’m genuinely confused as to the legal definition of gender in the States. Is there a legal status or is it purely a matter of personal choice, irrespective of operations, lifes… --- ## [Canada's NDP and their positive performance in the last election](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadas-ndp-and-their-positive-performance-in-the-last-election/751664)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2016, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/canadas-ndp-and-their-positive-performance-in-the-last-election/751664 "2016-04-14T21:38:00Z")
Since the last federal election in Canada there has been a lot of discussion in the media about the NDP’s poor performance in that election and how Tom Mulcair may or may not be responsible for this. But did the NDP per… --- ## [Religion is the main cause of war and the root of most suffering in the world | Refuted](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-is-the-main-cause-of-war-and-the-root-of-most-suffering-in-the-world-refuted/752180)
**Author:** [@ChemChaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChemChaos)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2016, 8:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-is-the-main-cause-of-war-and-the-root-of-most-suffering-in-the-world-refuted/752180 "2016-04-14T20:01:38Z")
I found this post on Reddit, it comes from the subreddit bad history. Reddit - Dive into anything It’s a great debunking of the atheist myth that “religion is the cause of war and root of all conflict and suffering in … --- ## [The Pope's new Exhortation: Hey, be more welcoming of the sinners!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-popes-new-exhortation-hey-be-more-welcoming-of-the-sinners/751582)
**Author:** [@WordMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WordMan)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2016, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-popes-new-exhortation-hey-be-more-welcoming-of-the-sinners/751582 "2016-04-14T11:16:31Z")
Francis continues to demonstrate a full heart and model a much better direction for the Catholic church, in this non-Catholic’s opinion. But is he really a great guy helping turn the battleship and this is a wonderful s… --- ## [Is even Wikipedia a right-wing-corrupted source?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-even-wikipedia-a-right-wing-corrupted-source/752011)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2016, 1:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-even-wikipedia-a-right-wing-corrupted-source/752011 "2016-04-14T01:32:20Z")
I’m accustomed to RWs arguing on the Intertubes dismissing cites to Wikipedia as liberally biased. But I am reading The Crash of 2016: The Plot to Destroy America–and What We Can Do to Stop It, by Thom Hartmann, and he … --- ## [Should male rape victims have to pay child support?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-male-rape-victims-have-to-pay-child-support/470642)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-male-rape-victims-have-to-pay-child-support/470642 "2016-04-13T16:52:04Z")
(In the US at least) a female who is a victim of rape (forcible or statutory) and get’s pregnant has 3 options; abortion, adoption, and raising the child. She does not need to consult the man who raped her, but if she… --- ## [It should be mandatory for defendants to testify in criminal court cases.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-should-be-mandatory-for-defendants-to-testify-in-criminal-court-cases/751399)
**Author:** [@R3d\_Anonymous](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/R3d_Anonymous)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2016, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/it-should-be-mandatory-for-defendants-to-testify-in-criminal-court-cases/751399 "2016-04-13T13:04:35Z")
If Adnan Syed is so adamant that he is innocent and that the state, the prosecution, etc are all lying, he should have the guts to go up against a cross-examiner like Murphy and be confident that he’ll still look innocen… --- ## [Garland should just sit down and judge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garland-should-just-sit-down-and-judge/750757)
**Author:** [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Replies:** 132\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2016, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/garland-should-just-sit-down-and-judge/750757 "2016-04-12T13:44:42Z")
An article in Slate that says Garland should just assume “silence gives consent”, and take his place at SCOTUS. It references this Yale law review essay which makes the argument at a level I’m unable to fully appreciate… --- ## [How much would health care costs dropped if we abolished insurance?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-health-care-costs-dropped-if-we-abolished-insurance/750792)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-health-care-costs-dropped-if-we-abolished-insurance/750792 "2016-04-11T15:52:26Z")
Health insurance is one of the biggest bills most people have to pay, and many see nothing in return. When somebody goes to the hospital, the hospital and the patient both seem to have no care for what anything costs, … --- ## [Is nuclear warefare feasible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-nuclear-warefare-feasible/750783)
**Author:** [@Barack\_Obama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barack_Obama)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-nuclear-warefare-feasible/750783 "2016-04-11T15:45:40Z")
Donald Trump recently stated he would not take any cards off the table, and said indirectly said he would bomb Europe as well as anywhere else given the situation. video of it - - YouTube So does this mean a Trump admi… --- ## [Political Correctness Overrides Law Enforcement in Suburban New Jersey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-correctness-overrides-law-enforcement-in-suburban-new-jersey/750373)
**Author:** [@JBGUSA](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JBGUSA)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-correctness-overrides-law-enforcement-in-suburban-new-jersey/750373 "2016-04-11T14:20:55Z")
Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox takes leave after profiling email The text of the “offending” e-mail (publicly available) is as follows: \[QUOTE=Police Chief Benjamin Fox\] I think that most police officers are findin… --- ## [If Bernie met the Pope](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-bernie-met-the-pope/751762)
**Author:** [@race\_to\_the\_bottom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/race_to_the_bottom)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [April 11, 2016, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-bernie-met-the-pope/751762 "2016-04-11T00:32:01Z")
If Bernie Sanders had an audience with the Pope, would that gain him votes among Catholics? --- ## [How should people be counted for political representation in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-people-be-counted-for-political-representation-in-the-us/721007)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 8:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-should-people-be-counted-for-political-representation-in-the-us/721007 "2016-04-10T08:01:37Z")
The Supreme Court agreed to hear a challenge to how the TX legislature drew the state Senate map in 2013. If I’m reading the article correctly, voting districts have to have equal populations. But all residents, includ… --- ## [Why do politicians overlook small business?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-politicians-overlook-small-business/751537)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 7:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-politicians-overlook-small-business/751537 "2016-04-10T07:55:06Z")
A very common thing for politicians to say is that they promise to save hundreds of jobs by keeping the paper mill, or the army base in town. Which is a very respectable goal, but they do seem to be missing something bi… --- ## [NC LGBTQ pro-discrimination law to cause more straight discomfort](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nc-lgbtq-pro-discrimination-law-to-cause-more-straight-discomfort/751455)
**Author:** [@akrako1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/akrako1)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nc-lgbtq-pro-discrimination-law-to-cause-more-straight-discomfort/751455 "2016-04-10T03:36:55Z")
North Carolina’s LGBTQ pro-discrimination law might actually make it more uncomfortable for their straight, heteronormative population. The transgender bathroom requirement section requires that individuals use the bathr… --- ## [If you are Pro-life, why SHOULDN'T women be punished for abortions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-are-pro-life-why-shouldnt-women-be-punished-for-abortions/751098)
**Author:** [@Smitty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smitty)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-are-pro-life-why-shouldnt-women-be-punished-for-abortions/751098 "2016-04-10T02:23:28Z")
First, I am not arguing whether abortion should be legal or not. I am wondering about the blow back on both sides about Trump’s statements that women should be punished for getting abortions if abortion was illegal. He… --- ## [Should taxpayers be forced to cover corporate pensions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-taxpayers-be-forced-to-cover-corporate-pensions/750776)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [April 10, 2016, 2:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-taxpayers-be-forced-to-cover-corporate-pensions/750776 "2016-04-10T02:03:59Z")
I saw that Sears is having the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation help them cover the pension shortfall, which is in the billions of dollars. It seems wrong for a company to make promises they know they can’t keep, an… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=159) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=161)