# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=164 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 165 --- ## [Should "dead donor" rules for organ donation be revised?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-dead-donor-rules-for-organ-donation-be-revised/747975)
**Author:** [@truthseeker3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/truthseeker3)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [March 16, 2016, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-dead-donor-rules-for-organ-donation-be-revised/747975 "2016-03-16T06:45:56Z")
Reader’s Digest March 2016 has an article titled “The Shocking Limitations on Organ Donation” in which the author, a medical doctor, tells of a patient who is dying of ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and wants to donate his o… --- ## [Aside from cost and ill will, what makes a border fence a bad idea?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-cost-and-ill-will-what-makes-a-border-fence-a-bad-idea/748497)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2016, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aside-from-cost-and-ill-will-what-makes-a-border-fence-a-bad-idea/748497 "2016-03-15T14:53:40Z")
A few questions, one of which is better suited to GQ: Aside from the issue of cost (billions of dollars) and ill will (it’s a hostile move), what other factors make a US-Mexico border fence a bad idea? Second question:… --- ## [Why is the US Getting Involved in Yemen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-us-getting-involved-in-yemen/718192)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2016, 2:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-us-getting-involved-in-yemen/718192 "2016-03-15T14:47:57Z")
Perhaps I’m missing something, but I don’t see the compelling US interest here. “Compelling” in terms of being compelling enough to get dragged into what could end up being a pretty broad war. Not to specifically endors… --- ## [My Amazing Encounters with Jesus Christ](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-amazing-encounters-with-jesus-christ/747774)
**Author:** [@ScottRP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ScottRP)\ **Replies:** 802\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2016, 9:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-amazing-encounters-with-jesus-christ/747774 "2016-03-15T09:47:05Z")
Throughout this thread, I will be bearing witness and giving testimony to the spirit world and sacred scripture. Also, I will be revealing photographs of the Holy Spirit and a video of some His works. True Story When I… --- ## [Why does America import trash from China, and pay them for it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-america-import-trash-from-china-and-pay-them-for-it/748946)
**Author:** [@mcmjuly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mcmjuly)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [March 15, 2016, 3:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-america-import-trash-from-china-and-pay-them-for-it/748946 "2016-03-15T03:56:28Z")
For some time now I’ve been considering the massive fraud China perpetuates on “rich” Americans by shipping ton upon ton of garbage to our shores under the guise of useful products, but instead, quickly end up in our lan… --- ## [Rudolph Hess](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-hess/748230)
**Author:** [@Doyle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Doyle)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2016, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rudolph-hess/748230 "2016-03-13T16:56:08Z")
What are the chances that on his flight to Scotland that he was actually on a mission for Hitler? --- ## [Why did Pierce beat Scott in 1852?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-pierce-beat-scott-in-1852/748148)
**Author:** [@Northern\_Piper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Northern_Piper)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2016, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-pierce-beat-scott-in-1852/748148 "2016-03-13T14:02:54Z")
Question about an election, but historical, so I’ll put it here rather than Elections. Why did Pierce beat Scott in the 1852 election? Scott was one of the most significant military leaders in the US at the time. He h… --- ## [How bad is the Trans Pacific Partnership for the Internet?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-is-the-trans-pacific-partnership-for-the-internet/748843)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2016, 6:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-bad-is-the-trans-pacific-partnership-for-the-internet/748843 "2016-03-13T06:33:04Z")
So the Trans Pacific Partnership has been discussed before, but apparently, its text is public. Among other things, I have seen the following claims: \[ul\] \[li\]Article 18, Section J “requires ISPs to take down sites wi… --- ## [WW2, What if Kurita did not see Taffy 3 at Leyte Gulf?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-what-if-kurita-did-not-see-taffy-3-at-leyte-gulf/639584)
**Author:** [@figure9](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/figure9)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [March 13, 2016, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ww2-what-if-kurita-did-not-see-taffy-3-at-leyte-gulf/639584 "2016-03-13T05:23:22Z")
What if Taffy 3 had been in the squall line to the east of its actual position when Kurita’s fleet sailed past? How bad would the Allies loses have been? Would Halsey have been kicked out of the Navy? Finally how woul… --- ## [What theories are there for raising wages?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-theories-are-there-for-raising-wages/747767)
**Author:** [@CC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CC)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2016, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-theories-are-there-for-raising-wages/747767 "2016-03-12T20:03:58Z")
Maybe this forum is best because there may be a variety of answers. Or maybe SDMB isn’t where I should post at all. However… Many candidates claim they will “raise wages.” Given that corporations are sitting on (depe… --- ## [But Why Is the USA So Unpopular In Russia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-why-is-the-usa-so-unpopular-in-russia/748382)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2016, 1:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/but-why-is-the-usa-so-unpopular-in-russia/748382 "2016-03-12T13:41:54Z")
I was really surprised, when I recently read this Wikipedia article on Antiamericanism. Wikipedia isn’t always perfect, I know. But these statistics, so they should be accurate. Anyways, as you can see, we have one of t… --- ## [Is the American two-party system "in terminal decay"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-american-two-party-system-in-terminal-decay/748578)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2016, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-american-two-party-system-in-terminal-decay/748578 "2016-03-12T03:34:48Z")
Andrew O’Hehir writes: Is he right? Are both parties dying? Is the system dying? And if it dies, what comes next? My own thinking is that we’ll still have “Democrats” and “Republicans” 50 years from now, but what t… --- ## [A Very Long Winded Question About Political Psychology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-very-long-winded-question-about-political-psychology/748551)
**Author:** [@Potestas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potestas)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [March 12, 2016, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-very-long-winded-question-about-political-psychology/748551 "2016-03-12T01:31:27Z")
I’ve been wondering what it is in our psyche that attracts us as Americans and I suppose on a higher level as human beings to individuals within the political realm (who are aiming to be our leaders) that are loud and br… --- ## [The USA: "a pacified public and malleable media"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-usa-a-pacified-public-and-malleable-media/748490)
**Author:** [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2016, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-usa-a-pacified-public-and-malleable-media/748490 "2016-03-11T17:15:14Z")
Those are Glen Greenwald’s words at the end of an article which talks about the USA bombing and killing 150 people today it didn’t like in Somalia. Does anyone care, could you they anything about it if they did? What… --- ## [I don't get it: Why Stoics be hating on Epicurus/Epicurean philosophy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-it-why-stoics-be-hating-on-epicurus-epicurean-philosophy/748237)
**Author:** [@No\_Wikipedia\_Cites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/No_Wikipedia_Cites)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 11, 2016, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-dont-get-it-why-stoics-be-hating-on-epicurus-epicurean-philosophy/748237 "2016-03-11T02:51:10Z")
When reading extracts of Stoics such as Cicero and Epictetus I was surprised by the hostile criticisms levelled against Epicurus and his philosophy. I had previously thought both were valid and could be adopted almost si… --- ## [Cheap college and healthcare might be better than free](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-college-and-healthcare-might-be-better-than-free/748502)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2016, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cheap-college-and-healthcare-might-be-better-than-free/748502 "2016-03-10T20:32:25Z")
Psychologically, people often value something more, and use it better, when it costs a pittance rather than actually being free (in which case people often have an exploitative or throwaway attitude.) Granted, “I suppor… --- ## [Oh Seriously!!! re: Bernie Sanders, Mental Health](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-seriously-re-bernie-sanders-mental-health/748331)
**Author:** [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2016, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/oh-seriously-re-bernie-sanders-mental-health/748331 "2016-03-10T06:26:47Z")
I’m a Clinton supporter and a recipient of multiple psychiatric diagnoses. No connection is to be inferred. I don’t feel the Bern, but getting upset and trying to make a volatile political issue of Sanders’ throwaway l… --- ## [Why do liberals give positive discrimination to muslims?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-liberals-give-positive-discrimination-to-muslims/748260)
**Author:** [@Civilrighte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Civilrighte)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2016, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-liberals-give-positive-discrimination-to-muslims/748260 "2016-03-10T00:45:49Z")
Liberalism is about liberty. Liberals should be advocating secularism and athiesim. I want to support a party that bans creationism, separates the church from politics, and doesn’t enforce school prayers. Muslims have n… --- ## [Bible prophecy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-prophecy/748460)
**Author:** [@Lionheartlamb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lionheartlamb)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [March 10, 2016, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-prophecy/748460 "2016-03-10T00:12:56Z")
Interesting that the other thread was locked in just 15 minutes, but here we go again. Over 1/3rd of the bible is prophecy. Its what separates it from all other books ever written. The sad thing is the heathen today ha… --- ## [Will there be any long-term civil rights ramifications of International Megan's Law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-any-long-term-civil-rights-ramifications-of-international-megans-law/747999)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2016, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-there-be-any-long-term-civil-rights-ramifications-of-international-megans-law/747999 "2016-03-09T22:55:27Z")
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/515 From what I can gather, part of this new law seems to require that the U.S. ICE, FBI, and Marshall’s take proactive steps to notify foreign countries of intend… --- ## [Superdelegates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superdelegates/748301)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2016, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/superdelegates/748301 "2016-03-09T20:26:53Z")
The idea of having superdelegates is very anti-democratic. There are enough of them in the democratic party to negate any election results. I think this practice needs to be abolished and all delegates should be pledge… --- ## [How will Presidential candidates affect marijuana legalization?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-presidential-candidates-affect-marijuana-legalization/748464)
**Author:** [@Inbred\_Mm\_domesticus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inbred_Mm_domesticus)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2016, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-will-presidential-candidates-affect-marijuana-legalization/748464 "2016-03-09T20:15:43Z")
I assume the question of marijuana legalization/decriminalization will be on the ballot in 2016 for several states. How will the mere presence of each candidate affect the likelihood these changes will be accepted? A qu… --- ## [Bible prophecy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-prophecy/748447)
**Author:** [@Lionheartlamb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lionheartlamb)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2016, 7:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-prophecy/748447 "2016-03-09T19:09:05Z")
Over 1/3 of the Bible is prophecy. Is what separates the bible from all other religious writing ever made. --- ## [What will happen in marijuana-friendly states after the election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-in-marijuana-friendly-states-after-the-election/748297)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2016, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-in-marijuana-friendly-states-after-the-election/748297 "2016-03-09T02:31:12Z")
Several cities and states have gone against federal law to legalize marijuana. I do think it should be legal federally, but that is a topic for a different thread. The Obama administration has respected the wishes of t… --- ## [why hate speech laws can't work](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hate-speech-laws-cant-work/747783)
**Author:** [@drewder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewder)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [March 9, 2016, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hate-speech-laws-cant-work/747783 "2016-03-09T02:22:39Z")
citeIt seems inevitable that when you give the government the right to regulate speech based on content that they will inevitably move to attack unpopular speech. See this example in Russia where they are jailing an athe… --- ## [Destroying ISIS, \[et all terrorist groups\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/destroying-isis-et-all-terrorist-groups/748277)
**Author:** [@Potestas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Potestas)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/destroying-isis-et-all-terrorist-groups/748277 "2016-03-08T20:48:54Z")
So what is the key to destroying ISIS and ensuring they never come back? It seems to me that we are in a darned if you do darned if you don’t position where if you don’t intervene they will just get worse and continue t… --- ## [IF Trump Gets Elected... What Happens When He Can't Deliver?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-trump-gets-elected-what-happens-when-he-cant-deliver/748201)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 3:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-trump-gets-elected-what-happens-when-he-cant-deliver/748201 "2016-03-08T15:55:43Z")
Let’s think the unthinkable. Let’s imagine that Donald Trump actually manages to eke out a victory in November. If that happens, it will mean I’ve been ridiculously wrong about him for months, but you can remind me of t… --- ## [Scott Adams says... (Hillary & feminism)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-adams-says-hillary-feminism/747187)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-adams-says-hillary-feminism/747187 "2016-03-08T15:18:47Z")
True or false? --- ## [Which democracy has the calmest, most rational political discourse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-democracy-has-the-calmest-most-rational-political-discourse/747859)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-democracy-has-the-calmest-most-rational-political-discourse/747859 "2016-03-08T03:48:33Z")
Every democracy gets pretty shrill about certain topics, but in general, which democracy today is best able to discuss topics and issues in a calm, fair, rational, factual-based way? --- ## [What do savants who excel in music, maths, art, and/or memory experience?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-savants-who-excel-in-music-maths-art-and-or-memory-experience/748267)
**Author:** [@GlowingDarkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GlowingDarkness)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [March 8, 2016, 12:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-savants-who-excel-in-music-maths-art-and-or-memory-experience/748267 "2016-03-08T12:27:03Z")
I know autistic savants have a major disadvantage when it comes to everyday tasks but I’ve wondered for example what a savant at the piano experiences in their head. Do they see notes that correspond with a key on the p… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=163) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=165)