# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=174 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 175 --- ## [Are men's deaths/injuries less tragic than women's deaths/injuries?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-mens-deaths-injuries-less-tragic-than-womens-deaths-injuries/739861)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2015, 12:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-mens-deaths-injuries-less-tragic-than-womens-deaths-injuries/739861 "2015-12-13T12:14:15Z")
Some SDMB posters have brought up this issue in other threads. Is or should men’s deaths/injuries be considered less tragic than women’s deaths/injuries? --- ## [Let's face it, the real problem is handguns](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-face-it-the-real-problem-is-handguns/739337)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2015, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-face-it-the-real-problem-is-handguns/739337 "2015-12-11T18:34:56Z")
However you define an “assault weapon,” it is not the real problem. Long-guns often are used in the mass shootings that get all the press – but most gun-crime in America is done with handguns for the simple reason that … --- ## [Would alternative energy be the ultimate weapon against ISIS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-alternative-energy-be-the-ultimate-weapon-against-isis/738643)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2015, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-alternative-energy-be-the-ultimate-weapon-against-isis/738643 "2015-12-11T15:23:22Z")
They get most of their money from oil. Instead of yet another round of ineffective bombing, should we spend the money on alternative energy? If we stop buying oil, the price will collapse and ISIS will be broke. They se… --- ## [Term limits for US Congress and Senate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-limits-for-us-congress-and-senate/739308)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2015, 2:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/term-limits-for-us-congress-and-senate/739308 "2015-12-11T14:13:04Z")
Both houses should have a term limit to prevent complacency and entrenchment. Voters don’t seem to care about these elections and usually reelect the incumbent without thinking. Too many people stay in Congress for mor… --- ## [Could Germany have conquered the USA, "High Castle" style, with exclusive access to nukes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-germany-have-conquered-the-usa-high-castle-style-with-exclusive-access-to-nukes/739397)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [December 11, 2015, 2:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-germany-have-conquered-the-usa-high-castle-style-with-exclusive-access-to-nukes/739397 "2015-12-11T14:07:53Z")
Scenario : the German nuclear scientists are hit by inspiration and decide to research fission instead of fusion. They convince the Fuhrer to cancel a number of lower priority weapon projects to make this possible. By … --- ## [Does The Holy Qur'an (Koran) need to a 'New Testament'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-holy-quran-koran-need-to-a-new-testament/739875)
**Author:** [@iLemming](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iLemming)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2015, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-holy-quran-koran-need-to-a-new-testament/739875 "2015-12-10T23:55:03Z")
The ousted conservative Australian prime minister and staunch U.S. military ally, Tony Abbott, recently wrote that Islam required a “reformation”: The Australian Anyone who has ever taken even a cursory glance at the … --- ## [ISIS Dabiq Prophecy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-dabiq-prophecy/739987)
**Author:** [@Do\_Not\_Taunt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Do_Not_Taunt)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2015, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-dabiq-prophecy/739987 "2015-12-10T10:26:25Z")
Some background here. I’m interested in thoughts on what would happen if the US invaded Syria, headed straight for Dabiq, conquered the city, planted our flag there, and built a massive base. ISIS has pretty much gone … --- ## [Howdo Second Amendment proponents feel about Timothy McVeigh types?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/howdo-second-amendment-proponents-feel-about-timothy-mcveigh-types/739599)
**Author:** [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2015, 2:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/howdo-second-amendment-proponents-feel-about-timothy-mcveigh-types/739599 "2015-12-10T02:10:12Z")
Since this seems to be gun rights month thought I’d ask. Sure, the most reasonable modern gun rights people just want to defend themselves against muggers and bears, but written right in is the idea of a protecting a “fr… --- ## [What would America do if Muslims with guns protested outside of churches?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-america-do-if-muslims-with-guns-protested-outside-of-churches/739814)
**Author:** [@Grsz11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grsz11)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2015, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-america-do-if-muslims-with-guns-protested-outside-of-churches/739814 "2015-12-09T23:05:24Z")
It would be news everywhere. GOP candidates would freak out. But they are silent over protests outside of mosques. Why the double standard? --- ## [Southern Strategy denialism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-strategy-denialism/681651)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 181\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2015, 7:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/southern-strategy-denialism/681651 "2015-12-09T07:14:41Z")
A couple of years ago, the venomous Ann Coulter made waves when making the rounds promoting her book Mugged which supposedly debunked the Southern Strategy as a myth. Now, I realize that Coulter is a poisonous shrew of… --- ## [Annual Nobel Peace Prize outrage](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annual-nobel-peace-prize-outrage/637524)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2015, 4:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/annual-nobel-peace-prize-outrage/637524 "2015-12-09T04:58:12Z")
This year it went to the European Union, namely because there hasn’t been a major European War in over half a century. I think it also has something to with how they handled the economic crisis because we all know peace… --- ## [How do we "fix" people who question mass shootings?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-fix-people-who-question-mass-shootings/739690)
**Author:** [@BelieveWhatYourTold](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BelieveWhatYourTold)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2015, 11:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-fix-people-who-question-mass-shootings/739690 "2015-12-08T23:24:03Z")
Hello fellow citizens, It has come to my attention that there is a growing community of unemployed adults who likely still live with their parents spending their days and nights thinking up every conceivable argument to… --- ## [Governor Trump (R-NY)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-trump-r-ny/337774)
**Author:** [@Chance\_the\_Gardener](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chance_the_Gardener)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2015, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/governor-trump-r-ny/337774 "2015-12-08T15:33:04Z")
Add another one to the long list of celebrities from TV and Hollywood who are seeking office as Republicans: Donald Trump is considering running for governor of New York. Why do these entertainment types, so devoid of A… --- ## [Homosexuality is curable](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality-is-curable/739035)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 131\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2015, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/homosexuality-is-curable/739035 "2015-12-08T14:10:56Z")
First off, it’s good if you read at least the first paragraph of this post before you reply, because even though I will end up claiming that the topic is true, I will get to that point in a way that will most likely end … --- ## [Should doctors who perform sterilizations be forced to pay pregnancy, childbirth, and/or childcare?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-doctors-who-perform-sterilizations-be-forced-to-pay-pregnancy-childbirth-and-or-childcare/736225)
**Author:** [@Futurist110](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futurist110)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2015, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-doctors-who-perform-sterilizations-be-forced-to-pay-pregnancy-childbirth-and-or-childcare/736225 "2015-12-07T21:58:24Z")
Should doctors who perform failed sterilizations (as in, sterilizations which were initially successful but which ended up failing later on) be forced to pay all of the pregnancy, childbirth, and/or childcare costs which… --- ## [Common sense gun legislation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/common-sense-gun-legislation/733300)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 695\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2015, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/common-sense-gun-legislation/733300 "2015-12-07T16:50:51Z")
Mr. Obama brought it up a couple times last night–careful to say it was the realm of the legislative branch and not HIS job to offer a solution. I’m pretty hip to guns and how to use 'em and how not. I know what and whe… --- ## [How come ISIL isn't yet defeated?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-isil-isnt-yet-defeated/739499)
**Author:** [@Blackstock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blackstock)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 5:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-come-isil-isnt-yet-defeated/739499 "2015-12-06T17:42:25Z")
Conspiracy theories aside, and even if they are the active recipients of support and resources from Turkey, Saudi Arabia or any other country, how come the ISIL are still standing? I understand that ISIL is now what al … --- ## [Donald Trump vs Hillary Clinton : why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-vs-hillary-clinton-why/739102)
**Author:** [@Habeed](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habeed)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 2:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/donald-trump-vs-hillary-clinton-why/739102 "2015-12-06T02:06:54Z")
So, alright, I’m going to try to be as neutral and fair-minded as possible about the flaws I see in each candidate. Donald Trump - Yes, he was sorta successful in business. Note the ‘sorta’. He started out with one of… --- ## [Let's stop the terrorism double standard](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-stop-the-terrorism-double-standard/738886)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 188\ **Last updated:** [December 6, 2015, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-stop-the-terrorism-double-standard/738886 "2015-12-06T00:30:47Z")
Attacks like the one yesterday at Planned Parenthood are terrorism just the same as any Islamist attack. Terrorism is any violence that is in the name of a religious or political cause, and meant to strike fear into the… --- ## [How do loving churches overcome bronze age admonitions against gays?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-loving-churches-overcome-bronze-age-admonitions-against-gays/738301)
**Author:** [@Measure\_for\_Measure](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Measure_for_Measure)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-loving-churches-overcome-bronze-age-admonitions-against-gays/738301 "2015-12-05T15:51:37Z")
How do loving churches overcome bronze age admonitions against gays? This is primarily a sociological question: we’ve discussed the theology of appropriate Christian treatment of homosexuals since the earliest days of t… --- ## [Should food stamps stop covering bottle deposits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-food-stamps-stop-covering-bottle-deposits/738575)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [December 5, 2015, 12:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-food-stamps-stop-covering-bottle-deposits/738575 "2015-12-05T00:11:25Z")
A fairly common Form of food stamp abuse is to buy cases of bottled water, or some other beverage, and dump the drinks in the street. Then the person will redeem the bottles for cash. I do not think taxpayer money shou… --- ## [Among advanced countries, more guns means more gun deaths. Controversial?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/among-advanced-countries-more-guns-means-more-gun-deaths-controversial/739346)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2015, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/among-advanced-countries-more-guns-means-more-gun-deaths-controversial/739346 "2015-12-04T23:47:12Z")
Here’s the link. Most instructive is the chart with advanced countries, comparing gun deaths vs guns present per capita. There are a few small outliers – Argentina, Qatar, and Cyprus, for example – but in general, more… --- ## [Legalizing murder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legalizing-murder/739432)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2015, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legalizing-murder/739432 "2015-12-04T20:08:04Z")
What would be the effect of legalizing murder, combined with a complete de-regulation of the weapons market (no waiting time, no age limits etc)? --- ## [Alcohol Taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-taxes/739329)
**Author:** [@Oredigger77](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oredigger77)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [December 4, 2015, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/alcohol-taxes/739329 "2015-12-04T16:50:32Z")
I’ve been having to explain the various alcohol tax rates to people lately and once people understand them their first question tends to be “Why?” I don’t have a good answer so I figured I’d open it up to the Dope and se… --- ## [Should the United States cut or increase the defense budget?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-united-states-cut-or-increase-the-defense-budget/738512)
**Author:** [@GloryDays](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GloryDays)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2015, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-united-states-cut-or-increase-the-defense-budget/738512 "2015-12-03T23:06:29Z")
Some say that the U.S. spends more on defense and military than any other country combined. Some say that President Obama is cutting and gutting the military to pre World War I I levels. Should the United States cut the … --- ## [Was the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Bush v. Gore (in December 2000) a mistake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-u-s-supreme-court-decision-in-bush-v-gore-in-december-2000-a-mistake/738346)
**Author:** [@Futurist110](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Futurist110)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [December 3, 2015, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-u-s-supreme-court-decision-in-bush-v-gore-in-december-2000-a-mistake/738346 "2015-12-03T16:34:08Z")
Any thoughts on this? --- ## [Turkey downs Russian jet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkey-downs-russian-jet/738432)
**Author:** [@CarnalK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CarnalK)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [December 2, 2015, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkey-downs-russian-jet/738432 "2015-12-02T19:46:17Z")
Well this is crazy but not entirely unpredictable. Turkey shot down a Russian jet near the Syrian border, saying it was violating their airspace. Emergency NATO meeting this afternoon. What the hell is this going to do… --- ## [Why was splitting Iraq into three countries not considered?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-splitting-iraq-into-three-countries-not-considered/738189)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 11:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-splitting-iraq-into-three-countries-not-considered/738189 "2015-12-01T23:32:26Z")
During the Iraq war, it seemed to me that the obvious solution to the sectional infighting between the Sunnis, Shias, and Kurds in Iraq was to give each its own autonomous region with an agreement to split the oil royalt… --- ## [Ba'athism - please explain](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baathism-please-explain/738505)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baathism-please-explain/738505 "2015-12-01T23:29:31Z")
How does it relate to social rights, secularism and women’s rights ? Now and in the past ? For example, is it true that even under Saddam’s Ba’ath party, women had more chance of a career than they do now ? --- ## [Do big oil CEOs feel like gods ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-big-oil-ceos-feel-like-gods/738716)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 1, 2015, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-big-oil-ceos-feel-like-gods/738716 "2015-12-01T20:54:07Z")
If I was a top boss at Shell or BP etc, I would look at a world map, and look at the coastline that I was in the business of changing, and the rivers that I was in the business of changing, and the ice caps I was paid to… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=173) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=175)