# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=176 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 177 --- ## [Rockefeller, Rothschild, capitalist or communist climate changers](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rockefeller-rothschild-capitalist-or-communist-climate-changers/738177)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rockefeller-rothschild-capitalist-or-communist-climate-changers/738177 "2015-11-21T19:12:06Z")
I see a lot of complaining on line about the Rockefellers and Rothschilds being behind the communist climate change agenda - often accompanied by some stuff about the UN, NWO, agenda 21 and such things. I don’t get how … --- ## [Some ideas on defeating ISIS](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-ideas-on-defeating-isis/737699)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/some-ideas-on-defeating-isis/737699 "2015-11-21T12:00:10Z")
It is clear to me that military intervention will not work. USA/NATO created the conditions for ISIS to form with the war in Iraq. I think another war will only make things worse. All we have done is created a trillio… --- ## [Where are the good guys in the Middle East?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-good-guys-in-the-middle-east/737513)
**Author:** [@Renee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Renee)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-good-guys-in-the-middle-east/737513 "2015-11-21T10:25:51Z")
I don’t follow the goings on in that part of the world closely, because it’s fucking depressing, but I keep hearing how the vast majority of Muslims are peaceful, wonderful people. OK, fine. Why aren’t any of them in cha… --- ## [Why do people from U.S call themselves Americans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-from-u-s-call-themselves-americans/639250)
**Author:** [@Mentol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mentol)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 5:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-people-from-u-s-call-themselves-americans/639250 "2015-11-21T05:29:15Z")
I am from Europe and I have asked that myself several times after watching a movie. If America is the continent, why do people from U.S call themselves “Americans”, as opposite to “Mexicans” or “Canadians”?, shouldn’t t… --- ## [Should having a baby addicted to drugs be a crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-having-a-baby-addicted-to-drugs-be-a-crime/738031)
**Author:** [@Grsz11](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grsz11)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [November 21, 2015, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-having-a-baby-addicted-to-drugs-be-a-crime/738031 "2015-11-21T03:09:11Z")
I heard a segment on a fetal abuse law in Tennessee the other day. Interesting discussion with lots of voices on both sides. Even mothers charged were split. Some say it drove them to get clean while others were worried … --- ## ["Free Speech" =/= "The first amendment."](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-the-first-amendment/737144)
**Author:** [@furt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/furt)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-the-first-amendment/737144 "2015-11-20T23:44:47Z")
Person X makes an effort to restrict the free expression of ideas; person Z criticizes X, and says this is a violation of free speech; Person Z pipes up, and says that it has nothing to do with free speech, because after… --- ## [How would my life be different if the U.S. had no budget deficit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-my-life-be-different-if-the-u-s-had-no-budget-deficit/737729)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-my-life-be-different-if-the-u-s-had-no-budget-deficit/737729 "2015-11-20T22:06:57Z")
I’m not sure if this is a General Question or a Great Debate…I figure that there is a factual answer, but I’m also pretty sure that this is fraught with political beliefs. So, I’m trying here. Anyway, a little research … --- ## [What are the problems with current immigrant/refugee vetting in the USA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-problems-with-current-immigrant-refugee-vetting-in-the-usa/738073)
**Author:** [@Eonwe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eonwe)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-problems-with-current-immigrant-refugee-vetting-in-the-usa/738073 "2015-11-20T22:00:56Z")
There doesn’t seem to be a thread on this; my apologies if I missed it. With all the talk about increasing the, er, safety of the current vetting process, I’m curious about what current measures are not deemed safe enou… --- ## [When does protecting Islam go too far? Can one decry the religion without hating the people?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-protecting-islam-go-too-far-can-one-decry-the-religion-without-hating-the-people/737984)
**Author:** [@Oedipus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Oedipus)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 6:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-does-protecting-islam-go-too-far-can-one-decry-the-religion-without-hating-the-people/737984 "2015-11-20T18:39:28Z")
I was surprised in the wake of this newest attack the even larger numbers of people saying ISIS is akin to the KKK or the WBC. I understand the need to protect Islamic people from reactionary attacks, but since when has … --- ## [Can we regulate spending from pharmaceutical manufacturers? Should we?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-regulate-spending-from-pharmaceutical-manufacturers-should-we/622893)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-regulate-spending-from-pharmaceutical-manufacturers-should-we/622893 "2015-11-20T07:28:59Z")
When I am watching television, and I see the myriad of advertisements for prescription drugs that are only available if a doctor says you should take them, yet they are aimed to consumers (not doctors) it reminds me that… --- ## [United Nations army could carve out refugee safe zone in Iraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-nations-army-could-carve-out-refugee-safe-zone-in-iraq/737941)
**Author:** [@Clu-Me-In](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Clu-Me-In)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [November 20, 2015, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/united-nations-army-could-carve-out-refugee-safe-zone-in-iraq/737941 "2015-11-20T01:52:18Z")
Why couldn’t the United Nations move refugees from war torn areas of Syria into areas of Iraq protected by the United Nations forces. It would make it easier for them to return to their homeland and rebuild after the wa… --- ## [Who sponsors ISIS, who started ISIS ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-sponsors-isis-who-started-isis/737971)
**Author:** [@MrQwertyasd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrQwertyasd)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2015, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-sponsors-isis-who-started-isis/737971 "2015-11-19T23:44:14Z")
Why can’t we stop them being sponsored ? --- ## [Proposed solution to the refugee crisis](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-solution-to-the-refugee-crisis/737989)
**Author:** [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2015, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proposed-solution-to-the-refugee-crisis/737989 "2015-11-19T19:58:40Z")
Given the origins of the current crisis are various - though perhaps among them the most significant being the invasion of Iraq in 2003 and subsequent (a) creation of ISIS, and (b) a huge political vacuum, plus Assad’s r… --- ## [Koran forbids killing innocent civilians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/koran-forbids-killing-innocent-civilians/737804)
**Author:** [@Sigene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sigene)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2015, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/koran-forbids-killing-innocent-civilians/737804 "2015-11-19T16:07:48Z")
I keep hearing this point, and I just have to respond to it with a question. How does one define ‘innocent civilians’? I would argue that it is very easy for the killers to define those who were murdered as NOT innocen… --- ## [Scores killed in explosions and shootout in Paris. Hostages being held](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scores-killed-in-explosions-and-shootout-in-paris-hostages-being-held/737499)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 481\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2015, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scores-killed-in-explosions-and-shootout-in-paris-hostages-being-held/737499 "2015-11-19T15:24:02Z")
Link CNN reports hostages being held in a theatre. --- ## [Arming teachers with guns?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arming-teachers-with-guns/736714)
**Author:** [@Angel\_Torres\_Sosa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Angel_Torres_Sosa)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [November 19, 2015, 2:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arming-teachers-with-guns/736714 "2015-11-19T02:28:28Z")
How do you feel about what Donald Trump said in regards to the recent shooting at the university? His idea of arming our teachers and/or security guards with guns to prevent another school shooting got different reaction… --- ## [Bombing ISL oil facilites](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bombing-isl-oil-facilites/737907)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2015, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bombing-isl-oil-facilites/737907 "2015-11-18T20:42:52Z")
Some news show I was watching the other night was talking about how the U.S. is targeting oil production/transportation facilities controlled by ISL in order to cut down on revenue. The story went on to say that the miss… --- ## [How Do Muslims 'Radicalize' Other Muslims In Western Europe?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-muslims-radicalize-other-muslims-in-western-europe/737788)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2015, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-muslims-radicalize-other-muslims-in-western-europe/737788 "2015-11-18T11:41:38Z")
Just one question that has me stumped, since the recent Muslim terrorist attacks, in Paris. The mastermind behind them was from Belgium (at this point, information is still coming in–but I think we can safely say that). … --- ## [France and NATO](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/france-and-nato/737705)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 18, 2015, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/france-and-nato/737705 "2015-11-18T01:15:45Z")
This might have already been asked and answered in other threads…if so, my apologies, just link to them and then a Mod can shut this down if there is nothing new. My question is, why doesn’t France invoke Article 5? Se… --- ## [Independence Day. Terrorist propaganda?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independence-day-terrorist-propaganda/737620)
**Author:** [@Mikeisskeptical](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mikeisskeptical)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2015, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independence-day-terrorist-propaganda/737620 "2015-11-17T22:41:13Z")
Not seen it in a while, but here’s what I remember. A technologically superior alien race attempts to invade Earth and is initially looking pretty successful. Two main characters (an airforce pilot and a scientific gen… --- ## [Muslim Civilization meltdown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muslim-civilization-meltdown/737731)
**Author:** [@bardos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bardos)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2015, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muslim-civilization-meltdown/737731 "2015-11-17T17:15:03Z")
So let’s say no Israel in the middle east, no “Palestinian problem”, would the Arab nations’ meltdown still be on the cards, would the imploding Muslim world at this time, the shia-sunni conflict, be on the cards as inev… --- ## [The Ethics of Zoos](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ethics-of-zoos/737471)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2015, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ethics-of-zoos/737471 "2015-11-17T14:39:55Z")
Inspired by the thread about SeaWorld and Orcas here, I thought I would bring up for discussion the ethics of actual zoos. I am a little obsessed with animals and used to LOVE zoos as a child. I went to the famous san di… --- ## [Taxpayer money should not be used on stadiums](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxpayer-money-should-not-be-used-on-stadiums/737296)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2015, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taxpayer-money-should-not-be-used-on-stadiums/737296 "2015-11-17T13:47:45Z")
It is a ridiculous waste of money to use tax funds to build stadiums for teams. Sports teams that make their own profit I might add. Any other business has to pay for its own facilities, why should sports teams be any … --- ## [Is there a way to make news good again?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-make-news-good-again/737485)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2015, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-way-to-make-news-good-again/737485 "2015-11-17T03:52:06Z")
Hard news is dying if not dead, replaced by a lot of clickbait. Is there a way to make it good again? Thanks, Rob --- ## [An idea on how to defeat ISIS. Simple or simple minded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-on-how-to-defeat-isis-simple-or-simple-minded/737519)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-on-how-to-defeat-isis-simple-or-simple-minded/737519 "2015-11-16T22:38:13Z")
I think we can all agree that ISIS is a threat to the world that needs to be dealt with. The main question is what is the best way of doing so. What do you all think of the idea of massive amounts of boots on the ground?… --- ## [Wouldn't Switching US healthcare to a Canadian system lower the debt faster than anything else?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldnt-switching-us-healthcare-to-a-canadian-system-lower-the-debt-faster-than-anything-else/736747)
**Author:** [@Salvor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Salvor)\ **Replies:** 127\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wouldnt-switching-us-healthcare-to-a-canadian-system-lower-the-debt-faster-than-anything-else/736747 "2015-11-16T21:54:36Z")
You often hear conservatives rail against obamacare and medicare/medicaid, but I did some napkin math on a couple of stats and I wanted to get your thoughts. Take a look at this healthcare expenditure index from many co… --- ## [What would have happened to the WTC if it didn't collapse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-have-happened-to-the-wtc-if-it-didnt-collapse/369080)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-have-happened-to-the-wtc-if-it-didnt-collapse/369080 "2015-11-16T21:33:13Z")
So say 9/11 happened and the planes rammed into the towers but they didn’t collapse like they did on the day. What would have happened? Would they have had to be demolished anyway? Could they have been repaired? --- ## [Saudi Arabia, terrorism, and ISIS - connection?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saudi-arabia-terrorism-and-isis-connection/737624)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saudi-arabia-terrorism-and-isis-connection/737624 "2015-11-16T21:12:40Z")
Frankly, I haven’t paid much attention to those who have claimed for years that THE major sponsor of terrorism in the world today is Saudi Arabia. Now, in the wake of the Paris attacks, many people are, again, making suc… --- ## [Should there be more conforminity in state gun regulations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-there-be-more-conforminity-in-state-gun-regulations/737470)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-there-be-more-conforminity-in-state-gun-regulations/737470 "2015-11-16T20:42:37Z")
The New York Times has just come out with an article about how gun traffickers get around state gun laws, smuggling guns from states with few restrictions to states with greater restrictions. Their map outlines the rout… --- ## [Why are middle-aged white Americans dying/killing themselves?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-middle-aged-white-americans-dying-killing-themselves/737105)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2015, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-middle-aged-white-americans-dying-killing-themselves/737105 "2015-11-16T15:49:16Z")
Two Princeton economists, Angus Deaton and Ann Case, have determined that the death rate for middle-aged white Americans has been rising since 1999 – just as the death rates for all other demographic segments have been f… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=175) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=177)