# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=190 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 191 --- ## [Tradition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tradition/723114)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2015, 1:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tradition/723114 "2015-07-17T01:43:44Z")
Hi SD, I don’t understand why people use the tradition argument to prevent change, or even more simply, why people consider traditional things as somewhat better by virtue of having “stood the test of time.” I came to … --- ## [Is interacting with the "real world" better than interacting online?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-interacting-with-the-real-world-better-than-interacting-online/725325)
**Author:** [@PSXer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PSXer)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [July 17, 2015, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-interacting-with-the-real-world-better-than-interacting-online/725325 "2015-07-17T01:21:02Z")
Old people are always complaining about how the kids these days are always looking at their phones and not interacting with the real world What makes the real world better than cyberspace In irl life you are limited by… --- ## [Did anything good come out of World War I?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anything-good-come-out-of-world-war-i/721056)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2015, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anything-good-come-out-of-world-war-i/721056 "2015-07-16T16:22:35Z")
One I’ve been wondering about for a while, comparing WWII to its prequel in what benefits humanity got out of it, despite all the death and destruction that war entails. With WWII, you get the definite plus points of Naz… --- ## [Why do gays want to call their relationship a "marriage"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gays-want-to-call-their-relationship-a-marriage/724436)
**Author:** [@cornopean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornopean)\ **Replies:** 403\ **Last updated:** [July 16, 2015, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gays-want-to-call-their-relationship-a-marriage/724436 "2015-07-16T16:06:38Z")
I still don’t understand why gays want to call their relationship a “marriage”. My first reason is that most gays don’t actually get married. Wikipedia says only 20% of gays in the Netherlands are married. and the num… --- ## [PC compatible iMAC's](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-compatible-imacs/16744)
**Author:** [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2015, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pc-compatible-imacs/16744 "2015-07-15T20:07:19Z")
I have a question. Do you guys think that if Macintosh’s new line of iMAC’s and thier new laptops (can’t think of the name) were completely PC compatible they’d be more popular? I’m not sure how far from actually being c… --- ## [What are the obstacles to universal health care in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-obstacles-to-universal-health-care-in-the-us/723232)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [July 15, 2015, 1:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-obstacles-to-universal-health-care-in-the-us/723232 "2015-07-15T13:01:25Z")
As the title states, I’d like to have a discussion about what the actual obstacles to universal health care are, and how to address them. How do we go from an insurance based system to UHC? Is it mostly about the money… --- ## [If the Allies were able to rebuild the Europe and Japan after WWII what is so hard about Greece now?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-allies-were-able-to-rebuild-the-europe-and-japan-after-wwii-what-is-so-hard-about-greece-now/724505)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2015, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-allies-were-able-to-rebuild-the-europe-and-japan-after-wwii-what-is-so-hard-about-greece-now/724505 "2015-07-14T21:02:27Z")
At the end of WWII the US loanes European countries $13 billion (~$120 billion in today’s money) to European countries to help them rebuild and did something similar with Japan. In 1953 we forgave half that debt to Germ… --- ## [Why is executing someone painlessly difficult?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-executing-someone-painlessly-difficult/723932)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2015, 7:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-executing-someone-painlessly-difficult/723932 "2015-07-14T07:17:21Z")
Botched executions happen fairly frequently, there was recently a Supreme Court case upholding the Constitutionality of pain not being part of ‘cruel and unusual’ so now I wonder why it’s difficult. Anesthesiologists go… --- ## [Debate Newsweek's 2010 Politics Predictions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-newsweeks-2010-politics-predictions/522947)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2015, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-newsweeks-2010-politics-predictions/522947 "2015-07-13T22:23:27Z")
Here. 10. Democrats Steal Texas Governor’s Mansion. Ultraconservative Pub incumbent Rick Perry battles it out with moderate Kay Bailey Hutchinson for the nomination. It’s so bloody and vituperative that, while Perry … --- ## [Street Epistemology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/street-epistemology/722433)
**Author:** [@Ca3799](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ca3799)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2015, 1:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/street-epistemology/722433 "2015-07-13T01:45:08Z")
Peter Boghossian is an instructor of philosophy in Oregon. In 2013, he wrote a book entitled “A Manual for Creating Atheists.” Despite the catchy title, Boghossian states that he is not really interested in ‘creating ath… --- ## [Economics 101 | Inflation & Money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economics-101-inflation-money/724382)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2015, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/economics-101-inflation-money/724382 "2015-07-12T23:37:19Z")
Executive summary (AKA: tldr): \[ol\] \[li\]Inflation is not just about the supply of money. There are three other factors that are equally important.\[/li\]\[li\]Commercial banks create money by lending it; that same money is… --- ## [Confederate symbols and "winners-write-history" syndrome](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-symbols-and-winners-write-history-syndrome/724442)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2015, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/confederate-symbols-and-winners-write-history-syndrome/724442 "2015-07-12T21:04:26Z")
Regardless of what one thinks of Confederate symbols - positively or negatively - how much of the opposition to the Confederate flag today stems from the adage that “history is written by the winners (in this case, the U… --- ## [Interesting fact on federal gun control laws](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-fact-on-federal-gun-control-laws/724842)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2015, 1:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-fact-on-federal-gun-control-laws/724842 "2015-07-12T13:55:02Z")
Title 18, United States Code, § 922 (d) It shall be unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person - (3)… --- ## [Dylann Roof is a Terrorist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dylann-roof-is-a-terrorist/723074)
**Author:** [@Broomstick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Broomstick)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2015, 1:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dylann-roof-is-a-terrorist/723074 "2015-07-12T13:52:04Z")
If Dylann Roof was anything other than a white Christian his actions in shooting up a Charleston, SC church and his own manifesto would have branded him a terrorist. His actions were intended to frighten people and trig… --- ## [So, uh, has digital WWIII just started?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-uh-has-digital-wwiii-just-started/724596)
**Author:** [@BlackKnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlackKnight)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2015, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-uh-has-digital-wwiii-just-started/724596 "2015-07-11T20:09:20Z")
On CNN.com just now: “Computer glitches his NYSE, United Airlines, Wall Street Journal” I’m willing to bet that at least one of those was the result of something other than just a “glitch”. And recently there was this … --- ## [Help an atheist understand how the Israel-Palestine conflict is \*not\* a religious war.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-an-atheist-understand-how-the-israel-palestine-conflict-is-not-a-religious-war/724570)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2015, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/help-an-atheist-understand-how-the-israel-palestine-conflict-is-not-a-religious-war/724570 "2015-07-11T19:24:14Z")
“The conflict in the Middle East is not a religious conflict.” That’s how an article starts out about the history of the area. It then goes into a list of the religions of people who have lived in the area. The Christia… --- ## [MISSION ACCOMPLISHED redux: Should Dick Cheney be tried for war crimes? Will he be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mission-accomplished-redux-should-dick-cheney-be-tried-for-war-crimes-will-he-be/724499)
**Author:** [@Ogre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ogre)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2015, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mission-accomplished-redux-should-dick-cheney-be-tried-for-war-crimes-will-he-be/724499 "2015-07-11T01:21:43Z")
This guy seems to think he should, and that it’s virtually inevitable that he will be. Will the US ever bring him to trial, or will it be an international tribunal? Will it have the backing of the US government, or wil… --- ## [Illegal immigration to the United States](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-immigration-to-the-united-states/723747)
**Author:** [@bizerta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bizerta)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2015, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illegal-immigration-to-the-united-states/723747 "2015-07-10T14:05:47Z")
Nobody every talks about illegal immigration between the United States and Canada. Why do so many people from Latin America attempt to emigrate to the United States? I believe the obvious answer is that the economic op… --- ## [Is permitting the sale of health insurance across state lines really a conservative position?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-permitting-the-sale-of-health-insurance-across-state-lines-really-a-conservative-position/724510)
**Author:** [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2015, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-permitting-the-sale-of-health-insurance-across-state-lines-really-a-conservative-position/724510 "2015-07-10T04:35:47Z")
Many Republicans have proposed permitting the sale of health insurance across state lines as a part of their plan for replacing Obamacare. They argue this would create more competition and choice of in the marketplace. … --- ## [How is Afghanistan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-afghanistan/724463)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2015, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-is-afghanistan/724463 "2015-07-09T21:47:01Z")
Since most Western forces have withdrawn, and we’ve built up an army and government, how is Afghanistan faring? \[ul\] \[li\]Is the Afghan Army sufficiently trained enough to hold its own territory?\[/li\] \[li\]Is the Afghan… --- ## ["Constitutional Carry" Proposed in My Home State](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constitutional-carry-proposed-in-my-home-state/719161)
**Author:** [@CoastalMaineiac](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoastalMaineiac)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2015, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/constitutional-carry-proposed-in-my-home-state/719161 "2015-07-09T17:30:06Z")
If you couldn’t tell from my username, I live on the coast of Maine. So far, it looks like the bill has been killed by committee, but I’m sure that is not the end of it. I understand Vermont has never had a concealed w… --- ## [Does Welfare reduce Criminality?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-welfare-reduce-criminality/724272)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2015, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-welfare-reduce-criminality/724272 "2015-07-09T02:42:35Z")
I was watching a documentary which was showing the lengths at which Romanian gypsies try to claim benefits from the UK welfare system, and how they send money back to their families which still reside in Romania, even th… --- ## [37% of Greek voters could'nt be bothered to vote???](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/37-of-greek-voters-couldnt-be-bothered-to-vote/724377)
**Author:** [@Winnipeg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Winnipeg)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2015, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/37-of-greek-voters-couldnt-be-bothered-to-vote/724377 "2015-07-08T22:29:25Z")
I am very surprised that with a referendum vote so important to the future of Greece that 37% of Greeks did not vote. I would have expected the voter turnout to be 90%+. Why such apathy ? --- ## [How do I respond to this?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-respond-to-this/723913)
**Author:** [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Replies:** 121\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2015, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-i-respond-to-this/723913 "2015-07-05T17:50:35Z")
My Conservative friends like to post this image to ‘prove’ the Democrats are Teh Evil. For those who don’t want to click: \[ul\]\[li\]13th Amendment Abolished Slavery. 100% Republican support, 23% Democrat \[sic\] support \[… --- ## [Compelling prison doctors to assist in executions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compelling-prison-doctors-to-assist-in-executions/723965)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 48\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2015, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/compelling-prison-doctors-to-assist-in-executions/723965 "2015-07-06T11:29:27Z")
A commonly held belief over in the Supreme Court \[declines to hear\] same sex marriage cases.\[plus further developments (Ed.)\] is that clerks that refuse to issue licenses to SSM couples should either be fired or resign f… --- ## [Claims of gender-based pay discrimination are phony](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/claims-of-gender-based-pay-discrimination-are-phony/724017)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2015, 10:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/claims-of-gender-based-pay-discrimination-are-phony/724017 "2015-07-07T10:36:57Z")
President Obama once released an ad stating: President Obama knows that women being paid 77 cents on the dollar for doing the same work as men isn’t just unfair, it hurts families. So the first law he signed was the Lil… --- ## [Did Larry Silverstein know about 9/11?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-larry-silverstein-know-about-9-11/724340)
**Author:** [@bombthefeds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bombthefeds)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2015, 4:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-larry-silverstein-know-about-9-11/724340 "2015-07-07T04:49:29Z")
I think we can all agree WTC 7 was suspicious and the official story leaves something to be wanted. Anyway, I found a pretty complete theory that ties the whole thing together. This guy seems to think most the official… --- ## [SCOTUS upholds Arizona nonpartisan redistricting commision](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-upholds-arizona-nonpartisan-redistricting-commision/723841)
**Author:** [@rsa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rsa)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2015, 4:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotus-upholds-arizona-nonpartisan-redistricting-commision/723841 "2015-07-07T04:13:53Z")
On the final day for SCOTUS rulings, the court by a 5-4 margin upheld the constitutionality of voter enacted redistricting commissions. The Republican legislature in Arizona did not like the nonpartisan redistricting com… --- ## [Are Women as Likely to Rape as Men?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-women-as-likely-to-rape-as-men/724183)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2015, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-women-as-likely-to-rape-as-men/724183 "2015-07-07T02:49:37Z")
I’m looking at this survey, which appears to be a legitimate survey: it’s called "The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey | 2010 Summary Report". It’s produced by the CDC, and even has a .gov address. B… --- ## [Why is violence acceptable in American media but not nudity or swearing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-violence-acceptable-in-american-media-but-not-nudity-or-swearing/614826)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2015, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-violence-acceptable-in-american-media-but-not-nudity-or-swearing/614826 "2015-07-06T23:59:42Z")
I don’t think there is a GQ answer for this unless someone pulls out the Hays Code, but that still doesn’t account for everything. In American movies, violence seems to get a pass. I can go to movies or watch TV and se… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=189) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=191)