# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=193 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 194 --- ## [Would real nation building have worked in Iraq in 2003?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-real-nation-building-have-worked-in-iraq-in-2003/722301)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2015, 9:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-real-nation-building-have-worked-in-iraq-in-2003/722301 "2015-06-18T09:26:59Z")
If a legitimate attempt had been undertaken to rebuild Iraq after the 2003 war, would that have led to a stable, more prosperous Iraq? There was a coalition provisional authority led by Paul Bremmer, but power was hande… --- ## [When people babble about "microaggressions", their real goal is censorship.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-people-babble-about-microaggressions-their-real-goal-is-censorship/722455)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 253\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2015, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-people-babble-about-microaggressions-their-real-goal-is-censorship/722455 "2015-06-18T01:12:50Z")
At Ithaca College, there will soon be an anonymous, online system whereby students can report any microaggression, defined as “statements by a person from a privileged group that belittles or isolates a member of an unpr… --- ## [Should states reduce the number of qualified drivers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-states-reduce-the-number-of-qualified-drivers/722610)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-states-reduce-the-number-of-qualified-drivers/722610 "2015-06-17T18:33:32Z")
I realize how integral cars are to most Americans, unless you’re living in a city with great mass transit like NYC. But traffic deaths, accidents, and injuries are a huge cost to the economy and families who lose loved o… --- ## [You Are A Senior General in Assad's Army-Stage a Coup or Not?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-a-senior-general-in-assads-army-stage-a-coup-or-not/722159)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/you-are-a-senior-general-in-assads-army-stage-a-coup-or-not/722159 "2015-06-17T15:39:36Z")
Assad’s commanders must be getting a bit nervous-the army is suffering defeats, and Syria now has both its own rebels and ISIS to contend with. Assad seems calm-but as a general, you have to worry that the troops may d… --- ## [Technically, is agnosticism the only valid option?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technically-is-agnosticism-the-only-valid-option/720460)
**Author:** [@velomont](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/velomont)\ **Replies:** 381\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2015, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/technically-is-agnosticism-the-only-valid-option/720460 "2015-06-17T00:31:34Z")
In general we have theism, atheism and agnosticism. I think that, technically, the only valid choice is agnosticism. The reason I think this is that, notwithstanding the strength of one’s belief, no-one really knows whet… --- ## [Was General Lee Wrong For Continuing To Fight?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-general-lee-wrong-for-continuing-to-fight/721645)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-general-lee-wrong-for-continuing-to-fight/721645 "2015-06-16T05:52:29Z")
Gen. R.E. Lee, through good leadership and generalship, was able to keep his army fighting into 1865. This was long past the point at which the South could ever hope to win. The last battles of the war were very bloody-w… --- ## [Facebook faces another privacy vs freedom of speech problem- pedofile wins £20,000 damages](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-faces-another-privacy-vs-freedom-of-speech-problem-pedofile-wins-20-000-damages/713215)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2015, 8:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/facebook-faces-another-privacy-vs-freedom-of-speech-problem-pedofile-wins-20-000-damages/713215 "2015-02-22T08:29:31Z")
“Child abuser awarded £20,000 damages after being ‘named and shamed’ on Facebook paedophile page in first case of its kind” Outline- person posts a Facebook page aimed at naming and shaming pedofiles. He and Facebook f… --- ## [US Government may forgive up to $3.5 Billion in student loans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-government-may-forgive-up-to-3-5-billion-in-student-loans/722067)
**Author:** [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 3:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-government-may-forgive-up-to-3-5-billion-in-student-loans/722067 "2015-06-16T03:23:30Z")
Story here A summary is that the much-maligned Corinthian colleges group, which 350,000 students took out an average of $10K in student loans to attend, is a sham college with worthless degrees. Apparently enough that t… --- ## [Anthropological Criminology](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anthropological-criminology/722354)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2015, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anthropological-criminology/722354 "2015-06-16T01:14:36Z")
This being the idea that you can correlate criminal behaviour with various physical traits. I had always thought this was a quack science. But now I see there’s a new study purporting to show that pedophilia is correlate… --- ## [Is the tide about to turn against political correctness?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-tide-about-to-turn-against-political-correctness/721986)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 147\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2015, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-tide-about-to-turn-against-political-correctness/721986 "2015-06-15T00:05:39Z")
Three stories just this week make me think people have finally gotten tired of the BS: Jerry Seinfeld doesn’t perform at college campuses anymore: I’m a liberal professor, and my liberal students scare me: And t… --- ## [Miscellaneous tough questions for Christians](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miscellaneous-tough-questions-for-christians/720713)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 284\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/miscellaneous-tough-questions-for-christians/720713 "2015-06-14T22:46:23Z")
I’m an agnostic and for the next four weeks the church I sometimes go to will answer questions during the service. I ask the two pastors tough questions a lot but I wanted to think up some extra tough questions for the s… --- ## [Is diversity good for all nations, or only white nations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-diversity-good-for-all-nations-or-only-white-nations/722310)
**Author:** [@Construct](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Construct)\ **Replies:** 108\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 4:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-diversity-good-for-all-nations-or-only-white-nations/722310 "2015-06-14T04:55:16Z")
I’d be curious for a progressive or moderate answer to this, because “diversity=white genocide” is a meme tossed around the internet alt-right community. Basically, is diversity of ethnicity (and/or multiculturalism) go… --- ## [Praying if you are agnostic](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/praying-if-you-are-agnostic/720583)
**Author:** [@buns3000](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/buns3000)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2015, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/praying-if-you-are-agnostic/720583 "2015-06-14T02:17:52Z")
Sorry if this has been done recently. I’d describe myself as agnostic but I am on the way to atheism. Most of the way there, probably. I used to be a practising Catholic until I was late 20s. I’ve been drifting away fro… --- ## [Police overreach could be uniting us, but it's not. Why not? It's as easy as black and white](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-overreach-could-be-uniting-us-but-its-not-why-not-its-as-easy-as-black-and-white/722253)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2015, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/police-overreach-could-be-uniting-us-but-its-not-why-not-its-as-easy-as-black-and-white/722253 "2015-06-13T11:23:33Z")
If you look at the website The Conservative Treehouse, they have a lot of posts concerning the Waco Biker gang shooting - mostly all of them (and the comments) seek to place blame at an overzealous police force using unn… --- ## [USA Arms Sales-Arsenal of Democracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-arms-sales-arsenal-of-democracy/722382)
**Author:** [@The\_Stainless\_Steel\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Stainless_Steel_Rat)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/usa-arms-sales-arsenal-of-democracy/722382 "2015-06-12T22:15:47Z")
I really didn’t know which section to put this in, but since it may start some discussions I thought it best to begin in GD. If the moderators disagree, please feel free to move it. Anyway…The US of A, by law, must let… --- ## [Bring the jubilee.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bring-the-jubilee/722229)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bring-the-jubilee/722229 "2015-06-12T20:59:46Z")
Interesting idea. The basic plan would be a forgiveness of all debts, release of most prisoners, and a reset for society. It would totally freak the Powered Class, but I think that’s a good thing. If the 1% lost a ton, … --- ## [What are the facts about Scott Walkers policies in WI. .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-facts-about-scott-walkers-policies-in-wi/722120)
**Author:** [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-facts-about-scott-walkers-policies-in-wi/722120 "2015-06-12T20:54:49Z")
Since Scott Walker announced his candidacy for president I’ve heard very conflicting reports about how his policies have affected WI. Some say he has the state way in debt while others claim a surplus. Aside from policie… --- ## [How did we even get to talking about a revolution? (Chris Hedges article on Salon)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-we-even-get-to-talking-about-a-revolution-chris-hedges-article-on-salon/721689)
**Author:** [@Aeschines](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Aeschines)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-we-even-get-to-talking-about-a-revolution-chris-hedges-article-on-salon/721689 "2015-06-12T20:13:25Z")
The article: We are in a revolutionary moment”: Chris Hedges explains why an uprising is coming — and soon Let’s go back to 1999, 2000, 2001. 14 years ago. Was anybody talking like this? The only place you would have s… --- ## [Who is right about the causes of the Civil War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-right-about-the-causes-of-the-civil-war/721898)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-right-about-the-causes-of-the-civil-war/721898 "2015-06-12T15:41:06Z")
Hi, I would really like to settle on one overriding reason for the cause of the Civil War. The abolition of slavery was certainly a polarizing and conflict-provoking issue but maintaining the Union for someone as pragm… --- ## [What happens if Congress stops funding the judicial branch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-congress-stops-funding-the-judicial-branch/722183)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2015, 9:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-if-congress-stops-funding-the-judicial-branch/722183 "2015-06-12T09:05:24Z")
Before you think this is too absurd a question to merit discussion it appears this is exactly what is being tried in Kansas: I am not sure if things work differently at the state level but what would happen if the fede… --- ## [How long until self driving cars become everpresent, or mandatory](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-until-self-driving-cars-become-everpresent-or-mandatory/720330)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2015, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-until-self-driving-cars-become-everpresent-or-mandatory/720330 "2015-06-11T17:49:52Z")
My understanding is at least a half dozen companies are going to start releasing self driving cars around 2020 for commercial purchase. Tesla, GM, Volkswagon, Benz, Volvo, Nissan, Audi, Google, etc. So the cars hit the … --- ## [Supreme Court Justices](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-justices/722007)
**Author:** [@pianodave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pianodave)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2015, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-justices/722007 "2015-06-11T12:31:31Z")
Hi SD, I’m not a legal expert, and would like some info. When referring to SC Justices, one often says they are “liberal” or “conservative”. My question is: how reliable is that descriptor when applied to the records… --- ## [Could America introduce Universal Health Care via selective service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-america-introduce-universal-health-care-via-selective-service/721893)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2015, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-america-introduce-universal-health-care-via-selective-service/721893 "2015-06-10T16:17:48Z")
As I - a Brit - understand it, America has the embryo of a UHC system through its doctors and hospitals for servicemen, veterans, and their families. And all children are also covered, as are the elderly. So, could Ameri… --- ## [Ban caller ID spoofing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ban-caller-id-spoofing/722015)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2015, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ban-caller-id-spoofing/722015 "2015-06-10T15:15:49Z")
Calller ID spoofing needs to be abolished because it is used far too often for scams and has no legitimate uses. Why do phone companies even allow it to begin with? --- ## [How Do We Determine the True Character of a Religion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-determine-the-true-character-of-a-religion/721136)
**Author:** [@JVDaly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JVDaly)\ **Replies:** 123\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2015, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-determine-the-true-character-of-a-religion/721136 "2015-06-10T05:17:24Z")
Inspired by this thread. How do you define the true character of a religion? Specifically, how do you ascertain how morally virtuous it is? Do you use the scriptures? Or do you judge its nature by the actions of its … --- ## [Owning the rain: the insanity of water rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/owning-the-rain-the-insanity-of-water-rights/721704)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [June 10, 2015, 12:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/owning-the-rain-the-insanity-of-water-rights/721704 "2015-06-10T00:45:52Z")
This is old news but I just heard about it. Apparently in Utah and Colorado it’s illegal to “divert” any water source that contributes to someone’s downstream water rights- including the rain falling out of the sky. A ca… --- ## [MAGNETIC THERAPY.......Does it work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972)
**Author:** [@FreeHomes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FreeHomes)\ **Replies:** 168\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2015, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/magnetic-therapy-does-it-work/215972 "2015-06-09T21:38:53Z")
Greetings, Looking for pro and cons on magnetic health therapy results, or non results. No Nikken responses please, I want users only, not sales hype. Thanks, Mike --- ## [Can we justify punishing a pregnant woman for fetal death, etc.?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-justify-punishing-a-pregnant-woman-for-fetal-death-etc/716731)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2015, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-justify-punishing-a-pregnant-woman-for-fetal-death-etc/716731 "2015-06-09T19:58:07Z")
In Indiana, Purvi Patel, who says she miscarried, has just been sentenced to 20 years under a feticide statute. First such conviction ever in the U.S.; might not be the last. Heather Digby Parton writes: Many exam… --- ## [Obama Administration to Expand Overtime Eligibility](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-administration-to-expand-overtime-eligibility/721987)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2015, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-administration-to-expand-overtime-eligibility/721987 "2015-06-09T16:59:07Z")
Barack Obama poised to hike wages for millions I’m not familiar with the legal nuances, but assuming the matter is as unambiguously within the power of the DOL as this article suggests, then I think I’m in favor of thi… --- ## [Should house Republicans be charged and tried with violation of the Logan act?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-house-republicans-be-charged-and-tried-with-violation-of-the-logan-act/714597)
**Author:** [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Replies:** 332\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2015, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-house-republicans-be-charged-and-tried-with-violation-of-the-logan-act/714597 "2015-06-09T16:49:03Z")
The Logan act from Wikipedia: I am not talking about the speech from Netanyahu, though I did think that was a serious breach of protocol and a bad move by the Republicans. What I am talking about is this: Republicans… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=192) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=194)