# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=218 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 219 --- ## [Explaining gold standard for dummies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explaining-gold-standard-for-dummies/699035)
**Author:** [@guesswhoiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guesswhoiam)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2014, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/explaining-gold-standard-for-dummies/699035 "2014-09-26T18:58:03Z")
Is there a way to explain why gold standard is bad using a layperson’s concepts? For example, let me put my dummy hat on, and consider, today everybody’s making transaction using pieces of paper called money. What’s so b… --- ## [ISIS and the path to statehood](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-and-the-path-to-statehood/698818)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2014, 11:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-and-the-path-to-statehood/698818 "2014-09-26T11:29:18Z")
My knowledge of history is lacking especially when it comes to states forcibly gaining statehood for themselves. Let’s assume a worst-case scenario where the local attitude sharply shifts in ISIS favorafter years of conf… --- ## [Whither Scotland?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whither-scotland/697261)
**Author:** [@filmstar-en](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/filmstar-en)\ **Replies:** 1308\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2014, 8:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whither-scotland/697261 "2014-09-26T08:22:19Z")
On the 18th September the Scots will decide whether they want to be independent of the UK in a referendum. The debate is coming to its conclusion and the Scottish public has been very engaged in examining the pros and c… --- ## [Can somebody explain what point Rick Perry was trying to make?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-what-point-rick-perry-was-trying-to-make/699286)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2014, 5:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-somebody-explain-what-point-rick-perry-was-trying-to-make/699286 "2014-09-25T17:33:02Z")
Rick Perry made a statement on the topic of Joan Rivers’ death and I’m not sure what point he was trying to make. Here’s the facts for background: A law was enacted in Texas which tightened regulations on medical cli… --- ## [Why do 9/11 conspiracy theorists continue to live in the USA for the most part?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-9-11-conspiracy-theorists-continue-to-live-in-the-usa-for-the-most-part/699193)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2014, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-9-11-conspiracy-theorists-continue-to-live-in-the-usa-for-the-most-part/699193 "2014-09-25T13:57:51Z")
After the most recent 9/11 commemorative, the Truther loons were out in force at my Facebook feed and other internet fora. Forget for a moment that every argument they make has been scientifically debunked. Forget for … --- ## [Why is this case (Marvin Louis Guy) not clear self-defense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-this-case-marvin-louis-guy-not-clear-self-defense/698970)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [September 25, 2014, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-this-case-marvin-louis-guy-not-clear-self-defense/698970 "2014-09-25T01:57:49Z")
also http://www.kwtx.com/home/headlines/Documents-Detail-Crime-Scene-Search-After-Killeen-Officers-Shot-259291891.html?utm\_source=feedburner&utm\_medium=feed&utm\_campaign=Feed%3A+KWTX-headlines+(KWTX+-+Headlines) Basic… --- ## [Why do terror groups keep making the same mistake?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-terror-groups-keep-making-the-same-mistake/698685)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2014, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-terror-groups-keep-making-the-same-mistake/698685 "2014-09-24T18:12:26Z")
I was reading on CNN earlier, and it seems that the UK is seriously considering joining the US’s coalition (presumably of the willing :p) to fight against ISIS/ISIL. There are also some other countries lining up or at l… --- ## [at what level of accuracy does a stereotype become a fair representation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-level-of-accuracy-does-a-stereotype-become-a-fair-representation/699111)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2014, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-level-of-accuracy-does-a-stereotype-become-a-fair-representation/699111 "2014-09-24T12:59:06Z")
I’m asking this question in general but also have Islam specifically in mind, specifically their stereotypically violent nature. I acknowledge that the overwhelming majority of Muslims are nonviolent. But for argument’s… --- ## [The End for the Current British Cabinet](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-for-the-current-british-cabinet/699066)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 24, 2014, 12:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-end-for-the-current-british-cabinet/699066 "2014-09-24T12:16:34Z")
I was reading the various articles about plans for English Votes for English Laws- excluding MPs from non-English seats from voting on devolved matters when I read of some extreme Tories suggesting that in future no suc… --- ## [Female-Only Services](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-only-services/698298)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 160\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2014, 8:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/female-only-services/698298 "2014-09-23T20:19:12Z")
This is triggered by a new taxi service in which all the drivers are women, and men are only accepted as fares if they accompany a woman. Apparently it’s on shaky legal grounds on both ends. But the linked article links … --- ## [Can voter ID laws increase the chance of a fraudulent outcome?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-voter-id-laws-increase-the-chance-of-a-fraudulent-outcome/698273)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 186\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2014, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-voter-id-laws-increase-the-chance-of-a-fraudulent-outcome/698273 "2014-09-23T18:46:39Z")
I considered posting this in the never-ending pit thread on this subject, but decided that it deserves it’s own thread in Great Debates. There’s an interesting new paper, forthcoming in the Columbia Law Review next year… --- ## [Omegle, the alternative view.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omegle-the-alternative-view/699079)
**Author:** [@Knowledgable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Knowledgable)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2014, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omegle-the-alternative-view/699079 "2014-09-23T15:19:36Z")
OK. I know this is going to be weird but here it comes… Omegle, the website we all know. It’s the second Chatroulette. It is basically a website in which people who are complete strangers to each other click a button to… --- ## [Please tell me population will still peak by mid-century at the latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-population-will-still-peak-by-mid-century-at-the-latest/699065)
**Author:** [@Lemmytheseal2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lemmytheseal2)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [September 23, 2014, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-tell-me-population-will-still-peak-by-mid-century-at-the-latest/699065 "2014-09-23T12:26:35Z")
So apparently, and contra many years’ worth of seemingly reputable reports, new data indicates that the planet’s population will not be peaking in the middle of this century (or sooner!) and then decline, but will instea… --- ## [Opt out organ donation and relatives' wishes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opt-out-organ-donation-and-relatives-wishes/662463)
**Author:** [@Bozuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bozuit)\ **Replies:** 221\ **Last updated:** [September 22, 2014, 10:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/opt-out-organ-donation-and-relatives-wishes/662463 "2014-09-22T22:22:07Z")
Wales could soon have a system where everyone will be presumed to have consented to organ donation, unless they opt out. Some more details here. I can understand not wanting your dead loved one to be cut up, but the fa… --- ## [Should the US really be sending troops to Africa to combat Ebola?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-us-really-be-sending-troops-to-africa-to-combat-ebola/699027)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2014, 11:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-us-really-be-sending-troops-to-africa-to-combat-ebola/699027 "2014-09-21T23:15:55Z")
Apparently Obama is sending 3000 troops to the infected areas in Africa to help fight Ebola? Is this really a good idea? Certainly some doctors think not. So, 3000 troops leave the US and 3000 return having been expos… --- ## [The Scottish Independence Vote- the aftermath](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-scottish-independence-vote-the-aftermath/698927)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2014, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-scottish-independence-vote-the-aftermath/698927 "2014-09-21T19:05:25Z")
Scotland voted NO following a smooth wooing by Miliband, Clegg, and Cameron via their vicar on earth, Gordon Brown. This has been called The Vow, and guarantees retention of the Barnett Formula, increased devolved powers… --- ## [Extremism can sometimes be a good thing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extremism-can-sometimes-be-a-good-thing/698783)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [September 21, 2014, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extremism-can-sometimes-be-a-good-thing/698783 "2014-09-21T03:35:54Z")
There’s this notion in politics that “extremism” is automatically a bad thing. But “extremism” is simply defined as whatever society considers unacceptable at the time. 180 years ago, the idea of freeing all the slaves … --- ## [Should the media stop covering acts of terrorism and mass murder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-media-stop-covering-acts-of-terrorism-and-mass-murder/698887)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2014, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-media-stop-covering-acts-of-terrorism-and-mass-murder/698887 "2014-09-20T15:20:31Z")
I have often heard that most people who commit these atrocities do so because they want to be famous, or have some kind of “message”. So why do we give them exactly what they want by having the media talk non-stop about… --- ## [Does Extremism Polarize the Rest of the World?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-extremism-polarize-the-rest-of-the-world/699017)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2014, 3:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-extremism-polarize-the-rest-of-the-world/699017 "2014-09-20T15:10:25Z")
On a personal level I know when someone goes on extreme end of something I have an inkling towards, it helps me realize how wrong it is. Stereotyping is an example – seeing people sometimes being extremely racist towards… --- ## [No love for the Democrats' Constitutional Amendment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-love-for-the-democrats-constitutional-amendment/698254)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [September 20, 2014, 6:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-love-for-the-democrats-constitutional-amendment/698254 "2014-09-20T06:56:58Z")
So we have a proposed Constitutional Amendment–the full text can be read here–endorsed by almost every Senate Democrat. It “advances democratic self-government and political equality” by giving Congress the power to set… --- ## [Any ideas why the US wants to topple Assad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ideas-why-the-us-wants-to-topple-assad/698914)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2014, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-ideas-why-the-us-wants-to-topple-assad/698914 "2014-09-19T20:43:39Z")
Between the chemical weapons response by the US, that seemed to back down only under heavy pressure, and arming rebels attacking a UN recognized state, it seems the US wants to topple the Assad regime. Why is this? I’m … --- ## [If state of Israel had never been created, would we have peace in the Middle East?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-state-of-israel-had-never-been-created-would-we-have-peace-in-the-middle-east/369988)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2014, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-state-of-israel-had-never-been-created-would-we-have-peace-in-the-middle-east/369988 "2014-09-19T19:44:25Z")
I know its not a popular thing to question anything about the existence of the Israeli state, but I figured if I couldn’t ask here then where the heck could I ask. Frankly, most Iranians and Iraqis I run into have not r… --- ## [Independent Scotland's name?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independent-scotlands-name/698733)
**Author:** [@Axton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Axton)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2014, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/independent-scotlands-name/698733 "2014-09-19T18:55:12Z")
Hello, long time reader, first time poster. I’ve been thinking about this question for a while, Scotland votes in a referendum tomorrow (September 18) to decide if they want to secede from the United Kingdom and become … --- ## [ISIS under our beds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-under-our-beds/696533)
**Author:** [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2014, 3:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isis-under-our-beds/696533 "2014-09-19T03:35:37Z")
Please help a lazy Doper out. I keep seeing quotes from right-wing politicians, and their supporters among my friends, that ISIS agents are crossing our borders to commit terrorism here in God’s Own U. S. of A. Is there … --- ## [What can we do to prevent pharmacy robberies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-we-do-to-prevent-pharmacy-robberies/698622)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 19, 2014, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-can-we-do-to-prevent-pharmacy-robberies/698622 "2014-09-19T01:29:16Z")
Here in Maine, it seems like I hear about a couple of pharmacy robberies every week, usually done by junkies looking for Oxycontin-like drugs. However there are very few bank robberies, perhaps because banks have coming… --- ## [Difference between paid editorialist on Fox News/MSNBC and Super-Pac advertising?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-paid-editorialist-on-fox-news-msnbc-and-super-pac-advertising/698876)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 0\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2014, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/difference-between-paid-editorialist-on-fox-news-msnbc-and-super-pac-advertising/698876 "2014-09-18T22:07:25Z")
In the constitutional amendment thread there’s a lengthy discussion about the recent failed attempt by the senate democrats to push forward a constitutional amendment re: giving Congress powers that are currently conside… --- ## [The obstructionist-GOP narrative... can we test/prove it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-obstructionist-gop-narrative-can-we-test-prove-it/697071)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 261\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2014, 6:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-obstructionist-gop-narrative-can-we-test-prove-it/697071 "2014-09-18T18:10:21Z")
So there’s a general narrative about the last few years of American politics which a lot of liberals (including me) believe, which goes something like this: -When Obama was elected, Republicans decided that they absolut… --- ## [How did Scotland come to be more liberal than England?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-scotland-come-to-be-more-liberal-than-england/698714)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2014, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-scotland-come-to-be-more-liberal-than-england/698714 "2014-09-18T18:05:31Z")
In the run up to the Scottish independence vote, there’s been much chatter about how Scotland is both more liberal and more wealthy than England and that this is the chief source of tension precipitating the push for ind… --- ## [Bible stories... Fiction or the word of a God?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-stories-fiction-or-the-word-of-a-god/693829)
**Author:** [@potenski](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/potenski)\ **Replies:** 129\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2014, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bible-stories-fiction-or-the-word-of-a-god/693829 "2014-09-18T12:13:30Z")
I have been writing parodies on the Bible. One on the ‘Creation’ , ‘Noah’s Ark’, ‘Virgin Mary’ and one on “Abraham’. Next victim Moses. While I was doing some research I suddenly realize that God appeared to a lotta of … --- ## [Is carrying a CO2 powered BB pistol "the" smart man's alternative in 2014 and beyond?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-carrying-a-co2-powered-bb-pistol-the-smart-mans-alternative-in-2014-and-beyond/698479)
**Author:** [@regularshow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/regularshow)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [September 18, 2014, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-carrying-a-co2-powered-bb-pistol-the-smart-mans-alternative-in-2014-and-beyond/698479 "2014-09-18T05:24:14Z")
For a more surer and more smoother “get off with self-defense in a court of law” measure, wouldn’t you say just carrying a CO2 powered BB pistol is “the” smart man’s alternative to carrying a firearm or a tazer or a stun… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=217) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=219)