# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=22 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 23 --- ## [Sanctions on Russia for invading Ukraine](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanctions-on-russia-for-invading-ukraine/960007)
**Author:** [@Chad\_Sudan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chad_Sudan)\ **Replies:** 405\ **Last updated:** [February 5, 2023, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sanctions-on-russia-for-invading-ukraine/960007 "2023-02-05T23:06:06Z")
Western nations have warned Russia that it faces harsh economic sanctions for its war on Ukraine. Putin & Co. are hoping that the lure of Russian oligarchs’ money and Europe’s need for natural gas will weaken the sancti… --- ## [All Americans need education in Black studies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-americans-need-education-in-black-studies/978888)
**Author:** [@Johanna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johanna)\ **Replies:** 229\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2023, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/all-americans-need-education-in-black-studies/978888 "2023-02-04T23:13:51Z")
Racism is the old evil, the source of the cancer eating away at America and threatening our democracy. Ignorance of white privilege allows racism to continue unchecked. To defeat racism, the general ignorance around ra… --- ## [Potential issues that may have arisen when expanding “death with dignity” (assisted suicide/euthanasia) to more people, particularly in Canada](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potential-issues-that-may-have-arisen-when-expanding-death-with-dignity-assisted-suicide-euthanasia-to-more-people-particularly-in-canada/979208)
**Author:** [@yarblek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yarblek)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2023, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/potential-issues-that-may-have-arisen-when-expanding-death-with-dignity-assisted-suicide-euthanasia-to-more-people-particularly-in-canada/979208 "2023-02-04T11:54:15Z")
I’m been reading about things that have been happening with regards to MAiD (medical assistance in dying) in Canada. There has been some controversy with regards to it. According to some, MAiD is becoming an alternative … --- ## [Science Fiction Debate: One-Way Brain to Radio Interface](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-fiction-debate-one-way-brain-to-radio-interface/977648)
**Author:** [@Max\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_S)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2023, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/science-fiction-debate-one-way-brain-to-radio-interface/977648 "2023-01-06T05:03:27Z")
Summary: How might the world change after the invention of a practical, non-invasive, one-way brain-to-radio interface? Below I describe one such fictional invention. What are the implications, short-term and long-term, … --- ## [Is the 60s "counterculture" responsible for a lot todays "alt right?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-60s-counterculture-responsible-for-a-lot-todays-alt-right/970125)
**Author:** [@nightshadea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/nightshadea)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [January 23, 2023, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-60s-counterculture-responsible-for-a-lot-todays-alt-right/970125 "2023-01-23T14:39:55Z")
A friend of mines grandparent draws this conclusion as he made a comparison that a lot of the things the alt-right follows like anti-vaccinations and a lot q anon types of things started back in the 60s and even if … --- ## [Colorado baker sued again](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colorado-baker-sued-again/819732)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 241\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2023, 2:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colorado-baker-sued-again/819732 "2023-01-29T14:02:47Z")
Do the comments of the regulatory body forever taint it so that it is vulnerable against accusations of religious antipathy? Is this case different because there is no sacrament involved? Does it matter that the bake… --- ## [Proportionally speaking, are wolves more fatal than dogs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proportionally-speaking-are-wolves-more-fatal-than-dogs/977682)
**Author:** [@JakeRS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JakeRS)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 27, 2023, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/proportionally-speaking-are-wolves-more-fatal-than-dogs/977682 "2023-01-27T22:26:58Z")
Obviously wolves are much stronger and dangerous predators in general, but dogs are said to be responsible for 30 to 35 thousand human deaths per year, which is more than both the small countries of Andorra and San Marin… --- ## [The mathematics of compromise](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mathematics-of-compromise/975418)
**Author:** [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2023, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mathematics-of-compromise/975418 "2023-01-21T18:54:16Z")
There’s a scenario I’ve been thinking about for years, but I don’t think I’ve ever posted it. (If I have, and someone can point me to it, you’ll have my thanks and apologies). I’m curious what y’all think. Angie and Bri… --- ## [America needs to address its gun hypocrisy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-needs-to-address-its-gun-hypocrisy/954795)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 454\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2023, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/america-needs-to-address-its-gun-hypocrisy/954795 "2023-01-17T15:40:15Z")
On one hand: America is a country with a proud tradition of self-reliance and self determination. Part and parcel of that spirit is the right to defend yourself. It is such an ingrained part of America’s ethos that we ha… --- ## [Was Eugene Terre'Blanche really guilty of assault and attempted murder?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-eugene-terreblanche-really-guilty-of-assault-and-attempted-murder/977737)
**Author:** [@Mislav](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mislav)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 17, 2023, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-eugene-terreblanche-really-guilty-of-assault-and-attempted-murder/977737 "2023-01-17T14:55:55Z")
Serious question. Obviously, the guy was a white supremacist scumbag, and him doing something like that is not impossible. But given that South African police has a reputation for being quite inept and corrupt, and with … --- ## [Universal Genetic Health?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-genetic-health/977959)
**Author:** [@Celtic\_Kitsune](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Celtic_Kitsune)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [January 13, 2023, 2:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-genetic-health/977959 "2023-01-13T14:49:35Z")
I’m not sure how to title this one and also not to immediately poison the well by mentioning the word eugencics. Basically the scenario is that by some FutureTech means it becomes feasible for everyone to have entirely … --- ## [OMG! Please stop projecting your religion!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omg-please-stop-projecting-your-religion/977664)
**Author:** [@NiceGuyJack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NiceGuyJack)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/omg-please-stop-projecting-your-religion/977664 "2023-01-04T17:08:46Z")
One of the things that make America great is the First amendment. Don’t get me wrong, believe what you like. But don’t make USA a religious country. It isn’t and it never was. --- ## [US diplomat's wife kills UK teenager, claims diplomatic immunity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-diplomats-wife-kills-uk-teenager-claims-diplomatic-immunity/841400)
**Author:** [@SanVito](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SanVito)\ **Replies:** 731\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2023, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-diplomats-wife-kills-uk-teenager-claims-diplomatic-immunity/841400 "2023-01-04T15:15:15Z")
This getting any airplay in the US? Because it’s even knocked Brexit off the national news here. Chief Constable of Police demands suspect’s return to the UK (BBC Link) Reports say she was driving for some distance on … --- ## [Good Guy VS Bad Guy Wars where the good guy wins](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-guy-vs-bad-guy-wars-where-the-good-guy-wins/976356)
**Author:** [@Janus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Janus)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2023, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/good-guy-vs-bad-guy-wars-where-the-good-guy-wins/976356 "2023-01-03T21:17:37Z")
The current Russian VS Ukraine seems to be an example. WW2 is a classic case. But what other wars were “Good” vs “Bad”. Many wars have been fought by one King vs another King. Emperor vs another Emperor. Dictator vs… --- ## [Private v public employees](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-v-public-employees/977380)
**Author:** [@mglambo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mglambo)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2023, 4:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-v-public-employees/977380 "2023-01-02T04:37:38Z")
I’ve been working on a project for the past ten years. The short version is I am trying to reintroduce a nearly extinct subspecies of cutthroat trout - the Greenback cutthroat trout - into streams in Colorado. I am a ci… --- ## [Perjury and Pardons](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perjury-and-pardons/977246)
**Author:** [@The\_Other\_Waldo\_Pepper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Other_Waldo_Pepper)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2023, 3:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perjury-and-pardons/977246 "2023-01-01T03:24:00Z")
I’ve read that accepting a pardon is an admission of guilt, and I feel like I’m maybe missing something; what happens if, say, I’m on trial for murder, and I testify under oath that I’m not guilty — that I didn’t kill th… --- ## [Would opening up employer health insurance enrollment to friends/family of employees reduce uninsurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-opening-up-employer-health-insurance-enrollment-to-friends-family-of-employees-reduce-uninsurance/975550)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 29, 2022, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-opening-up-employer-health-insurance-enrollment-to-friends-family-of-employees-reduce-uninsurance/975550 "2022-12-29T22:55:50Z")
So when jobs have asked me to apply for health insurance there are usuallly 4 options. Self Self plus partner Self plus partner and kids Self plus kids, no partner Would letting people add friends or family lower un… --- ## [Were John Brown or Charles Guiteau crazy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-john-brown-or-charles-guiteau-crazy/977139)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [December 27, 2022, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-john-brown-or-charles-guiteau-crazy/977139 "2022-12-27T21:21:23Z")
If so, who was crazier? If not, why not? To me, they’re both raving lunatics, though very articulate and superficially sane rationalizers of their violent acts. I base this judgment (of their insanity) on their shared c… --- ## [Was J.Edgar Hoover gay? Does it matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-j-edgar-hoover-gay-does-it-matter/976136)
**Author:** [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [December 25, 2022, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-j-edgar-hoover-gay-does-it-matter/976136 "2022-12-25T11:47:13Z")
J. Edgar Hoover was the founder of the FBI (the United States’ federal police force), and ran it from the 1920s until his death in 1972. During that time, Hoover wielded substantial power. Notably, after his death, it … --- ## [What came first? Religious or Civil law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-came-first-religious-or-civil-law/976850)
**Author:** [@Janus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Janus)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2022, 4:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-came-first-religious-or-civil-law/976850 "2022-12-23T04:03:49Z")
Various species have rules they seem to follow. Humans have codified these rules and they are much more complex. So were some naked apes sitting around a fire eating a mastodon, and they decided “hey, since Oog killed … --- ## [What goods or services could Ukraine sell after the war is over to help rebuild their economy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-goods-or-services-could-ukraine-sell-after-the-war-is-over-to-help-rebuild-their-economy/969610)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [December 23, 2022, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-goods-or-services-could-ukraine-sell-after-the-war-is-over-to-help-rebuild-their-economy/969610 "2022-12-23T02:51:17Z")
I guess one thing I’m asking is what goods/services does or could Ukraine sell that people in wealthy western nations with a grudge against Russia could buy to help rebuild their economy? For example, Ukraine has a medi… --- ## [“Debate; Resolved: DoJ is better suited to determine if charges should be filed against Trump, so any referrals from Congress are just partisan politics”](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-resolved-doj-is-better-suited-to-determine-if-charges-should-be-filed-against-trump-so-any-referrals-from-congress-are-just-partisan-politics/976916)
**Author:** [@Janus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Janus)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [December 21, 2022, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/debate-resolved-doj-is-better-suited-to-determine-if-charges-should-be-filed-against-trump-so-any-referrals-from-congress-are-just-partisan-politics/976916 "2022-12-21T18:35:40Z")
discuss. --- ## [Democratic governments are the only thing that prevent us from calling the likes of Trump and Musk 'Your Majesty' ? Biblical musings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-governments-are-the-only-thing-that-prevent-us-from-calling-the-likes-of-trump-and-musk-your-majesty-biblical-musings/976781)
**Author:** [@kanicbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kanicbird)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [December 19, 2022, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democratic-governments-are-the-only-thing-that-prevent-us-from-calling-the-likes-of-trump-and-musk-your-majesty-biblical-musings/976781 "2022-12-19T14:08:40Z")
After hearing about how the ultra rich live (from hearsay, a former financial advisor to one of them), it appears that they, practically speaking, have no laws or restrictions. For instance crossing international bounda… --- ## [Which of these Countries is a Middle Power](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-countries-is-a-middle-power/976018)
**Author:** [@Moonrise](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moonrise)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [December 13, 2022, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-of-these-countries-is-a-middle-power/976018 "2022-12-13T14:46:06Z")
poll I find the concept of Middle Powers rather interesting. It has been defined as countries which make no claim to the title of great power, but have been shown to be capable of exerting a degree of strength and influ… --- ## [Why don't we see more businesses up on tax fraud charges?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-see-more-businesses-up-on-tax-fraud-charges/976144)
**Author:** [@slicedalone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/slicedalone)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [December 10, 2022, 10:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-dont-we-see-more-businesses-up-on-tax-fraud-charges/976144 "2022-12-10T10:23:27Z")
Granting the Trump org’s partial defense of “Every business does it–you’re just picking on us because you hate Trump” for a moment, isn’t that a terrible indictment of the U.S. and state governments that they allow busin… --- ## [How exactly did Bruce Lee die?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-did-bruce-lee-die/244212)
**Author:** [@Starguard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Starguard)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2022, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-exactly-did-bruce-lee-die/244212 "2022-12-09T22:42:40Z")
This is one topic of controversy that should really get the ball rolling quick :slight\_smile: Over the years, I have heard many stories that all tried to explain the mysterious death behind this Martial Arts legend. Her… --- ## [Psychology Question: Theory of Mind and Culture](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychology-question-theory-of-mind-and-culture/976151)
**Author:** [@Sitnam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sitnam)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [December 9, 2022, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychology-question-theory-of-mind-and-culture/976151 "2022-12-09T16:43:46Z")
I fell down a Reddit rabbit hole and am now confused. With the idea that the fastest way to learn on the internet is the say something wrong here we go: This is how I understand it, the Definitions taken from Wiki: Em… --- ## [Would would a true "World" War be like?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-would-a-true-world-war-be-like/975646)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2022, 5:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-would-a-true-world-war-be-like/975646 "2022-12-08T05:54:38Z")
World Wars One and Two were so-called because the belligerents included nations with colonial empires spanning the globe. Commerce raiding took place as far afield as the Indian Ocean or Cape Horn. That said, the wars ha… --- ## [Is this ethical? (Gaming a subscription plan)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-ethical-gaming-a-subscription-plan/975304)
**Author:** [@pkbites](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pkbites)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [December 8, 2022, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-ethical-gaming-a-subscription-plan/975304 "2022-12-08T02:16:33Z")
Joe has a monthly subscription plan at his local car wash. He gets one basic wash per day for $24/month. It’s a use it or lose it type deal, the washes don’t acrue. When he signed up the car wash attendant placed an RFI… --- ## [Write your own opinion in the Speluncean Explorers case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/write-your-own-opinion-in-the-speluncean-explorers-case/303736)
**Author:** [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [December 7, 2022, 7:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/write-your-own-opinion-in-the-speluncean-explorers-case/303736 "2022-12-07T07:51:56Z")
This hypothetical case has been discussed and argued since Fuller published it in 1949.See, http://www.earlham.edu/~peters/writing/cse.htm#otheropinions. How would you decide the case? On what authority? How would you d… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=21) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=23)