# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=220 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 221 --- ## [The Constitutional Argument Against SSM that the lawyers are missing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-constitutional-argument-against-ssm-that-the-lawyers-are-missing/697644)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2014, 6:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-constitutional-argument-against-ssm-that-the-lawyers-are-missing/697644 "2014-09-08T18:08:55Z")
As some of you know, I keep up on the legal happenings on constitutional issues. I can’t help but see how some of the best lawyers in the country that are defending same sex marriage bans are tripping over their own dic… --- ## [Is the nature of space-time an argument for determinism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nature-of-space-time-an-argument-for-determinism/697586)
**Author:** [@EinsteinsHund](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EinsteinsHund)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2014, 9:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-nature-of-space-time-an-argument-for-determinism/697586 "2014-09-07T21:25:54Z")
As I understand it, the fact that time is equivalent to the spatial dimensions means that every point in space-time is just as real as the present. For instance, the EinsteinsHund of tomorrow night drinking with his budd… --- ## [2 State Solution with a Representitive Republic and Constitution(Isreal/Palestine)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-state-solution-with-a-representitive-republic-and-constitution-isreal-palestine/697691)
**Author:** [@MauriThaDivine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MauriThaDivine)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2014, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2-state-solution-with-a-representitive-republic-and-constitution-isreal-palestine/697691 "2014-09-07T18:35:34Z")
So I just thought to myself about an idea of a possible merging of the 2 state/1 state dichotomy to the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. I was wondering if anyone else has written about a possible 2 state solution and a Fe… --- ## [At what level of pain to Hamas/Palestine will Israel achieve military victory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-level-of-pain-to-hamas-palestine-will-israel-achieve-military-victory/694632)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 349\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2014, 1:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-level-of-pain-to-hamas-palestine-will-israel-achieve-military-victory/694632 "2014-09-07T13:10:11Z")
Obviously if Israel used nuclear weapons, they would completely destroy Gaza, but there would be political ramifications, so it’s probably not an option. So what is the minimum level of “pain” to Hamas/Palestine that Is… --- ## [Are we closer to cavemen or space travellers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-closer-to-cavemen-or-space-travellers/696866)
**Author:** [@Victor\_Charlie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victor_Charlie)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2014, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-we-closer-to-cavemen-or-space-travellers/696866 "2014-09-07T12:30:26Z")
Assume humankind is on a timeline in which interstellar space travel is inevitable. Where do you think we are on that continuum (based on time and/or technological advancement?) Are we closer to our early human cave-dwel… --- ## [why must ISIS be destroyed but not violent cultural tribes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-must-isis-be-destroyed-but-not-violent-cultural-tribes/697564)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2014, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-must-isis-be-destroyed-but-not-violent-cultural-tribes/697564 "2014-09-06T16:40:54Z")
in the following Ted Talk, Steven Pinker shows through data that the indigenous tribes we tend to think of as “peaceful and noble” are actually quite violent, with about 20 to 70% of the male population dying through mur… --- ## [Is the fear related to nuclear energy rational?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-fear-related-to-nuclear-energy-rational/696978)
**Author:** [@guesswhoiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guesswhoiam)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2014, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-fear-related-to-nuclear-energy-rational/696978 "2014-09-06T02:54:15Z")
According to Key World Energy Statistics 2010, only 5.7% of the world’s energy come from nuclear source, despite it being more sustainable than fossil fuel. Part of the reason is probably resistance due to fear of nuclea… --- ## [Have race relations seriously improved or degraded since Obama took office?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-race-relations-seriously-improved-or-degraded-since-obama-took-office/696623)
**Author:** [@Charlie\_Wayne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Charlie_Wayne)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2014, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-race-relations-seriously-improved-or-degraded-since-obama-took-office/696623 "2014-09-06T01:10:55Z")
I recently saw a news story about a Hollywood producer who was mistaken for a bank robber and was arrested and allegedly treated rather badly by the Bev Hills police. The description of the bank robber was a tall black … --- ## [airstrikes on Gaza](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airstrikes-on-gaza/692856)
**Author:** [@tim314](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim314)\ **Replies:** 1250\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2014, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/airstrikes-on-gaza/692856 "2014-09-06T00:19:01Z")
I’m surprised there isn’t already a thread on this (or maybe I just missed it). Now up to 100 Palestinians in Gaza killed by Israeli airstrikes, and hundreds more injured. Gaza crisis: Death toll from Israeli strikes 'h… --- ## [The Power to Declare War Does Not Rest with the President](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-power-to-declare-war-does-not-rest-with-the-president/697096)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2014, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-power-to-declare-war-does-not-rest-with-the-president/697096 "2014-09-05T03:12:23Z")
I believe that we should greatly curtail the president’s authority to deliver the US into conflict. The constitution puts the power to declare war into the hands of congress, not the president. It has become convenient t… --- ## [Should women abort a clearly defective fetus?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-women-abort-a-clearly-defective-fetus/695273)
**Author:** [@EndlessEntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EndlessEntropy)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2014, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-women-abort-a-clearly-defective-fetus/695273 "2014-09-04T20:36:21Z")
With the progression of medical technology and prenatal screening, the health of a developing fetus can be determined more significantly and viewed for disorders or issues. With these facts in mind, should it be socially… --- ## [Convince me not to be racist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-not-to-be-racist/695781)
**Author:** [@G-SE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/G-SE)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2014, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-not-to-be-racist/695781 "2014-09-04T19:13:03Z")
I am a white male living in Atlanta, GA. I’m sure that most posters on this message board would classify me as “racist” due to the beliefs I hold in regards to Black people. Below is a snapshot of the city I live in, and… --- ## [New book by Jay Paterno](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-book-by-jay-paterno/697090)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2014, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-book-by-jay-paterno/697090 "2014-09-04T14:03:48Z")
He wrote a book, largely to resurrect his Dad’s legacy, by poking holes in the Freeh Report. Any interest in reading? --- ## [Would a snake-handler be more electable as POTUS than an atheist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-snake-handler-be-more-electable-as-potus-than-an-atheist/624237)
**Author:** [@Elendil\_s\_Heir](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Elendil_s_Heir)\ **Replies:** 116\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2014, 11:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-a-snake-handler-be-more-electable-as-potus-than-an-atheist/624237 "2014-09-03T23:28:35Z")
A debate topic suggested by outlierrn here: Assume that both candidates are generally seen by voters as equally smart, experienced, and scandal-free, and that neither, in that election cycle, otherwise has an advantage… --- ## [Why do we hear so little about America's abysmal infrastructure spending efficiency?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-hear-so-little-about-americas-abysmal-infrastructure-spending-efficiency/697215)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2014, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-hear-so-little-about-americas-abysmal-infrastructure-spending-efficiency/697215 "2014-09-03T20:43:19Z")
I was doing a bit of research last night on California’s high speed rail project and eventually stumbled upon a bunch of articles\* detailing how America spends between twice and ten times as much as other countries for t… --- ## [Why Doesn't Congress Declare War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-congress-declare-war/513075)
**Author:** [@HerrRuby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HerrRuby)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2014, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-congress-declare-war/513075 "2014-09-03T20:25:34Z")
We all know that Congress has the sole power to “Declare War” (section 8 of the U.S. Constitution). We have fought many wars since WWII (the last war that I know of that was declared a “war” by congress). Vietnam, Korea,… --- ## [Have there been any autistic savants of philosophy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-there-been-any-autistic-savants-of-philosophy/392579)
**Author:** [@Muad\_Dib](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Muad_Dib)\ **Replies:** 262\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2014, 1:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-there-been-any-autistic-savants-of-philosophy/392579 "2014-09-03T13:53:24Z")
There are many examples of savants in the fields of mathematics, music, art and memory, but not philosophy. I have a growing suspicion that many people who were thought of as prophets and great mystics may have been aut… --- ## [UK PM wishes to refuse exit/entry to citizens](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-pm-wishes-to-refuse-exit-entry-to-citizens/697170)
**Author:** [@Frank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frank)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2014, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-pm-wishes-to-refuse-exit-entry-to-citizens/697170 "2014-09-03T11:06:22Z")
UK Prime Minister Cameron is going to press for a law enabling the police to seize the passport of citizens that are believed to be going to fight with ISIS. CNN: He is also going to introduce legislation to bar UK ci… --- ## [Golan Heights peacekeeper](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/golan-heights-peacekeeper/697120)
**Author:** [@guesswhoiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/guesswhoiam)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2014, 3:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/golan-heights-peacekeeper/697120 "2014-09-03T03:55:41Z")
Golan Heights peacekeeper crisis: Filipinos escape, Fijians taken hostage If these peacekeepers have a hard time keeping themselves out of troubles against bands of insurgents, how could they be expected to keep the pea… --- ## [Does British culture inordinately hate the working class?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-british-culture-inordinately-hate-the-working-class/697047)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2014, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-british-culture-inordinately-hate-the-working-class/697047 "2014-09-02T15:22:57Z")
From all my exposure to British culture from centuries ago to Doctor Who, it seems that the working class is REALLY hated compared to other countries. Hell the USA almost worships theirs, most others are ambivalent to ac… --- ## [Has "Nice" New Pope Made Media Stop Caring About Pedophile Priests?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-nice-new-pope-made-media-stop-caring-about-pedophile-priests/679837)
**Author:** [@astorian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astorian)\ **Replies:** 106\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2014, 10:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-nice-new-pope-made-media-stop-caring-about-pedophile-priests/679837 "2014-09-01T22:19:02Z")
For very good and very obvious reasons, the media devoted a lot of air time and a lot of ink to the scandal of pedophile Catholic priests during the years that Benedict XVI was Pope. But quick- when’s the last time you … --- ## [Straight Dope on Ruby Ridge and Waco?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-on-ruby-ridge-and-waco/598320)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2014, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/straight-dope-on-ruby-ridge-and-waco/598320 "2014-09-01T04:32:29Z")
What is the straight dope on Ruby Ridge and Waco-were law enforcement’s actions there justified and/or legal or not? --- ## [In defense of Burger King](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-defense-of-burger-king/696651)
**Author:** [@CookingWithGas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CookingWithGas)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2014, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-defense-of-burger-king/696651 "2014-09-01T04:23:42Z")
I am hearing criticism of Burger King for wanting to acquire Tim Horton’s and relocate its HQ to Canada. Aside from ingratiating themselves with Canadians, a huge customer base, they will also enjoy a lower corporate tax… --- ## [Is China going to collapse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-china-going-to-collapse/684333)
**Author:** [@Enola\_Straight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Enola_Straight)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2014, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-china-going-to-collapse/684333 "2014-08-31T23:01:46Z")
From what i understand, due to the decades-long one-child policy, The People’s Republic will soon consist mainly of retired elders: a nation where the majority of the population are non-contributing consumers. --- ## [Isn't 'Symbol Burning' Protected by the 1st Amendment.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isnt-symbol-burning-protected-by-the-1st-amendment/696939)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2014, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/isnt-symbol-burning-protected-by-the-1st-amendment/696939 "2014-08-31T21:17:58Z")
Kindly read this (very short, thankfully) article. Now, I want to make a couple of things very clear here. I would never desecrate the Christian Bible (or the Koran, or the Hindu texts–you get the picture). I am persona… --- ## [Snuff films as political propaganda and recruitment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snuff-films-as-political-propaganda-and-recruitment/696907)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2014, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/snuff-films-as-political-propaganda-and-recruitment/696907 "2014-08-31T21:07:57Z")
In Elizabethan London, glorious days of intellect and culture, you could meet Shakespeare for lunch and pass by decapitated heads on government buildings, and even sometimes the slow asphyxiation and dismemberment of a s… --- ## [Interpreting anti-Israel statements as anti-semitic is a two way street.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interpreting-anti-israel-statements-as-anti-semitic-is-a-two-way-street/696949)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2014, 8:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interpreting-anti-israel-statements-as-anti-semitic-is-a-two-way-street/696949 "2014-08-31T20:25:22Z")
A British MP was questioned under criminal caution for stating that his city and constituency were an Israel free area, calling for a boycott of Israel sourced goods and demonstrations against Israeli sympathisers, becau… --- ## [Obscene wealth: World's richest 85 hold the same wealth as 3.5 billion poor.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obscene-wealth-worlds-richest-85-hold-the-same-wealth-as-3-5-billion-poor/679362)
**Author:** [@not\_what\_you\_d\_expect](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/not_what_you_d_expect)\ **Replies:** 119\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2014, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obscene-wealth-worlds-richest-85-hold-the-same-wealth-as-3-5-billion-poor/679362 "2014-08-31T19:36:08Z")
This is being talked about a lot and I was surprised to not find a thread about it. I find this trend extremely disturbing and I feel completely helpless about it. The people with all the money hold the power and pul… --- ## [Have a majority of Americans committed a felony?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-a-majority-of-americans-committed-a-felony/696888)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2014, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-a-majority-of-americans-committed-a-felony/696888 "2014-08-31T18:33:48Z")
I was asked to start a thread to substantiate the claim that a majority of Americans have committed a felony. Here are my general assumptions/framework: \[ol\] \[li\]I’m assuming we’re talking about teens and adults. A m… --- ## [No One Wants You To Know How Bad Fukushima Might Still Be](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-one-wants-you-to-know-how-bad-fukushima-might-still-be/696034)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2014, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-one-wants-you-to-know-how-bad-fukushima-might-still-be/696034 "2014-08-30T21:02:35Z")
This VICE article says that the situation at Fukushima is still bad, getting worse in a lot of ways, and possibly will not ever be fully and appropriately dealt with.\[ \](http://www.vice.com/read/no-one-wants-you-to-kno… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=219) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=221)