# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=222 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 223 --- ## [Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour? Good or Bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-minimum-wage-to-15-an-hour-good-or-bad/695889)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [August 23, 2014, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/raising-the-minimum-wage-to-15-an-hour-good-or-bad/695889 "2014-08-23T16:27:58Z")
What do you all think? I’m all for raising it so a person working can support themselves. However I also believe in the market and if its working correctly, wages should be in line with demand. Also a lower minimum wag… --- ## [Anti-Intellectualism = Good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-intellectualism-good/695561)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2014, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anti-intellectualism-good/695561 "2014-08-22T20:04:51Z")
I have been reading the (so far awesome) book, Poor Economics, and it was discussing how poor families generally view education for their children as something like a lottery ticket, not something of intrinsic value. If … --- ## [Is Ferguson MO the leading edge of an era?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ferguson-mo-the-leading-edge-of-an-era/695607)
**Author:** [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2014, 4:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ferguson-mo-the-leading-edge-of-an-era/695607 "2014-08-22T16:53:44Z")
Besides an apparent return to racist police policies and judgment, the situation in Ferguson, Missouri is disturbing for another reason. Since 9/11, we have been shoving military-grade weapons and support gear on every … --- ## [Can deism be rationally believed given the current scientific theories?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-deism-be-rationally-believed-given-the-current-scientific-theories/695712)
**Author:** [@FlikTheBlue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FlikTheBlue)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2014, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-deism-be-rationally-believed-given-the-current-scientific-theories/695712 "2014-08-22T16:37:38Z")
I am a deist, and base my belief on my current understanding of physics, cosmology, quantum mechanics and neuroscience. Like Mulder from the X-files, however their is a part of me that wants to believe. Basically, from h… --- ## [Do violent protestors in Ferguson actually care about racism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-violent-protestors-in-ferguson-actually-care-about-racism/695709)
**Author:** [@edeag3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/edeag3)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 22, 2014, 12:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-violent-protestors-in-ferguson-actually-care-about-racism/695709 "2014-08-22T00:32:27Z")
I know this question is impossible to answer completely without some sort of survey, but looking at the news and events in Ferguson, I’m not convinced that the looters and violent protestors actually care about the shoot… --- ## [Victims on flights 11, 175, 77 and 93.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/victims-on-flights-11-175-77-and-93/695027)
**Author:** [@Bones\_Daley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bones_Daley)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/victims-on-flights-11-175-77-and-93/695027 "2014-08-21T21:11:44Z")
Had a discussion/debate /argument last night with a committed proponent of the 9/11 conspiracy theory, and am not really interested in continuing that debate here, just seeking some factual information. My adversary cla… --- ## [Ferguson versus The Stonewall Riots](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ferguson-versus-the-stonewall-riots/695911)
**Author:** [@sachertorte](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sachertorte)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ferguson-versus-the-stonewall-riots/695911 "2014-08-21T17:02:34Z")
June, celebrated as Gay Pride Month, is designated as such in memory of the Stonewall Riots that occurred Late June 1969 in New York City. Since then, Pride has taken on many different aspects, however the date and timin… --- ## ["Dream Defenders" month-long sit-in in Florida State Capitol continues](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dream-defenders-month-long-sit-in-in-florida-state-capitol-continues/666195)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [August 21, 2014, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dream-defenders-month-long-sit-in-in-florida-state-capitol-continues/666195 "2014-08-21T16:39:53Z")
Shortly after the Zimmerman verdict, a group of mostly young Floridians, mostly college students, calling themselves the Dream Defenders camped out in Governor Rick Scott’s office to protest Florida’s stand-your-ground l… --- ## [Was Primordial man conscious?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-primordial-man-conscious/695247)
**Author:** [@Mickiel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mickiel)\ **Replies:** 713\ **Last updated:** [August 20, 2014, 1:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-primordial-man-conscious/695247 "2014-08-20T13:17:06Z")
In my humble opinion Primordial man was not conscious as we are conscious, they seemed to only exist with a very high level of instinct. Which is why I think they never really progressed a whole lot in so many millions … --- ## [Jeffords' Defection: Traitorous or Heroic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeffords-defection-traitorous-or-heroic/66394)
**Author:** [@Sofa\_King](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sofa_King)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2014, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jeffords-defection-traitorous-or-heroic/66394 "2014-08-19T15:51:44Z")
I started an MPSIMS thread about this earlier because it wasn’t hard news yet and I was just looking to see what people thought about it. Now things are looking a little more solid. Jeffords Defects. In short, since Tu… --- ## [How long will the human race last?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-will-the-human-race-last/16637)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2014, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-will-the-human-race-last/16637 "2014-08-19T14:35:41Z")
You know, even when I rule out the possibility of nuclear war, I have a hard time imagining the human race lasting another 10,000 years, let alone another million. It seems like we’re the candle that burns twice as brigh… --- ## [If a Kickstarter started company makes it big, do they owe anything to their crowdfunders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-kickstarter-started-company-makes-it-big-do-they-owe-anything-to-their-crowdfunders/695623)
**Author:** [@Tastes\_of\_Chocolate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tastes_of_Chocolate)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 19, 2014, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-a-kickstarter-started-company-makes-it-big-do-they-owe-anything-to-their-crowdfunders/695623 "2014-08-19T02:42:30Z")
In 2012, SmartThings raised 1.2mill dollars (their goal was $250k) to launch themselves. Today, it’s been announced that Samsung is buying them, probably for around $200mill. There is also mention of $15.5mill in venture… --- ## [Commercials for charities](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-for-charities/695319)
**Author:** [@boffking](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/boffking)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2014, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/commercials-for-charities/695319 "2014-08-18T16:25:23Z")
I often see commercials for charities where they show pictures of people suffering from some disease or living in terrible conditions. Then they talk about how if you donated just one dollar how much good you could do. … --- ## [The Most Successful Communist Country To-Date.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-successful-communist-country-to-date/340446)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2014, 11:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-most-successful-communist-country-to-date/340446 "2014-08-18T11:12:59Z")
I know in America we are all supposed to hate and revile Communists and Communist countries. And I know we are supposed to believe Communism never succeeds, despite its lofty goals. But all that aside I was wondering. Co… --- ## [School free lunches for all!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-free-lunches-for-all/694891)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 171\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2014, 7:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/school-free-lunches-for-all/694891 "2014-08-18T07:33:49Z")
There’s a new program that is being implemented this school year on a nationwide basis. As I understand it, if a school district has a single school with more than 40% of the students eligible for traditional “free lunc… --- ## [Will Teen Titans Tentacle Porn Mess a Kid Up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-teen-titans-tentacle-porn-mess-a-kid-up/694106)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [August 18, 2014, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-teen-titans-tentacle-porn-mess-a-kid-up/694106 "2014-08-18T05:55:46Z")
In a current GQ thread, the OP asks for assistance in limiting the web content that might be visible to his or her youngsters. I offered a description of my dual-homed Linux proxy server solution, which was put in place… --- ## [It's past time to stop shitting in our drinking water](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-past-time-to-stop-shitting-in-our-drinking-water/695213)
**Author:** [@Critical1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Critical1)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2014, 9:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-past-time-to-stop-shitting-in-our-drinking-water/695213 "2014-08-16T21:00:41Z")
California has 38 million people, Who Shit about once per day, And piss about 5 times per day. If you go super conservative and say each of these people is flushing 6 gallons of drinkable water per day you are looking… --- ## [Was the fall of the Soviet Union a net positive for the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-fall-of-the-soviet-union-a-net-positive-for-the-us/695106)
**Author:** [@Donald\_Rump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Donald_Rump)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2014, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-fall-of-the-soviet-union-a-net-positive-for-the-us/695106 "2014-08-16T04:35:59Z")
The fall of the Soviet Union is generally viewed as a victory for the US. But on balance, are we better off for it? Just to pick two major events that I believe would not have occurred if the Soviet Union were still in p… --- ## [Beaver anal gland extract ought to appear on food labels](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beaver-anal-gland-extract-ought-to-appear-on-food-labels/694736)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 87\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2014, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/beaver-anal-gland-extract-ought-to-appear-on-food-labels/694736 "2014-08-15T23:21:07Z")
I was surprised to learn this week that beaver anal gland extract is used in food products. I was more surprised to learn that it does not have to be clearly labeled- simply “natural flavors” suffices. From here: This… --- ## [Was Richard Nixon great or terrible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-richard-nixon-great-or-terrible/694810)
**Author:** [@jrock645](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jrock645)\ **Replies:** 114\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2014, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-richard-nixon-great-or-terrible/694810 "2014-08-15T21:13:38Z")
He’s mostly known for the Watergate scandal but accomplished a lot as a president. Which side of the fence are you on? --- ## ["Apple Diversity Stats: A Lot of White Men"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-diversity-stats-a-lot-of-white-men/695394)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2014, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/apple-diversity-stats-a-lot-of-white-men/695394 "2014-08-15T21:02:31Z")
The title is from PC Magazine. According to the second paragraph, 55% of the workforce at Apple is white. But according to the Census Bureau, 77.7% of the US population is white. So the first part of the headline, at … --- ## [Maryland court holds Maryland AWB constitutional](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maryland-court-holds-maryland-awb-constitutional/695485)
**Author:** [@Damuri\_Ajashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Damuri_Ajashi)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2014, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/maryland-court-holds-maryland-awb-constitutional/695485 "2014-08-15T19:28:16Z")
The court purports to apply the intermediate scrutiny that is applied to first amendment cases. I don’t think she would be very receptive to a law that prohibited the exercise of the first amendment via a particular m… --- ## ["Stand Your Ground" laws increase homicides](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stand-your-ground-laws-increase-homicides/695602)
**Author:** [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2014, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stand-your-ground-laws-increase-homicides/695602 "2014-08-15T18:09:15Z")
Yes, yes, I know this is not going to surprise some of you. Many of us said Stand Your Ground legislation was basically going to bring back the Old West. But others disagreed vehemently. The ABA just completed a metastu… --- ## [Why hasn't Saudi Arabia faced consequences for their role in terrorism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-saudi-arabia-faced-consequences-for-their-role-in-terrorism/695585)
**Author:** [@EndlessEntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EndlessEntropy)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2014, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-hasnt-saudi-arabia-faced-consequences-for-their-role-in-terrorism/695585 "2014-08-15T16:09:05Z")
For the longest time, Saudi Arabia has been accused of state-sponsored terrorism especially in funding groups like ISIS and al-Qaeda. For example, I can’t believe it is a coincidence that 15 of the 9/11 hijackers came fr… --- ## [Who will be Prime Minister of Iraq next week?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-prime-minister-of-iraq-next-week/695445)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2014, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-will-be-prime-minister-of-iraq-next-week/695445 "2014-08-15T13:00:38Z")
President Fuad Masum has designated Haider Al-Abadi to replace Nouri al-Maliki. (They’re both Shi’ites and both of the Islamic Dawa Party.) But al-Maliki’s faction is calling that decision unconstitutional. However: … --- ## [Why prevent felons from voting?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-prevent-felons-from-voting/695187)
**Author:** [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Replies:** 245\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2014, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-prevent-felons-from-voting/695187 "2014-08-15T02:35:12Z")
There’s an overly-long Pit thread which I won’t bother linking to in which issues of voter identification are being discussed in a manner suggesting a horse skeleton being reduced to a fine powder, but I am curious about… --- ## [Does Israel have to stay where it is?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-israel-have-to-stay-where-it-is/694657)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 244\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2014, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-israel-have-to-stay-where-it-is/694657 "2014-08-14T21:56:57Z")
If the British and the UN could’ve foreseen the decades of bloodshed – surely they must have considered, if not outright anticipated, the possibility – one would hope they would’ve more thoroughly encouraged alternate lo… --- ## [Kurdistan re: Turkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kurdistan-re-turkey/695316)
**Author:** [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2014, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kurdistan-re-turkey/695316 "2014-08-14T16:41:40Z")
I believe creating a Kurdish homeland would help alleviate the ethnic tension in Iraq. To achieve this, Turkey would lose territory. What’s the carrot we could extend to them to compensate? --- ## [Did Bush tax cuts avert a recession?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-bush-tax-cuts-avert-a-recession/695199)
**Author:** [@Willcross](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Willcross)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2014, 4:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-bush-tax-cuts-avert-a-recession/695199 "2014-08-14T16:09:30Z")
First, I’d like to assure everyone this isn’t a homework question. I’m taking college courses at night and this summers course was Macroeconomics. I just finished the chapter on fiscal policy. In passing, the chapter me… --- ## [The Libyan Revolution: Was it worth it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-libyan-revolution-was-it-worth-it/688697)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2014, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-libyan-revolution-was-it-worth-it/688697 "2014-08-14T12:13:24Z")
Gaddafi was brutal, detached from reality, possibly crazy, and astonishingly arrogant even for a despot. But ever since they got rid of him, the Libyans have been fighting each other, off and on. The aftermath of the c… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=221) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=223)