# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=226 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 227 --- ## [BBC snubs the other guys](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-snubs-the-other-guys/692667)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 5:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bbc-snubs-the-other-guys/692667 "2014-07-11T17:20:20Z")
Britain does not have a real equivalent to the US first amendment, so the fringe crowd (AGW deniers, anti-vaxxers, etc) will not get equal time up against scientists and experts (not that American media would be restri… --- ## [Is mind control ethical?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mind-control-ethical/692338)
**Author:** [@Bibliovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliovore)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 1:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-mind-control-ethical/692338 "2014-07-11T13:27:13Z")
If you could completely control another person’s thoughts and actions without them being aware of it, would it be unethical to do so, even if only for a moment? For example, say a person is faced with the choice of pushi… --- ## [Is this more media noise or is the Obama Administration doing something shady?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-more-media-noise-or-is-the-obama-administration-doing-something-shady/692596)
**Author:** [@EndlessEntropy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EndlessEntropy)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-more-media-noise-or-is-the-obama-administration-doing-something-shady/692596 "2014-07-11T11:46:24Z")
Seems like these infected people are being brought around the country and are in close quarters quarantine and the White House certainly knows about it. But I’m not seeing this story in many places and it originate… --- ## [Why are the House Pubs so against impeachment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-house-pubs-so-against-impeachment/692588)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-the-house-pubs-so-against-impeachment/692588 "2014-07-11T02:43:00Z")
Let’s go back a little bit. On the same day that SCOTUS held ACA to be constitutional, the House voted to hold AG Eric Holder in contempt which Holder swore to fight (and he and the House are still fighting two years la… --- ## [Robert Pirsig -- Brilliant philosopher or tired hack?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robert-pirsig-brilliant-philosopher-or-tired-hack/295903)
**Author:** [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2014, 1:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robert-pirsig-brilliant-philosopher-or-tired-hack/295903 "2014-07-11T01:31:52Z")
The question is in the title. Have at it. I myself have no opinion, though I will say I read Zen and thought it was so-so. I’ve read Lila about 8 times and love it. I haven’t read Lila’s Child yet. --- ## [Is Al Jazeera the Fox News of the Middle East or is it a reputable source of news and information?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-al-jazeera-the-fox-news-of-the-middle-east-or-is-it-a-reputable-source-of-news-and-information/692665)
**Author:** [@Rhythmdvl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhythmdvl)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2014, 5:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-al-jazeera-the-fox-news-of-the-middle-east-or-is-it-a-reputable-source-of-news-and-information/692665 "2014-07-10T17:07:59Z")
Pretty much the title. I’d expect it to have a Middle Eastern focus/perspective on things, just as I’d expect the Washington Post to be fairly District-centric and the Times New York leaning. Knowing that context, is it … --- ## [Russia or India: Which is better positioned to become the next superpower?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-or-india-which-is-better-positioned-to-become-the-next-superpower/692118)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2014, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-or-india-which-is-better-positioned-to-become-the-next-superpower/692118 "2014-07-10T03:00:51Z")
I know China is number one on the list of emerging superpowers, but I’m curious who’s number two: Russia, or India? If the primary determinant is GDP per capita Russia wins easily, but I hear they suffer from enormous c… --- ## [Likely mid-range evolution of fracking technology?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/likely-mid-range-evolution-of-fracking-technology/692646)
**Author:** [@bva1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bva1)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2014, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/likely-mid-range-evolution-of-fracking-technology/692646 "2014-07-09T23:48:01Z")
N.B.: I am a new member. I recognize that this post might be better suited to a different forum. I’m sure list management will relocate it as appropriate. At the moment, fracking has placed natural gas in the “time-buy… --- ## [Who would win? Supercarrier vs Superdestroyer](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-win-supercarrier-vs-superdestroyer/692400)
**Author:** [@jcheung](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jcheung)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2014, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-would-win-supercarrier-vs-superdestroyer/692400 "2014-07-08T03:21:08Z")
I was having an argument with someone about this topic, and I was wondering if people could shed some light and facts on this subject for me… HMS Dauntless VS USS George H.W. Bush starting distance of 4000 KM no ship … --- ## [Reach of Sibelius v. Hobby Lobby?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reach-of-sibelius-v-hobby-lobby/684201)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 804\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2014, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reach-of-sibelius-v-hobby-lobby/684201 "2014-07-08T02:59:27Z")
A liberal news website puts the controversy thusly: It’s this aspect in particular, as opposed to the actual birth control aspects, that I want to get into. Is this implication, well, implicated? What do you see as t… --- ## ["Frequency" healing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frequency-healing/692455)
**Author:** [@Desert\_Nomad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Desert_Nomad)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2014, 1:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/frequency-healing/692455 "2014-07-08T01:21:28Z")
My wife ran into these guys today: http://www.buytfp.com They say “we use the newest and most powerful Frequency technology available today in order to give you maximum results”. The video says they put this stuff in a… --- ## [General Abizaid: U.S. might keep its "enduring bases" in Iraq indefinitely](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-abizaid-u-s-might-keep-its-enduring-bases-in-iraq-indefinitely/348664)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-abizaid-u-s-might-keep-its-enduring-bases-in-iraq-indefinitely/348664 "2014-07-07T22:04:59Z")
From Breaking News, World News and Video from Al Jazeera I think this is a very bad idea, for several reasons: This situation is nothing like post-WWII West Germany, where the Cold War justified maintaining long-sta… --- ## [No more recess appointments - is this the end of the filibuster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-recess-appointments-is-this-the-end-of-the-filibuster/691702)
**Author:** [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-more-recess-appointments-is-this-the-end-of-the-filibuster/691702 "2014-07-07T20:34:17Z")
Another SC ruling today effectively ends the republic-old power of the President to make recess appointments. Now, the Senate is in session whenever it says it is, which can be continuously, even if nobody is actually t… --- ## [What should the West do about the present situation in Iraq?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-west-do-about-the-present-situation-in-iraq/690553)
**Author:** [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-the-west-do-about-the-present-situation-in-iraq/690553 "2014-07-07T05:16:28Z")
Turkey has called for an emergency NATO meeting. Should we support the Iraqi government (if asked)? Should we bomb the bejeezus out of Al Qaida anyway? Or should we wash our hand of the whole damn business and let them s… --- ## [Is technology stagnating?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-technology-stagnating/691805)
**Author:** [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2014, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-technology-stagnating/691805 "2014-07-07T03:19:37Z")
I know we got HD TV ,UHDTV ,3D TV ,tablet computers , smart phones that are like computers , 3D printing and electronics.:):):slight\_smile: Getting better all the time. But where technology is slowing down. 2014 Intel… --- ## [Why should employers have to pay for contraception anyway?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-employers-have-to-pay-for-contraception-anyway/692290)
**Author:** [@Victor\_Charlie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victor_Charlie)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2014, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-employers-have-to-pay-for-contraception-anyway/692290 "2014-07-06T17:04:11Z")
Put aside your opinion of the Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision for a moment. Even if you accept that the rather inefficient system of employer-provided medical insurance is the way to go, why was contraception single… --- ## [Russia/US UNSC Deal Reached - what it it means for masterful US President and Sec of State legacy.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-us-unsc-deal-reached-what-it-it-means-for-masterful-us-president-and-sec-of-state-legacy/668852)
**Author:** [@NotfooledbyW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotfooledbyW)\ **Replies:** 998\ **Last updated:** [July 6, 2014, 6:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-us-unsc-deal-reached-what-it-it-means-for-masterful-us-president-and-sec-of-state-legacy/668852 "2014-07-06T06:17:44Z")
Fantastic, everybody must admit that. Lets monitor how it goes. --- ## [Political correctness is cowardice.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-correctness-is-cowardice/689829)
**Author:** [@welcome-to-my-world](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/welcome-to-my-world)\ **Replies:** 233\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2014, 9:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/political-correctness-is-cowardice/689829 "2014-07-05T21:59:00Z")
Political correctness is the insane shackles that our society has agreed to endure in order to absolve us of our intransigence. It is the modern day version of the Emperors new clothes, and possibly the crux of the matte… --- ## [Does the Hobby Lobby decision undermine the idea of a corporation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-hobby-lobby-decision-undermine-the-idea-of-a-corporation/692318)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2014, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-the-hobby-lobby-decision-undermine-the-idea-of-a-corporation/692318 "2014-07-05T16:49:27Z")
The law isn’t my field so I’m not taking a side on this, I just think an interesting conversation can be had. --- ## ["Militarization of Police"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/militarization-of-police/692167)
**Author:** [@Monty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Monty)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 5, 2014, 1:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/militarization-of-police/692167 "2014-07-05T13:32:57Z")
What does the term, “Militarization of Police”, mean to you? Is it actually a useful term? --- ## [The duration of property rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-duration-of-property-rights/692120)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [July 4, 2014, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-duration-of-property-rights/692120 "2014-07-04T03:32:12Z")
I had a long drive yesterday and my brain got to wandering. So, property rights. I think even the most ardent defender of property rights would agree that they do not extend beyond the boundaries of your property. In fa… --- ## [Let's increase access to birth control. And almost everything else.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-increase-access-to-birth-control-and-almost-everything-else/687841)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 3, 2014, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lets-increase-access-to-birth-control-and-almost-everything-else/687841 "2014-07-03T21:14:32Z")
There’s been some talk over the past couple years about provisions in the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as “Obamacare”, that require insurers to cover all forms of birth control without charge. Insurers can still … --- ## [Different races DO have different ways of speaking even with the same accent?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-races-do-have-different-ways-of-speaking-even-with-the-same-accent/692144)
**Author:** [@ContentWithTomorrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ContentWithTomorrow)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2014, 11:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/different-races-do-have-different-ways-of-speaking-even-with-the-same-accent/692144 "2014-07-02T23:34:21Z")
here’s been a lot of debate about this. Apparently some people believe that their is no difference in way of speaking between different races of people who grow up in the same enviroment. Others disagree and say that ev… --- ## [God doesn't seem very Godly to me](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-doesnt-seem-very-godly-to-me/643494)
**Author:** [@Askthepizzaguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Askthepizzaguy)\ **Replies:** 358\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2014, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god-doesnt-seem-very-godly-to-me/643494 "2014-07-02T22:38:42Z")
Spoiler alert, I’m an atheist. At one time, when I was a child, I was taught about God, and ever since then my natural curiosity has led me to ask questions. Most of my questions couldn’t be answered by parents or relig… --- ## [About voter ID laws.........](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-voter-id-laws/692029)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2014, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/about-voter-id-laws/692029 "2014-07-02T19:15:37Z")
I used to live in a country that required all voters to produce photo ID in order to vote in presidential elections - no exceptions. And yet, turnout for such elections was typically around 80% or higher. (Getting a pho… --- ## [North Korean Defense](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-defense/691974)
**Author:** [@dolphinboy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolphinboy)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2014, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-defense/691974 "2014-07-02T02:41:18Z")
How sophisticated is DPRK’s defenses against our best missile technology? One way to show the North Koreans how vulnerable they are would be to send a missile to downtown Pyongyang and level one of their military compou… --- ## ["Your dead kids don't trump my Constitutional rights"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-dead-kids-dont-trump-my-constitutional-rights/689471)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 420\ **Last updated:** [July 2, 2014, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-dead-kids-dont-trump-my-constitutional-rights/689471 "2014-07-02T02:16:54Z")
Obviously, Joe the Plumber’s statement quoted above (regarding the Santa Barbara shootings) is pretty offensive, in great part because he was pretty much saying it directly to the dad of one of said kids. What I’d like … --- ## [Why should police be allowed to lie?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-police-be-allowed-to-lie/690383)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 65\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2014, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-police-be-allowed-to-lie/690383 "2014-07-01T21:49:54Z")
I’ve never understood why it seems to be universally accepted that police being allowed to blatantly lie to suspects is a good thing. “Listen just confess to this crime whether you did it or not, and we will let you go … --- ## [New Pew Political Typology Poll: Terribly Designed, or Just Me?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-pew-political-typology-poll-terribly-designed-or-just-me/691793)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [July 1, 2014, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/new-pew-political-typology-poll-terribly-designed-or-just-me/691793 "2014-07-01T00:05:08Z")
The new Pew Political Typology poll has the political blogs putting out the usual punditry about the state of American politics. But if you look at the poll itself, the design is awful. It’s constructed as a series of … --- ## [Children tried as an adult for murder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-tried-as-an-adult-for-murder/691145)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [June 30, 2014, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/children-tried-as-an-adult-for-murder/691145 "2014-06-30T22:50:15Z")
As a follow on to this thread: The 12 year old girls who tried to kill someone - Great Debates - Straight Dope Message Board regarding to 12 year olds stabbing a classmate multiple times, I throw out this case: http://w… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=225) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=227)