# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=233 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 234 --- ## [Guadalcanal: Why did Adm. Turner withdraw?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guadalcanal-why-did-adm-turner-withdraw/687909)
**Author:** [@Hooleehootoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hooleehootoo)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2014, 5:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guadalcanal-why-did-adm-turner-withdraw/687909 "2014-05-09T05:17:34Z")
(Backgound: I’m currently listening to Neptune’s Inferno. I have previously read Richard Frank’s book on Guadalcanal, but I don’t remember what if anything he had to say about my question) Fletcher’s decision to get his… --- ## [Is this scheme the proper explanation of why the upper part of the moon is illuminated ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-scheme-the-proper-explanation-of-why-the-upper-part-of-the-moon-is-illuminated/687098)
**Author:** [@karol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/karol)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [May 9, 2014, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-this-scheme-the-proper-explanation-of-why-the-upper-part-of-the-moon-is-illuminated/687098 "2014-05-09T00:38:10Z")
Here’s a scheme made by one of reddit users to explain why the upper left part of the moon is illuminated even though the sun is visibly lower above the horizon than the moon. C… --- ## [Where are the Obamacare horror stories?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-obamacare-horror-stories/685307)
**Author:** [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hershele_Ostropoler)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2014, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-obamacare-horror-stories/685307 "2014-05-08T20:07:33Z")
After six months, I’m puzzled by how vanishingly rare this is: someone who had insurance in 2013, learned their plan was ending or their premiums were going up, and successfully accessed the exchange but found only plans… --- ## ["We're Losing the Last Shreds of Legal Rights to Protect Ourselves from Oligarchy"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-losing-the-last-shreds-of-legal-rights-to-protect-ourselves-from-oligarchy/687873)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2014, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/were-losing-the-last-shreds-of-legal-rights-to-protect-ourselves-from-oligarchy/687873 "2014-05-08T13:15:39Z")
Chris Hedges of Alternet, a liberal/progressive news site, reports: He then goes on, in part (and this is the part I found interesting/provocative): This quite Tea Party-ish statement from a liberal struck me as inte… --- ## [Columbus, OH Zoo Levy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/columbus-oh-zoo-levy/687892)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [May 8, 2014, 12:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/columbus-oh-zoo-levy/687892 "2014-05-08T00:36:47Z")
I know there are a few central Ohio dopers here. For those not in the loop, a controversial proposed zoo levy in Columbus was beat down yesterday, approx 70% voting no. The Ohio state constitution was recently amended … --- ## [marriage equality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-equality/687664)
**Author:** [@Crashley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crashley)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [May 7, 2014, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-equality/687664 "2014-05-07T16:46:25Z")
Since the whole marriage equality debate started I have been wondering why siblings (whether it be brother/sister, brother/brother, sister/sister) are not allowed to marry. Two consenting adults should be allowed to marr… --- ## [Monica, just go away...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monica-just-go-away/170313)
**Author:** [@newcrasher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcrasher)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2014, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/monica-just-go-away/170313 "2014-05-06T21:40:02Z")
Respectfully submitted for your consideration… I think Monica Lewinski should just go away. Sure make your handbags, do the LA/NY party circuit, maybe settle into a real job at some point. But please leave us, the gen… --- ## [Who was Tutankhamun?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-tutankhamun/308625)
**Author:** [@Lochdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lochdale)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2014, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-was-tutankhamun/308625 "2014-05-06T10:48:27Z")
Based on the link above, it appears that some African Americans are protesting the depecition of the child-Pharaoh Tutankhamun. In essence, they are arguing that the bust depicts him as white when it should depict him… --- ## [Is Global Warming actually Good?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-global-warming-actually-good/687571)
**Author:** [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Replies:** 66\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2014, 5:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-global-warming-actually-good/687571 "2014-05-06T05:11:29Z")
There is no question in my mind that the Earth is now experiencing an era of global warming. This is not based on any particular science but my own personal observations. Here in the midwest we just do have the terrible … --- ## [Any of the usual Scalia defenders want to explain this one?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-of-the-usual-scalia-defenders-want-to-explain-this-one/687530)
**Author:** [@Don\_t\_Call\_Me\_Shirley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_t_Call_Me_Shirley)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2014, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-of-the-usual-scalia-defenders-want-to-explain-this-one/687530 "2014-05-06T03:32:21Z")
This hasn’t been in the news much, but apparently Scalia’s dissent in a recent Clean Air Act case contains a mistake. He mischaracterizes a previous decision, and, (this is my favorite part), it’s one of his own decisio… --- ## [Resolved: Conservatives get whatever they want](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-conservatives-get-whatever-they-want/687019)
**Author:** [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [May 6, 2014, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-conservatives-get-whatever-they-want/687019 "2014-05-06T00:25:54Z")
\[ul\] \[li\]Whereas, conservatives (however you want to define the term) are decent people who genuinely want what is best for the country;\[/li\]\[li\]Whereas, conservatives propose many policies to achieve their goal of a mo… --- ## [Minus the European war would WW2 still occured in the Pacific](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minus-the-european-war-would-ww2-still-occured-in-the-pacific/687213)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2014, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/minus-the-european-war-would-ww2-still-occured-in-the-pacific/687213 "2014-05-05T21:36:42Z")
So suppose for one reason or another Hitler never rose to power and Germany never invaded Poland. Germany and France decide to let bygones be bygones and export Champagne and Bratwurst to each other. Would the US still … --- ## [What should Lee have done in the Summer of 1863?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-lee-have-done-in-the-summer-of-1863/687025)
**Author:** [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2014, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-should-lee-have-done-in-the-summer-of-1863/687025 "2014-05-05T18:58:59Z")
After winning the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, Lee had a period of strategic opportunity. He had several options he could do: He could send forces to the Mississippi to turn back the Union attempts … --- ## [Baby Gender Selection - Unethical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-gender-selection-unethical/71369)
**Author:** [@IzzyR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IzzyR)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2014, 9:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/baby-gender-selection-unethical/71369 "2014-05-05T09:25:15Z")
From The guardian Anyone think there is an ethical issue here? I don’t see any. But I do see where governments might outlaw it in the larger interests of society, if there was a danger that the technique could become … --- ## [The Ancients...pyramids and big damned rocks...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ancients-pyramids-and-big-damned-rocks/22977)
**Author:** [@Needs2know](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Needs2know)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2014, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-ancients-pyramids-and-big-damned-rocks/22977 "2014-05-05T06:11:31Z")
Ok so how’d they do it, you know the ancients, how’d they move all that rock. And why? Why can’t science figure this one out? Need2know --- ## [Who collects the trash in Galt's Gulch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-collects-the-trash-in-galts-gulch/681569)
**Author:** [@Gangster\_Octopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gangster_Octopus)\ **Replies:** 660\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2014, 5:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-collects-the-trash-in-galts-gulch/681569 "2014-05-05T05:47:04Z")
I am sure I am not the first to ask this question, but I am curious as to what is a typical Randian response. Of course it is not just the trash, but all the menial work that allows the so-called producers the luxury an… --- ## [Libertarian Topic of the Week 2: Taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-topic-of-the-week-2-taxes/687065)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [May 5, 2014, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-topic-of-the-week-2-taxes/687065 "2014-05-05T03:28:47Z")
This is the 2nd of a series of threads on Libertarianism in practice. I’m hoping this helps get us away from endless debate about “what is Libertarianism” by focusing on specific issues instead of broad, sweeping general… --- ## [marriage equality](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-equality/687659)
**Author:** [@Arrendajo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arrendajo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2014, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/marriage-equality/687659 "2014-05-04T23:59:56Z")
Since the whole marriage equality debate started I have been wondering why siblings (whether it be brother/sister, brother/brother, sister/sister) are not allowed to marry. Two consenting adults should be allowed to marr… --- ## [What's so bad about Common Core?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-bad-about-common-core/687595)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2014, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-bad-about-common-core/687595 "2014-05-04T22:46:18Z")
I’m on my phone so the usual helpful links to the issue and the various sides taken are lacking. Sorry. The fascinating thing about Common Core is that what sounds like a perfectly reasonable thing - to ensure that all … --- ## [If Kim Jong Un throws a temper tantrum....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-kim-jong-un-throws-a-temper-tantrum/687537)
**Author:** [@MacTech](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MacTech)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 4, 2014, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-kim-jong-un-throws-a-temper-tantrum/687537 "2014-05-04T03:17:16Z")
Lets assume that North Korea has successfully built a functioning ICBM capable of hitting within 6,000 miles, and they have a total arsenal of six missles… What would be the world’s response to the following scenarios; … --- ## [Interesting UK Separation of Powers Problem](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-uk-separation-of-powers-problem/687443)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2014, 8:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/interesting-uk-separation-of-powers-problem/687443 "2014-05-03T20:21:13Z")
The background- legal aid has been guaranteed for serious cases with the State paying for a criminal defence if the person has inadequate finance. Following the recession the government cut the supply of money for such p… --- ## [The Milky Way's halo is curved spacetime](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-milky-ways-halo-is-curved-spacetime/687565)
**Author:** [@mpc755](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mpc755)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [May 3, 2014, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-milky-ways-halo-is-curved-spacetime/687565 "2014-05-03T18:38:19Z")
Aether has mass. Aether physically occupies three dimensional space. Aether is physically displaced by the particles of matter which exist in it and move through it. Displaced aether pushes back and exerts inward pressur… --- ## [Quasi-libertarian topic C: domestic tranquility](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quasi-libertarian-topic-c-domestic-tranquility/687523)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quasi-libertarian-topic-c-domestic-tranquility/687523 "2014-05-02T22:41:11Z")
I bring this up based on the continued Oathkeepers/White Mountain/Praetorian Guard militia presence in Bunkerville NV, which some (other) news sources are describing as oppressive (claiming that militia members are creat… --- ## [Supreme Court hearing cross-state pollution case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-hearing-cross-state-pollution-case/676015)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 10:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/supreme-court-hearing-cross-state-pollution-case/676015 "2014-05-02T22:10:36Z")
What are the rights of a downwind state when it comes to pollution from an upwind state? I find it interesting that out of the eight downwind states effected, only one declined to sign a petition to the EPA asking the … --- ## [Does a socioeconomic elite class have value to people who aren't in it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-socioeconomic-elite-class-have-value-to-people-who-arent-in-it/687207)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-socioeconomic-elite-class-have-value-to-people-who-arent-in-it/687207 "2014-05-02T17:09:39Z")
Follow-up/zombification-alternative to this thread from 2006. In light of this and this, I think it is timely to raise the question again. My OOP: I omitted mention of the elite as “job creators” because that, insofa… --- ## [What's wrong with Egypts economy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-egypts-economy/687387)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-wrong-with-egypts-economy/687387 "2014-05-02T15:02:09Z")
In light of recent events, a few thoughts has bugged me throughout, how is Egypt’s economy run? Why is it so bad, will it be able to recover? How come Egypt, with 80 million or so people, cannot enjoy the economic succes… --- ## [Is there any real risk that law enforcement or the military would side with a rightwing insurrection](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-real-risk-that-law-enforcement-or-the-military-would-side-with-a-rightwing-insurrection/687056)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-real-risk-that-law-enforcement-or-the-military-would-side-with-a-rightwing-insurrection/687056 "2014-05-02T14:56:44Z")
Since law enforcement and the military tend to be more conservative, is there any real risk that they wouldn’t help put down an armed insurrection? As the tea party and die hard conservatives lose more and more influence… --- ## [Mac Q: Are ethernet ports phased out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-q-are-ethernet-ports-phased-out/687494)
**Author:** [@Horatio\_Hellpop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatio_Hellpop)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mac-q-are-ethernet-ports-phased-out/687494 "2014-05-02T14:10:23Z")
Wrong forum, sorry. --- ## [The mystery of the trinity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mystery-of-the-trinity/680373)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 357\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-mystery-of-the-trinity/680373 "2014-05-02T11:27:11Z")
As a child I was baffled by this, as an older adult it is starting to make more sense. I have my walking around beliefs and my sit down and think about it beliefs that are far different from one another. I don’t see scie… --- ## [Will the North Korean regime end with Kim Jong-un?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-north-korean-regime-end-with-kim-jong-un/687269)
**Author:** [@Bibliovore](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bibliovore)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 2, 2014, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-north-korean-regime-end-with-kim-jong-un/687269 "2014-05-02T09:02:08Z")
Will the North Korean regime end with Kim Jong-un? Will he finally push too far, causing the populace to snap and revolt or will he be the victim of a coup? It’s hard to see the current setup-existing for the entirety of… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=232) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=234)