# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=247 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 248 --- ## [Putin vows to destroy Saudi Arabia](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putin-vows-to-destroy-saudi-arabia/678309)
**Author:** [@Marmite\_Lover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marmite_Lover)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2014, 12:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/putin-vows-to-destroy-saudi-arabia/678309 "2014-01-10T12:18:20Z")
A grim memorandum circulating in the Kremlin today written by Federal Security Services (FSB) Director Alexander Bortnikov outlining the new security measures being put into place throughout Russia ordered by President P… --- ## [How to measure societal contributions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-measure-societal-contributions/678286)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2014, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-to-measure-societal-contributions/678286 "2014-01-09T21:09:11Z")
In the Federal Eugenics thread I offered that “IQ is a TERRIBLE indicator of future societal contributions.” To which Shodan responded with a number of cites pointing to a correlation between IQ and work success and la… --- ## [US Army War College Considers Removing Paintings of Lee & Jackson and that is a good thing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-army-war-college-considers-removing-paintings-of-lee-jackson-and-that-is-a-good-thing/676742)
**Author:** [@Mr.Miskatonic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Miskatonic)\ **Replies:** 213\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2014, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-army-war-college-considers-removing-paintings-of-lee-jackson-and-that-is-a-good-thing/676742 "2014-01-09T16:39:18Z")
News article I admit it. I hate the hole Confederacy. I loathe the ‘Lost causers’, I have no love or sympathy for antebellum despite being 1/2 Southern by birth. But even without that I would have trouble honoring these… --- ## [Extra Terrestrial Life](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extra-terrestrial-life/676811)
**Author:** [@YoungKusher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YoungKusher)\ **Replies:** 151\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2014, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/extra-terrestrial-life/676811 "2014-01-09T13:38:17Z")
I’ve always believed that there has to be life beyond earth simply because of the numbers. The odds are certainly in favor of life bearing, earth-like planets. Although, I’m wondering how important it is for the planet… --- ## [Arapahoe school shooting](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arapahoe-school-shooting/676474)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 136\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2014, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arapahoe-school-shooting/676474 "2014-01-09T13:18:06Z")
It’s December, time for another school shooting and SDMB Gun Month ™. Last Friday, a seemingly gifted student walked into a high school in Colorado with a shotgun, a machete, and 3 molotov cocktails, reportedly with the… --- ## [Duke Lacrosse, DSK, Trayvon Martin ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duke-lacrosse-dsk-trayvon-martin/616952)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2014, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/duke-lacrosse-dsk-trayvon-martin/616952 "2014-01-09T01:14:37Z")
ISTM that there is a common thread in all these (& similar) stories. And that is that following the initial reports which generated widespread publicity, there was mass acceptance of the narrative as reported by the medi… --- ## [AM drive talk Radio: "Al Qaeda is over-running Iraq - Bill Kristol blames Obama.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-drive-talk-radio-al-qaeda-is-over-running-iraq-bill-kristol-blames-obama/678021)
**Author:** [@NotfooledbyW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotfooledbyW)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2014, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/am-drive-talk-radio-al-qaeda-is-over-running-iraq-bill-kristol-blames-obama/678021 "2014-01-08T20:28:09Z")
Al Qaeda tore down the Iraqi flag and raised theirs in Fallujah this past weekend after a three day three way battle. The radio host of course exaggerated that flag raising in a major city to AL Qaeda over-running Iraq. … --- ## [What's the objection to "drone" strikes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-objection-to-drone-strikes/677537)
**Author:** [@Bozuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bozuit)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2014, 11:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-objection-to-drone-strikes/677537 "2014-01-08T11:22:05Z")
I’ve read and heard a lot of rhetoric against the use of strikes from UAVs by the US recently, but I’m still unclear as to what the objection actually is. The opposition talks of civilian casualties and the horror of wa… --- ## [North Korean top general purged — more](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-top-general-purged-more/675979)
**Author:** [@iLemming](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iLemming)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2014, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/north-korean-top-general-purged-more/675979 "2014-01-08T02:47:06Z")
North Korea: Kim Jong-un Purged Uncle’s Name ‘Removed from KCNA Reports’ The South Koreans seem to think this will lead to more sabre rattling from the North and subsequent instability. They’ve even gone as far as to … --- ## [Colorado: the beginning of the end of Prohibition (recreational cannabis use)?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colorado-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-prohibition-recreational-cannabis-use/677703)
**Author:** [@BrokenBriton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrokenBriton)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2014, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colorado-the-beginning-of-the-end-of-prohibition-recreational-cannabis-use/677703 "2014-01-08T02:32:08Z")
Looking at it from afar, it looks like the dam has finally cracked and there’s no way back now. All the arguments practiced for decades get to be seen in situ: \[ul\] \[li\] Millions in tax revenue (a 21.22% sales tax)\[/li… --- ## [The U.S. Becomes Isolationist: What Happens?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-u-s-becomes-isolationist-what-happens/677908)
**Author:** [@PastTense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PastTense)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2014, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-u-s-becomes-isolationist-what-happens/677908 "2014-01-08T00:41:34Z")
Suppose the United States becomes isolationist; what changes would happen in the world? My belief is not much. What does everyone else see? Major wars in the Middle East? … --- ## [NSA considering an amnesty for Edward Snowden ...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-considering-an-amnesty-for-edward-snowden/676401)
**Author:** [@BrokenBriton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrokenBriton)\ **Replies:** 271\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2014, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-considering-an-amnesty-for-edward-snowden/676401 "2014-01-08T00:13:13Z")
A couple of things: \[ol\] \[li\]Snowden hasn’t been indicted on any charges\[/li\]\[li\]This amnesty is being mooted by the guy who is apparently the top candidate for the soon-to-be vacant job of (civilian) Deputy Director … --- ## [My Christianity](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-christianity/677076)
**Author:** [@MostlyUseless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MostlyUseless)\ **Replies:** 308\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2014, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-christianity/677076 "2014-01-07T12:45:47Z")
To the core of my being, I believe in Christ. As part of my beliefs, I believe in what Jesus said and how he said to live. Part of what he said was that while my life was problematic, I should be concerned with my issu… --- ## [Is Obama really the best gun salesman in America?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-really-the-best-gun-salesman-in-america/675641)
**Author:** [@Kable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kable)\ **Replies:** 265\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2014, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-obama-really-the-best-gun-salesman-in-america/675641 "2014-01-07T09:02:15Z")
Are these numbers all correct? http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2012/02/21/might-barack-obama-be-the-greatest-gun-salesman-in-america-take-a-look/ --- ## [Whither goeth the Federal Reserve? Yellen confirmed as Fed Chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whither-goeth-the-federal-reserve-yellen-confirmed-as-fed-chair/678105)
**Author:** [@Agnostic\_Pagan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Agnostic_Pagan)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2014, 6:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whither-goeth-the-federal-reserve-yellen-confirmed-as-fed-chair/678105 "2014-01-07T06:26:35Z")
First, congratulations to Janet Yellen for becoming the first woman chair of the Federal Reserve system. Now comes the hard part… Yellen has spoken out that she will favor full employment policies along with the low inf… --- ## [Chomsky: Is this man I deeply respect a bigot and a sympathizer for certain acts of genocide?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chomsky-is-this-man-i-deeply-respect-a-bigot-and-a-sympathizer-for-certain-acts-of-genocide/636422)
**Author:** [@Untoward\_Parable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Untoward_Parable)\ **Replies:** 156\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2014, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/chomsky-is-this-man-i-deeply-respect-a-bigot-and-a-sympathizer-for-certain-acts-of-genocide/636422 "2014-01-07T02:50:16Z")
I have never encountered another academic who is so well backed up by evidence in their descriptions of world events. I often rely on Chomsky for information about the areas of world affairs that are his focus. I do this… --- ## [Would the World Have Been Better if Germany Had Won World War I?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-world-have-been-better-if-germany-had-won-world-war-i/567183)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2014, 10:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-world-have-been-better-if-germany-had-won-world-war-i/567183 "2014-01-06T22:31:19Z")
Would the world have been better off if the German Empire had won early in World War I possibly without Britain getting involved or Germany quickly defeating France and than going on to crush Russia? Consider this: Witho… --- ## [Simulism: The Reason I Have Become Religious](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simulism-the-reason-i-have-become-religious/676488)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2014, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/simulism-the-reason-i-have-become-religious/676488 "2014-01-06T17:21:47Z")
I was once a staunch atheist; now I am somewhat religious. My changed of attitude came about from Nick Bostrom’s Theory of Simulsim. Simulism requires 2 basic assumptions: There are, or were other intelligent alien ci… --- ## [Complex Spacetime/Multiple Temporal Dimensions -- Current Astrophysical Theories](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complex-spacetime-multiple-temporal-dimensions-current-astrophysical-theories/677968)
**Author:** [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2014, 9:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/complex-spacetime-multiple-temporal-dimensions-current-astrophysical-theories/677968 "2014-01-06T09:40:02Z")
Really, this OP overlaps part GQ and GD, but I’ll put it in GD since we’re really talking theoretical physics. In the vein of Penrose’s Twistor Theory, what sort of alternate theories are among the most likely outside o… --- ## [What's the bare minimum it would it take to overthrow the US Government?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-bare-minimum-it-would-it-take-to-overthrow-the-us-government/677569)
**Author:** [@HurricaneDitka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HurricaneDitka)\ **Replies:** 107\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2014, 1:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-bare-minimum-it-would-it-take-to-overthrow-the-us-government/677569 "2014-01-06T01:10:29Z")
Inspired by the Insurrectionary Theory thread (and with permission from the moderators): You have been selected as the Commander-in-Chief of the Glorious Revolution. For reasons shrouded in mystery (perhaps it’s Bronies… --- ## [Should Hondas made in the US be considered American cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-hondas-made-in-the-us-be-considered-american-cars/180206)
**Author:** [@Philly\_Style](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Philly_Style)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2014, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-hondas-made-in-the-us-be-considered-american-cars/180206 "2014-01-05T23:06:18Z")
This is an ongoing debate I have been having with some of my buds. Should a Honda built in Marysville Ohio be considered a US made car or Japanese car? Should a car assembled in America, from parts made in Mexico and Ma… --- ## [Under the new healhcare, will Medical recover the costs eventually from people's estates?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-the-new-healhcare-will-medical-recover-the-costs-eventually-from-peoples-estates/677935)
**Author:** [@thepioneer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thepioneer)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2014, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-the-new-healhcare-will-medical-recover-the-costs-eventually-from-peoples-estates/677935 "2014-01-05T19:37:50Z")
With the Affordable Care Act, Medical (in California) is extending coverage to low-income people under age of 65 , who weren’t eligible before. We all know that by law everyone is supposedly to have health insurance. Be… --- ## [Is life "too short"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-life-too-short/677785)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 80\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2014, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-life-too-short/677785 "2014-01-05T05:02:18Z")
I think that life is too short for me to waste too much time - though I don’t mind others wasting their own time - in fact it is somewhat entertaining if they do. Perhaps youth is too short but we’re talking about life … --- ## [French dopers: what's the deal with "la quenelle", is it anti-semitic or just anti-establishment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-dopers-whats-the-deal-with-la-quenelle-is-it-anti-semitic-or-just-anti-establishment/677371)
**Author:** [@Wallenstein](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wallenstein)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2014, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/french-dopers-whats-the-deal-with-la-quenelle-is-it-anti-semitic-or-just-anti-establishment/677371 "2014-01-03T19:49:14Z")
Nicholas Anelka (a French footballer playing in Britain) has caused controversy today by performing “la quenelle” after scoring a goal. For those who’ve not seen it, “la quenelle” is a kind of reverse roman salute, wher… --- ## ["Mission Creep" in law -- can it be prevented?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mission-creep-in-law-can-it-be-prevented/677520)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2014, 6:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mission-creep-in-law-can-it-be-prevented/677520 "2014-01-03T18:23:36Z")
For those unfamiliar with the term, here’s the Wiki on the topic. Basically, it describes a tendency for successful laws to be broadened and expanded until they become a problem rather than a solution. Great example: se… --- ## [What is "Political Correctness"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-political-correctness/676933)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2014, 4:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-political-correctness/676933 "2014-01-03T04:28:47Z")
Where are the politics when it comes to “political correctness”? Is this Wiki definition correct?: I can’t see wanting to treat others as we would ourselves as being a “political” matter. What am I missing here? --- ## [Being female should be an aggravating circumstance in crminal sentencing.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-female-should-be-an-aggravating-circumstance-in-crminal-sentencing/677052)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [January 2, 2014, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-female-should-be-an-aggravating-circumstance-in-crminal-sentencing/677052 "2014-01-02T21:29:21Z")
The administration of justice relies on all being treated equally. Women are currently given much shorter sentences for the same crime. This is the case even when all mitigating circumstances are taken into account. Crim… --- ## [General who opened Guantanamo prison says, shut it down!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-who-opened-guantanamo-prison-says-shut-it-down/676251)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2014, 11:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/general-who-opened-guantanamo-prison-says-shut-it-down/676251 "2014-01-01T23:58:59Z")
Reuters: Of course, this is now a retired general with (1) nothing to lose by saying the above and (2) no actual influence on policy any more. Points for debate: Is he right? Is it going to make any difference? … --- ## [Selecting For Desired Traits In the Future, Good, Bad or Ugly?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selecting-for-desired-traits-in-the-future-good-bad-or-ugly/677427)
**Author:** [@Werekoala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Werekoala)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [January 1, 2014, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/selecting-for-desired-traits-in-the-future-good-bad-or-ugly/677427 "2014-01-01T18:55:18Z")
Someday down the road, it will most likely become possible to reliably select at the genetic level for desired traits while weeding out (or altering) undesirable traits in all manner of plants, animals, and even humans (… --- ## [How Many of You Know The Holy Bible is a Specific Version?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-know-the-holy-bible-is-a-specific-version/677042)
**Author:** [@itsharkley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/itsharkley)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [December 31, 2013, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-many-of-you-know-the-holy-bible-is-a-specific-version/677042 "2013-12-31T17:12:16Z")
King James’ rendition is just called the holy bible today.? The only known bible edition that has every christian idea is john Wycliffe’s That stuff will freak you out in the old and new testament. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=246) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=248)