# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=252 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 253 --- ## [What would be the effect of abolishing all or virtually all immigration/emigration requirements?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-effect-of-abolishing-all-or-virtually-all-immigration-emigration-requirements/673300)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [November 17, 2013, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-effect-of-abolishing-all-or-virtually-all-immigration-emigration-requirements/673300 "2013-11-17T23:18:31Z")
There’s a thread in GQ about about finding ways to immigrate to another country. In many cases, people are unable to take jobs that they could have gotten but for their inability to obtain the correct visa. What would … --- ## [Switzerland's "checks for pulses"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switzerlands-checks-for-pulses/673922)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2013, 7:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/switzerlands-checks-for-pulses/673922 "2013-11-16T19:41:53Z")
Switzerland is debating a program to pay every citizen: Charles Murphy, an American conservative, has expressed support for the idea, and even wrote a book about it. Obviously, it’d be expensive. Though, there’d be s… --- ## [Can anyone defend the Admin Syria drive?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-defend-the-admin-syria-drive/668417)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 889\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2013, 3:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-anyone-defend-the-admin-syria-drive/668417 "2013-11-16T15:45:09Z")
Especially in the light of latest Kerry’s comments. The utter incoherence of the spokesmen that Obama sends out is astounding. Kerry said the Americans were planning an “unbelievably small” attack on Syria. “We will b… --- ## [Exodus chap.15 Verse 19](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exodus-chap-15-verse-19/673634)
**Author:** [@monavis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monavis)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 16, 2013, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/exodus-chap-15-verse-19/673634 "2013-11-16T12:31:39Z")
After watching a show on TV yesterday I noted that there are 2 different meanings. The Douay \_ Rheims version says Pharaoh went in on horse back , the other versions say pharaoh’s horse. The Douay version makes more sen… --- ## [The left hates free speech](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-left-hates-free-speech/673720)
**Author:** [@cornopean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornopean)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2013, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-left-hates-free-speech/673720 "2013-11-15T21:56:10Z")
First off, let’s define free speech. Free speech means we defend the right of people to speak things which we find offensive or hateful, etc. Free speech does not mean defending the right to speak things we like and ap… --- ## [Is what's happening to the economy & society of UK a result of Crony Capitalism?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-whats-happening-to-the-economy-society-of-uk-a-result-of-crony-capitalism/673973)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2013, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-whats-happening-to-the-economy-society-of-uk-a-result-of-crony-capitalism/673973 "2013-11-15T21:02:00Z")
I don’t have a exact understanding of crony capitalism, but in my daily life I’ve witnessed a growing cynicism within British society about the ability of the average guy to change anything that goes against the status q… --- ## [Can science disprove God?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-science-disprove-god/673301)
**Author:** [@cornopean](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cornopean)\ **Replies:** 493\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2013, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-science-disprove-god/673301 "2013-11-15T14:38:23Z")
I’ve been thinking about this. All three major religions teach that God is not something that can be sensed (i.e. not empirical). This being the case, then there is no way science can either prove or disprove God. rig… --- ## [Should capital gains from secondary markets be taxed differently?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-capital-gains-from-secondary-markets-be-taxed-differently/673783)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2013, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-capital-gains-from-secondary-markets-be-taxed-differently/673783 "2013-11-15T05:13:58Z")
Should taxes from capital gains realized from liquidating secondary market assets (like stocks not purchased in an IPO) be taxed differently that gains from direct capital investment or IPO stock purchases, etc.? Thanks… --- ## [Rape porn](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-porn/673464)
**Author:** [@Longshanks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Longshanks)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2013, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rape-porn/673464 "2013-11-15T02:39:25Z")
Does watching consensual porn that simulates rape change the way rape is viewed by the person watching the porn? Have there been any studies that show whether or not it affects a persons ability to judge whether it is ri… --- ## [Perspectives in Scripted Entertainment. Or, Writers are writers.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perspectives-in-scripted-entertainment-or-writers-are-writers/673251)
**Author:** [@Human\_Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Human_Action)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2013, 2:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/perspectives-in-scripted-entertainment-or-writers-are-writers/673251 "2013-11-15T02:38:59Z")
So, I happened to watch the American Dad! episode Buck, Wild the other night. It reminded me of the Simpsons episodes Homer’s Phobia and Homer the Moe, and the South Park episode Volcano. In all of them, hunting is depic… --- ## [Vampires: If not porphyria, what about rabies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vampires-if-not-porphyria-what-about-rabies/673840)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [November 15, 2013, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/vampires-if-not-porphyria-what-about-rabies/673840 "2013-11-15T01:42:11Z")
In this column Cecil points out the flaws in the hypothesis that vampire legends were inspired by victims of porphyria. OK, but could they have been inspired by people with rabies? It’s bite-transmissible and it makes … --- ## [The 'asian countries underachievement' puzzle. Is the Bell curve shape similar for all races?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-asian-countries-underachievement-puzzle-is-the-bell-curve-shape-similar-for-all-races/672957)
**Author:** [@bita\_malt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bita_malt)\ **Replies:** 90\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2013, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-asian-countries-underachievement-puzzle-is-the-bell-curve-shape-similar-for-all-races/672957 "2013-11-14T17:00:41Z")
Quote from http://www.gnxp.com/MT2/archives/003235.html: Preface It is surprisingly difficult to find much commentary on these topics - especially the latter one about IQ variance - on the internet. It’s even harder t… --- ## [150,000 Christians are killed for their faith each year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/150-000-christians-are-killed-for-their-faith-each-year/634600)
**Author:** [@Sicks\_Ate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sicks_Ate)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2013, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/150-000-christians-are-killed-for-their-faith-each-year/634600 "2013-11-14T06:52:46Z")
I heard this statistic thrown out on a radio program yesterday, and was immediately a little skeptical. I found the reference to it, which states: Skeptical in the first place, but seeing the origin of the number make… --- ## [Buzzfeed's 17 Deplorable Examples of White Privilege](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buzzfeeds-17-deplorable-examples-of-white-privilege/672700)
**Author:** [@Dostoyevsky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dostoyevsky)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [November 14, 2013, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/buzzfeeds-17-deplorable-examples-of-white-privilege/672700 "2013-11-14T03:26:41Z")
A friend posted this on fbook. It lists 17 alleged examples of white privilege. Are these examples “real” grievances? I question the legitimacy of some of these complaints, like when number 6 says, “You can wear and a… --- ## [Who ya gonna call? \[Is there any proof of ghosts, demons, or evil spirits?\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-ya-gonna-call-is-there-any-proof-of-ghosts-demons-or-evil-spirits/673119)
**Author:** [@Simon\_Templar\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simon_Templar_1)\ **Replies:** 307\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2013, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-ya-gonna-call-is-there-any-proof-of-ghosts-demons-or-evil-spirits/673119 "2013-11-13T23:02:15Z")
I recently watched the movie “The Conjuring”. Which led me to wondering if there has ever been any real proof that ghosts, demons or evil spirits exist. If not, why does The Pope endorse/approve exorcisms? I Googled it … --- ## [Can Christians believe in the Big Bang?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-christians-believe-in-the-big-bang/135217)
**Author:** [@Dunmurry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dunmurry)\ **Replies:** 135\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2013, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-christians-believe-in-the-big-bang/135217 "2013-11-13T19:46:52Z")
Is it possible for one to be a Christian, believing in Creation as it is recorded in the Bible, AND believe in the Big Bang Theory at the sametime? Does being a Christian mean you cannot believe in the Big Bang. Is it co… --- ## [Why put gay marriage up for a vote?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-put-gay-marriage-up-for-a-vote/672694)
**Author:** [@HubZilla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HubZilla)\ **Replies:** 187\ **Last updated:** [November 13, 2013, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-put-gay-marriage-up-for-a-vote/672694 "2013-11-13T19:04:03Z")
Why is gay marriage up for a vote? My son’s school’s talent show got postponed so some of the teachers and staff could protest gay marriage at the Capitol. It’s up for a vote in Hawaii, and their signs are saying things… --- ## [Will anything of interest be found in the tomb of Qin Shih Huangdi?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-anything-of-interest-be-found-in-the-tomb-of-qin-shih-huangdi/673679)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2013, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-anything-of-interest-be-found-in-the-tomb-of-qin-shih-huangdi/673679 "2013-11-12T23:05:54Z")
I ran this GQ thread back in 2004 asking why the tomb of China’s First Emperor had not been excavated (it still has not been excavated, though there has been much excavation of the land all around the tomb-hill). I did … --- ## [The problem of giftedness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-problem-of-giftedness/587371)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [November 12, 2013, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-problem-of-giftedness/587371 "2013-11-12T21:05:50Z")
From this article: Questions for debate: What is to be done about this situation? If a child is being “prepped” into giftedness with expensive programs, then they are at a ridiculous advantage over a child who isn’… --- ## [Whatever happened to Lt. Calley?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-lt-calley/673424)
**Author:** [@Hottius\_Maximus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hottius_Maximus)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2013, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whatever-happened-to-lt-calley/673424 "2013-11-11T21:39:08Z")
I’ve heard rumors over the years, but I am curious. Does anybody know? --- ## [How would the gay rights movement had gone if conversion therapy actually worked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-gay-rights-movement-had-gone-if-conversion-therapy-actually-worked/673540)
**Author:** [@Shalmanese](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shalmanese)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2013, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-gay-rights-movement-had-gone-if-conversion-therapy-actually-worked/673540 "2013-11-11T17:01:09Z")
Say, in 1950, researchers discovered that a simple drug cocktail coupled with 3 psychotherapy sessions were sufficient to convert gay people straight with a 95% success rate. Those who were converted reported the same ra… --- ## [Fighting Ignorance Since 1973](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorance-since-1973/673629)
**Author:** [@dolwgan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dolwgan)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2013, 4:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fighting-ignorance-since-1973/673629 "2013-11-11T16:45:38Z")
One of the things that attracted me to this site was the strapline to the Board name - Fighting Ignorance Since 1973. Having been a member of 10 or a dozen different online discussion boards over the last 10 years, I of… --- ## [The Goetz case Vs. the Martin case.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-goetz-case-vs-the-martin-case/673401)
**Author:** [@split\_p\_j](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/split_p_j)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2013, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-goetz-case-vs-the-martin-case/673401 "2013-11-11T15:57:13Z")
In the various Martin/Zimmerman threads, I stated I thought that since Martin was in fear of bodily harm, it was ok for him to hit Zimmerman. I was told that fear alone is not a justification for the use of force, the bu… --- ## [People as investments?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-as-investments/672808)
**Author:** [@brickbacon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brickbacon)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2013, 4:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/people-as-investments/672808 "2013-11-11T04:59:30Z")
So I happened to see that a company called Fantex has signed up another professional athlete. Fantex is a site that pays athletes upfront for a percentage of their future earnings. That asset is then securitized and so… --- ## [Could a government run healthcare system compete](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-government-run-healthcare-system-compete/671869)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 165\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2013, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-government-run-healthcare-system-compete/671869 "2013-11-11T02:56:18Z")
If the U.S. government decided to go into the healthcare business and set up their own hospitals clinics etc, employe their own staff from top to bottom could they give us adequate healthcare at a more affordable price. … --- ## [Ceremonial Deism, or Maybe Not](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceremonial-deism-or-maybe-not/672845)
**Author:** [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [November 11, 2013, 1:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ceremonial-deism-or-maybe-not/672845 "2013-11-11T01:55:44Z")
In November, SCOTUS will hear argument in Town of Greece v. Galloway, a case that involves a challenge to a town council’s practice of having Christian ministers open meetings with Christian prayers. SCOTUS previously ru… --- ## [Arguments against getting the flu shot -- is this just more anti-vaccination nonsense?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arguments-against-getting-the-flu-shot-is-this-just-more-anti-vaccination-nonsense/673457)
**Author:** [@Meltdown](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meltdown)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2013, 12:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/arguments-against-getting-the-flu-shot-is-this-just-more-anti-vaccination-nonsense/673457 "2013-11-10T12:22:58Z")
I just got my flu shot yesterday – like I do every year – and today a Facebook friend of mine posts this link: 11 Reasons Why Flu Shots Are More Dangerous Than the Flu Itself. I have never heard of this website before … --- ## [Stand your Ground](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stand-your-ground/673254)
**Author:** [@lawbuff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lawbuff)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [November 10, 2013, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stand-your-ground/673254 "2013-11-10T03:20:58Z")
A Federal Complaint has been filed by the Rainbow coalition challenging Georgia’s SYG statute. In part; For this reason, the Act provides differing levels of protection and justification to individuals based upon … --- ## [Human Rights and 'Christian Culture'.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-rights-and-christian-culture/673231)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 101\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2013, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/human-rights-and-christian-culture/673231 "2013-11-09T23:59:43Z")
A little while back, I read something interesting (sorry, I now forget exactly where). Muslim countries strongly complain that making them observe so-called basic human rights is unfair. After all, they claim, human righ… --- ## [Seatac WA votes for $15 MW, conservative predictions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seatac-wa-votes-for-15-mw-conservative-predictions/673257)
**Author:** [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [November 9, 2013, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/seatac-wa-votes-for-15-mw-conservative-predictions/673257 "2013-11-09T17:21:16Z")
When we were talking about raising the national MW to I believe $10 (which it has been before, in prosperous tines, with inflation), conservatives were against it because inflation from increased wages would eat up any d… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=251) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=253)