# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=258 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 259 --- ## [The Government shut down prediction thread](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-government-shut-down-prediction-thread/669328)
**Author:** [@Buck\_Godot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Buck_Godot)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2013, 9:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-government-shut-down-prediction-thread/669328 "2013-10-01T09:14:32Z")
Place your best guess to the following questions for the chance to win 100 Official Straight dope bragging bucks. Will there be a government shut down. If so how long will it last In the end how will it be resolved. W… --- ## [Israelis finally pick a side in Syria: They want Assad to fall](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israelis-finally-pick-a-side-in-syria-they-want-assad-to-fall/669108)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2013, 7:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/israelis-finally-pick-a-side-in-syria-they-want-assad-to-fall/669108 "2013-10-01T07:02:13Z")
Story here. Issues for debate: Will this make any difference in Syria? Nobody there ever before seemed to care much what the Israelis think. OTOH, Israeli support of the rebels might actually embarrass them, and b… --- ## [What crimes are easier to get away with during a government shutdown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-crimes-are-easier-to-get-away-with-during-a-government-shutdown/669855)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2013, 5:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-crimes-are-easier-to-get-away-with-during-a-government-shutdown/669855 "2013-10-01T05:01:23Z")
Say a Lex Luthor or a James Bond movie villain kind of guy (generally your average GOP megadonor) is just biding their time until the government shutdown. They have vast resources and links with most of the bank presiden… --- ## [Was it overregulation or deregulation that led to the Financial Crisis of 2007/08?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-it-overregulation-or-deregulation-that-led-to-the-financial-crisis-of-2007-08/668649)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [October 1, 2013, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-it-overregulation-or-deregulation-that-led-to-the-financial-crisis-of-2007-08/668649 "2013-10-01T03:51:31Z")
Hi I just finished reading Niall Ferguson’s “The Great Degeneration” In it he states the following about the financial crisis of 2007/08 : “Those who believe this crisis was caused by deregulation have misunderstood t… --- ## [The GOP Hates Americans (Health Insurance Exchanges)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gop-hates-americans-health-insurance-exchanges/669797)
**Author:** [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 10:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-gop-hates-americans-health-insurance-exchanges/669797 "2013-09-30T22:07:18Z")
There was a story on NPR this morning about how Texas has 2.6 million citizens eligible for the Federally-run health care exchange. But Gov. Rick Perry, and the state GOP generally, aren’t lifting a finger to let them k… --- ## [Do we have a free will?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-a-free-will/669993)
**Author:** [@Praneet\_Kumar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Praneet_Kumar)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 10:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-we-have-a-free-will/669993 "2013-09-30T22:00:10Z")
Do we have a free will?Or everything is predetermined by our genes? Can we overcome those genetic patterns,traits running in our family?Plz give me a straight dope on this. --- ## [Would it be logical for Jews to Avoid Buying VW and Audi Cars?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-logical-for-jews-to-avoid-buying-vw-and-audi-cars/285152)
**Author:** [@Binky\_Rudich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Binky_Rudich)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-it-be-logical-for-jews-to-avoid-buying-vw-and-audi-cars/285152 "2013-09-30T21:02:16Z")
This google cached (link) site is an example of typical accusations against VW regarding the second world war. Amoung the cited misdeads are: Hitler had much to do with the origins of the company and that thousands upon… --- ## [Why would someone worship Satan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-worship-satan/491561)
**Author:** [@Leomaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leomaster)\ **Replies:** 150\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-would-someone-worship-satan/491561 "2013-09-30T20:36:38Z")
My question is that if Hell is a place of eternal pain and suffering then why would someone worship Satan the leader of Hell? --- ## [McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccutcheon-v-federal-election-commission/669980)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mccutcheon-v-federal-election-commission/669980 "2013-09-30T17:47:45Z")
How do you think the members of the SCOTUS will vote? Issue: My predictions: Scalia, Alito, Thomas: hell yeah, no limits on campaign contributions! Money is speech! Roberts: No, I can’t see him shitting on his own… --- ## [Hitler's Alternate Universe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitlers-alternate-universe/668544)
**Author:** [@jsutter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jsutter)\ **Replies:** 215\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 2:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hitlers-alternate-universe/668544 "2013-09-30T14:04:42Z")
Hitler was a genius. Politically, economically and militarily, no one has touched him since Caesar. If Caesar had had Hitler’s technology, we’d be bowing toward Rome today. Had Caesar had but one Ak-47 and a box of cli… --- ## [Did Obama kill Osama ?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-obama-kill-osama/669963)
**Author:** [@Gack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gack)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 9:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-obama-kill-osama/669963 "2013-09-30T09:50:46Z")
When it was reported, I weighed the evidence that I knew and came down with a no vote, but it was a close 51/49. Essentially, I regarded the answer as unknowable with the information we had. Several points - when som… --- ## [What falsifiable claims do the holy books make?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-falsifiable-claims-do-the-holy-books-make/668952)
**Author:** [@IMfez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IMfez)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 5:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-falsifiable-claims-do-the-holy-books-make/668952 "2013-09-30T05:31:12Z")
I know that in the Bible and I think also the Quran, the books claim that the earth is only 6,000 years old and was created in 7 days. Are there any other falsifiable claims made by these texts? --- ## [Leaked IPCC report: 90% confidence in AGW is now 95% -- and sea level will rise!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaked-ipcc-report-90-confidence-in-agw-is-now-95-and-sea-level-will-rise/667002)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 493\ **Last updated:** [September 30, 2013, 12:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/leaked-ipcc-report-90-confidence-in-agw-is-now-95-and-sea-level-will-rise/667002 "2013-09-30T00:41:06Z")
Chris Mooney reports in MoJo: Of course, it’s a little more complicated than that. The report also acknowledged that the pace of global warming has slowed down recently. We can expect denialists to latch onto that. … --- ## [Religion - how do the religions explain dinosaurs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-how-do-the-religions-explain-dinosaurs/669615)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/religion-how-do-the-religions-explain-dinosaurs/669615 "2013-09-29T23:49:26Z")
I have a couple of questions to ask those that have much more religious study and knowledge that I do. This is the first one. I know the following couple of paragraphs greatly simplifies the story, but bear with me for… --- ## [The 1913 World v. the 2013 World.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-1913-world-v-the-2013-world/669628)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-1913-world-v-the-2013-world/669628 "2013-09-29T05:20:49Z")
Is the world better off than it was 100 years ago? I know some countries definitely are. But what about the world as a whole? :slight\_smile: --- ## [Questions about Hitler and Nazi Germany's attempted extermination of Europe's Jews](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-hitler-and-nazi-germanys-attempted-extermination-of-europes-jews/669168)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 779\ **Last updated:** [September 29, 2013, 3:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/questions-about-hitler-and-nazi-germanys-attempted-extermination-of-europes-jews/669168 "2013-09-29T03:12:29Z")
In this thread, poster Gack refuses to answer as to whether he thinks the Nazis tried to exterminate the Jews. This thread is a follow up, since he said he would answer the questions in a different thread. So, here are… --- ## [Why are there so many unplanned pregnancies?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-many-unplanned-pregnancies/669625)
**Author:** [@OurLordPeace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OurLordPeace)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 8:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-there-so-many-unplanned-pregnancies/669625 "2013-09-28T20:06:01Z")
I realize, and espouse, one answer: Places that subsidize contraception (especially, but not necessarily, Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives) and accurately educate the young in their use see very few unplanned pregna… --- ## [Bike Riders? Are they a pain in the ass? Or are motorists too damn impatient?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bike-riders-are-they-a-pain-in-the-ass-or-are-motorists-too-damn-impatient/668954)
**Author:** [@Boo\_Boo\_Foo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boo_Boo_Foo)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bike-riders-are-they-a-pain-in-the-ass-or-are-motorists-too-damn-impatient/668954 "2013-09-28T16:38:29Z")
What’s your view? Bike riders, are they cockroaches on two wheels holding up honest people on their way to work? Or are they legitimate road users? Presently in Australia, a law is being proposed down here that all veh… --- ## [11.22.2013 (Kennedy Assassination)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/11-22-2013-kennedy-assassination/669130)
**Author:** [@Pooter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pooter)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 5:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/11-22-2013-kennedy-assassination/669130 "2013-09-28T05:37:18Z")
On November 22, 2013, it will be 50 years since the assassination of President Kennedy, here is clue, Zapruder was the spotter or did you see the sign. Like Zapruder said, if you listen with your right ear the shot was … --- ## [House Bill to reduce SNAP Benefits](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-bill-to-reduce-snap-benefits/669741)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [September 28, 2013, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-bill-to-reduce-snap-benefits/669741 "2013-09-28T03:27:11Z")
What are the justifications for cutting SNAP? So far I’ve only seen a few liberal sites whine about the House voting to reduce SNAP benefits. What are some good reasons to reduce SNAP coverage? --- ## [Is Corporal Punishment 'Justified'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-corporal-punishment-justified/664365)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 11:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-corporal-punishment-justified/664365 "2013-09-27T23:48:47Z")
I’m sure this topic has probably already done to death on these boards: children, parents and corporal punishment. My question may be a little different: Is corporal punishment of children ever justified? I’m sure ther… --- ## [Should a face veil, (niqab), be banned for Muslim women in a public role?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-face-veil-niqab-be-banned-for-muslim-women-in-a-public-role/669292)
**Author:** [@pdunderhill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pdunderhill)\ **Replies:** 153\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-face-veil-niqab-be-banned-for-muslim-women-in-a-public-role/669292 "2013-09-27T23:17:53Z")
Hello good dopers, in the UK the national Health Service, NHS, is about to start a public consultation regarding the wearing of Niqabs by health care professionals. A UK judge has recently insisted that a female Muslim… --- ## [When you apply for ACA insurance, you can register to vote! GOP don't LIKE that!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 10:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-you-apply-for-aca-insurance-you-can-register-to-vote-gop-dont-like-that/669768 "2013-09-27T22:56:59Z")
Story here. Boustany’s letter of protest (pdf). Issues for debate: So – can/must they do that? Are these health-care exchanges government agencies, or are they not? Waitaminnit, Congressman – if “The position o… --- ## [Soldier \[Murdered and Possibly\] Beheaded in public street in London](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soldier-murdered-and-possibly-beheaded-in-public-street-in-london/659040)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/soldier-murdered-and-possibly-beheaded-in-public-street-in-london/659040 "2013-09-27T20:34:47Z")
Apparently a Soldier who was around 500 yards away from Woolrich Barracks was ran down and beheaded. So, in light of this, what will this now do for relations between communities in London, and in the UK at large? --- ## [On Abolishing Taxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-abolishing-taxes/669033)
**Author:** [@Gateway](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gateway)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/on-abolishing-taxes/669033 "2013-09-27T12:03:41Z")
These are my thoughts on why abolishing taxes could be an effective and possibly moral action in society. This is not a finite conclusion but some ideas yet to be concluded. -Taxes go against property rights. I make a … --- ## [Why are Democrats opposed to school vouchers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-democrats-opposed-to-school-vouchers/669084)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 247\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 10:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-democrats-opposed-to-school-vouchers/669084 "2013-09-27T10:17:51Z")
It seems that Terry McAuliffe is the latest Democrat to send his children to an elite private school while opposing vouchers for poor students. McAuliffe sends four children to Potomac School, where tuition is well ove… --- ## [Suicide =\\= Selfishness](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suicide-selfishness/669466)
**Author:** [@LinusK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LinusK)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 3:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suicide-selfishness/669466 "2013-09-27T03:01:35Z")
I see, or read or hear this, sometimes, whenever the subject gets brought up. Usually the form is “Suicide is the ultimate kind of selfishness.” Most recently, in real life, about a colleague who killed himself. A woman … --- ## [Military chaplains not recognizing same-sex partners: okay or church-state violation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-chaplains-not-recognizing-same-sex-partners-okay-or-church-state-violation/669739)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [September 27, 2013, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/military-chaplains-not-recognizing-same-sex-partners-okay-or-church-state-violation/669739 "2013-09-27T02:49:24Z")
From here: I understand not witnessing or blessing the marriages, but not to offer marriage counseling? That seems to cross a line in my head. And the refusing to acknowledge a spouse at a retirement, promotion, or fun… --- ## [Now we know why it's taking longer than we thought...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-we-know-why-its-taking-longer-than-we-thought/669047)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 6:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/now-we-know-why-its-taking-longer-than-we-thought/669047 "2013-09-26T06:14:50Z")
On this site we like our cites and set our sights on using them to back up our positions on contentious issues such as gun control, climate change, and political partisanship. After all, when it comes to eradicating ign… --- ## [Obama passing the ball to Congress for now - predictions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-passing-the-ball-to-congress-for-now-predictions/667710)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 408\ **Last updated:** [September 26, 2013, 5:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-passing-the-ball-to-congress-for-now-predictions/667710 "2013-09-26T05:09:15Z")
There is an interesting political situation here now with Obama’s request for Congress to approve the action (let’s put the wisdom of attack on Syria and military/foreign policy consequences aside for now, and just look … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=257) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=259)