# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=274 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 275 --- ## [Quantum paradox scenario: What would happen?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-paradox-scenario-what-would-happen/52280)
**Author:** [@Determinist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Determinist)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [June 21, 2013, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/quantum-paradox-scenario-what-would-happen/52280 "2013-06-21T16:00:09Z")
I can’t suspend my disbelief long enough to watch movies that involve any kind of time travel because of their absurd errors. However, yesterday I watched the film Frequency where, through some phenomena, a son finds him… --- ## [Why does the right give a pass to damaging corporate behavior?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-right-give-a-pass-to-damaging-corporate-behavior/661092)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2013, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-does-the-right-give-a-pass-to-damaging-corporate-behavior/661092 "2013-06-20T20:34:57Z")
Ok, here’s an example. This commentary references a Forbes article talking about how Walmart is using more temp workers as a response to increased health care costs from Obamacare. So the basic gist is that because of … --- ## [Could it be possible that homosexuals are really athesist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-it-be-possible-that-homosexuals-are-really-athesist/660225)
**Author:** [@Mr\_Quatro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr_Quatro)\ **Replies:** 329\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2013, 7:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-it-be-possible-that-homosexuals-are-really-athesist/660225 "2013-06-20T19:46:13Z")
because there are no holes in my bible that this practice is sinfully wrong. Therefore are homosexuals really just athesist denying that God the father has tagged sex with another male (among other things they do wrong)… --- ## [Is the word "retarded" offensive when applied to somebody who is diagnosed as mentally retarded?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-word-retarded-offensive-when-applied-to-somebody-who-is-diagnosed-as-mentally-retarded/660905)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 20, 2013, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-word-retarded-offensive-when-applied-to-somebody-who-is-diagnosed-as-mentally-retarded/660905 "2013-06-20T13:44:13Z")
This might be more IMHO, but I’ll let the mods decide. Sarah Palin is having a tweetwar with Bill Maher because he referred to her son Trig as “retarded”. Story. I don’t have the slightest problem believing that Bill … --- ## [Do you think linking UFOs with the paranormal is healthy for either discussion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-linking-ufos-with-the-paranormal-is-healthy-for-either-discussion/660976)
**Author:** [@RadioActiveRich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RadioActiveRich)\ **Replies:** 307\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2013, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-you-think-linking-ufos-with-the-paranormal-is-healthy-for-either-discussion/660976 "2013-06-19T20:16:45Z")
Whether you believe in UFOs or in paranormal phenomena, do you think linking these two subjects is a good thing? Why or why not? It seems to me that they are very separate indeed and that linking the two discredits them… --- ## [AIDS' Effect on the Gay Rights Movement.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-effect-on-the-gay-rights-movement/660792)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2013, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aids-effect-on-the-gay-rights-movement/660792 "2013-06-19T20:04:42Z")
Most of the people I’ve read who have commented on historical affect of AIDS agree it is and was tragic and disastrous, which of course I agree with. But when commenting on the affect it had on the gay rights movement (m… --- ## [Okay, so does this canadian ex defense minister know something we don't?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-so-does-this-canadian-ex-defense-minister-know-something-we-dont/332842)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2013, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-so-does-this-canadian-ex-defense-minister-know-something-we-dont/332842 "2013-06-19T13:50:47Z")
http://news.yahoo.com/s/prweb/20051124/bs\_prweb/prweb314382\_1 Wtf? WTF? Is Trudeau a known loon? Alternatively, is there some plausible and purely terrestrial political reason for something like this? (The story fra… --- ## [Bob Tur and Sex Change](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-tur-and-sex-change/660959)
**Author:** [@Trinopus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trinopus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2013, 12:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bob-tur-and-sex-change/660959 "2013-06-19T12:47:07Z")
Bob Tur was, for many years, a helicopter pilot who broadcast traffic and weather reports in the Los Angeles area. He had a brief brush with fame during the Rodney King riots, when L.A. police chief Darryl Gates called … --- ## [DNA gathering legal once arrested](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dna-gathering-legal-once-arrested/660046)
**Author:** [@sleestak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleestak)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2013, 4:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dna-gathering-legal-once-arrested/660046 "2013-06-18T16:14:14Z")
I didn’t see a thread on this which kinda surprised me. Anyhoo… It is now legal for the police to take a DNA sample of anyone who has been arrested. Link. Not sure where I stand on this. My gut instinct is that this i… --- ## [I suppose one way to fight back against government eavesdropping . . .](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-suppose-one-way-to-fight-back-against-government-eavesdropping/660898)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 44\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2013, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-suppose-one-way-to-fight-back-against-government-eavesdropping/660898 "2013-06-18T14:27:11Z")
. . . would be an Internet campaign to get millions of people to call and email and text each other and discuss completely imaginary conspiracies to rob, murder, assassinate, bomb, etc. Making it impossible for the eave… --- ## [Edward Snowden: why extradite if you can't convict him?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/edward-snowden-why-extradite-if-you-cant-convict-him/661081)
**Author:** [@BrokenBriton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrokenBriton)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2013, 3:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/edward-snowden-why-extradite-if-you-cant-convict-him/661081 "2013-06-18T03:16:55Z")
If you need 12 or 11 members of a jury to agree to convict, and only 30% of the jury population of the USA believes Snowden has committed any crime - nevermind crimes on this scale: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-505263\_… --- ## [Was the Cold War nuclear threat for real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-cold-war-nuclear-threat-for-real/661076)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2013, 7:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-cold-war-nuclear-threat-for-real/661076 "2013-06-17T19:30:35Z")
And by “real” I mean was there a real and actual threat of the Soviet Union launching a basically little provoked nuclear attack against the USA, or the USA doing the same? It seems well insane, and totally out of propor… --- ## [Is it possible for a white person to use the n-word and not be a racist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-for-a-white-person-to-use-the-n-word-and-not-be-a-racist/578919)
**Author:** [@Rachellelogram](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rachellelogram)\ **Replies:** 206\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2013, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-possible-for-a-white-person-to-use-the-n-word-and-not-be-a-racist/578919 "2013-06-17T17:47:16Z")
I’m asking because of an incident that happened in my WoW guild’s chat tonight. It’s a pretty typical immature white-kid-gamer atmosphere, lots of n-words\* being thrown around but everybody in the guild is white. meh… I … --- ## [Would the discovery of vast lithium deposits change the electric vehicle game?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-discovery-of-vast-lithium-deposits-change-the-electric-vehicle-game/660873)
**Author:** [@Try2B\_Comprehensive](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Try2B_Comprehensive)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2013, 12:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-the-discovery-of-vast-lithium-deposits-change-the-electric-vehicle-game/660873 "2013-06-17T00:06:33Z")
I am wondering what would happen if lithium supply followed a path similar to the recent boom in natural gas supplies. The price of natural gas has behaved like this. It is tough to get a good answer to what the price o… --- ## [Self aiming rifle that 'turns novices into experts'](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-aiming-rifle-that-turns-novices-into-experts/659352)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2013, 10:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/self-aiming-rifle-that-turns-novices-into-experts/659352 "2013-06-16T22:13:51Z")
Another gun thread? Bo-ring. But wait…this one is about a rifle with Linux, wi-fi and the same technology behind air-to-air missiles! In Austin, TX (where else?), a company has developed an advanced rifle that reportedl… --- ## [Symbiosis does not develop over time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/symbiosis-does-not-develop-over-time/660054)
**Author:** [@reef\_shark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/reef_shark)\ **Replies:** 175\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2013, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/symbiosis-does-not-develop-over-time/660054 "2013-06-16T17:25:55Z")
Can anyone please cite an example of a symbiotic relationship (not just mutualistic) relationship developing over time, please? Thank you, these citations were refused to me in the GQ thread. --- ## [Evolution vs. Creation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-vs-creation/17446)
**Author:** [@system](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/system)\ **Replies:** 225\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2013, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-vs-creation/17446 "2013-06-15T23:06:13Z")
I think this is the place for an Evolution vs. Creation debate. What do you think? --- ## [What would have to be true for "UFO" aliens to be real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-have-to-be-true-for-ufo-aliens-to-be-real/659459)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2013, 11:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-have-to-be-true-for-ufo-aliens-to-be-real/659459 "2013-06-14T23:47:07Z")
That is to say, not the scientists/astronomers idea of extraterrestrial life, but UFO aliens as portrayed in popular culture and urban myth? If the following general scenario were true: \[ul\] \[li\]Disk-shaped craft capab… --- ## [Illuminati vs. Jesus \[a debate about evolution\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illuminati-vs-jesus-a-debate-about-evolution/627889)
**Author:** [@reef\_shark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/reef_shark)\ **Replies:** 639\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2013, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/illuminati-vs-jesus-a-debate-about-evolution/627889 "2013-06-14T15:37:19Z")
Continuing here from the 9/11 thread. --- ## [Why is the Cross Worshipped?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-cross-worshipped/659825)
**Author:** [@Norma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Norma)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2013, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-is-the-cross-worshipped/659825 "2013-06-14T13:42:24Z")
The symbol comes from the ancient sun sign and it was used as a weapon of terror and execution by Roman Emperors, including Constantine who established the Catholic Church. He tortured, maimed and killed all who would no… --- ## [NSA intentional false positives \[closed duplicate\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-intentional-false-positives-closed-duplicate/660978)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2013, 11:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nsa-intentional-false-positives-closed-duplicate/660978 "2013-06-14T11:32:02Z")
Talking over beers, a few people have mentioned intentionally including “trigger words” in their texts, emails, and phone conversations. Thoughts? If enough people include a “jihad” or two in every conversation will it … --- ## [Should genes be patented?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-genes-be-patented/655758)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2013, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-genes-be-patented/655758 "2013-06-13T17:46:18Z")
The Supremes are taking up a case concerning whether a biotech firm should be allowed to patent a specific gene they’ve identified. Story here. I’m going to have to do some more reading up on the issues, but my initial… --- ## [Your theories on neuro chemical balance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-theories-on-neuro-chemical-balance/660816)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2013, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/your-theories-on-neuro-chemical-balance/660816 "2013-06-13T16:52:41Z")
What do you feel defines a well balanced person? What components do you consider important in attaining good balance? If spirituality or equivalent is a necessary component what are some of the components you would con… --- ## [The NSA is collecting America’s phone data. Again.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nsa-is-collecting-america-s-phone-data-again/660262)
**Author:** [@I\_Made\_French\_Toast\_For\_You](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/I_Made_French_Toast_For_You)\ **Replies:** 178\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2013, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nsa-is-collecting-america-s-phone-data-again/660262 "2013-06-13T16:30:16Z")
A breaking story from The Guardian reports that the National Security Agency issued a court order requiring Verizon to disclose, daily, the phone records of millions of Americans. The order was approved by the secret FIS… --- ## [Rise of the Religious Right](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rise-of-the-religious-right/660879)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2013, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rise-of-the-religious-right/660879 "2013-06-13T13:40:52Z")
Why did the RR rise in the 1980s? Was it the hippies’ growing old and conservative? Or was it their parents? Or what?? --- ## [Single moms and married men never leaving wives?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-moms-and-married-men-never-leaving-wives/660752)
**Author:** [@Whitney\_Harper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whitney_Harper)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2013, 1:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/single-moms-and-married-men-never-leaving-wives/660752 "2013-06-13T01:11:39Z")
I often hear two contrasting phrases: The phrase “single moms” and I also hear a lot that “married men never leave their wives for the other woman”. Is it that the single women are having babies out of wedlock or that m… --- ## [The logic behind believing or not believing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-logic-behind-believing-or-not-believing/660226)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 196\ **Last updated:** [June 13, 2013, 12:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-logic-behind-believing-or-not-believing/660226 "2013-06-13T00:54:24Z")
I have friend who is constantly saying that a logical, intelligent critical thinker could not possibly believe in God. That is my debate question. The question does not relate to the actual existence of a God it is simpl… --- ## [Should the government pay to rebuild West, TX and how much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-government-pay-to-rebuild-west-tx-and-how-much/660840)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2013, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-government-pay-to-rebuild-west-tx-and-how-much/660840 "2013-06-12T20:03:38Z")
AP story about how FEMA has denied West, TX’s fertilizer plant explosion a “major disaster declaration”, thus denying additional funds for the town to rebuild. The story notes that such a decision is not abnormal and of… --- ## [Local Economy and Big Boxes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-economy-and-big-boxes/659911)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2013, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/local-economy-and-big-boxes/659911 "2013-06-11T23:49:05Z")
This HuffPo story states that one particular big box store will cost the area/state’s taxpayers nearly a million dollars a year in public assistance for some of its 300 employees, according to a study put out by congress… --- ## [Black church opposition to marriage equality in Illinois](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-church-opposition-to-marriage-equality-in-illinois/659839)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2013, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-church-opposition-to-marriage-equality-in-illinois/659839 "2013-06-11T23:11:05Z")
Black churches are probably the reason Illinois didn’t pass same sex marriage today. Chicago Sun=Times story …Stubborn resistance within the House Black Caucus, a 20-member bloc of African-American lawmakers who have f… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=273) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=275)