# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=277 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 278 --- ## [Does Buddhism require a belief in the supernatural?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-buddhism-require-a-belief-in-the-supernatural/583427)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 255\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2013, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-buddhism-require-a-belief-in-the-supernatural/583427 "2013-05-24T23:39:31Z")
I don’t know much about Zen Buddhism, but Theravada Buddhism requires a belief in the supernatural in much the same way that Christianity requires a belief in the supernatural – that is, one could presumably say, “I foll… --- ## [Jonathan Karl at ABC News and Dan Rather at CBS News: What's the fucking difference?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jonathan-karl-at-abc-news-and-dan-rather-at-cbs-news-whats-the-fucking-difference/659003)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2013, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jonathan-karl-at-abc-news-and-dan-rather-at-cbs-news-whats-the-fucking-difference/659003 "2013-05-24T21:47:18Z")
In September, 2004, Dan Rather did a 60 Minutes segment questioning President George W. Bush’s Texas Air National Guard record. Conservative activists challenged the authenticity of the documents used for the report. A … --- ## [When the suburbs erupt into flames and violence - it was only inevitable....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-suburbs-erupt-into-flames-and-violence-it-was-only-inevitable/659005)
**Author:** [@scamartistry](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/scamartistry)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2013, 2:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-the-suburbs-erupt-into-flames-and-violence-it-was-only-inevitable/659005 "2013-05-24T14:20:02Z")
In the lefitst narrative it is often portrayed as a cry for help and a reach out from the suppressed unprivileged masses. Examples are scant, from Paris to London to Scandinavia. Now, are there any solid fact about thes… --- ## [Punishment is a sadistic ritual and the justice system is meant to protect the criminal](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punishment-is-a-sadistic-ritual-and-the-justice-system-is-meant-to-protect-the-criminal/658682)
**Author:** [@donnie\_darko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/donnie_darko)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2013, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punishment-is-a-sadistic-ritual-and-the-justice-system-is-meant-to-protect-the-criminal/658682 "2013-05-24T12:24:50Z")
Most people seem to be naturally vengeful. After all about 70% of Americans support the death penalty and polls I’ve seen and posts I’ve read throughout the Internet support this figure and suggest it’s similar in other … --- ## [Taunting... Does taunter deserve what comes to them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taunting-does-taunter-deserve-what-comes-to-them/658835)
**Author:** [@emoticorpse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emoticorpse)\ **Replies:** 36\ **Last updated:** [May 24, 2013, 8:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/taunting-does-taunter-deserve-what-comes-to-them/658835 "2013-05-24T08:09:40Z")
The definition of a Taunt being understood, if someone taunts somebody else I think the reaction to the taunt would be well deserved. I understand some, maybe most would say well certain responses will be going overboard… --- ## [Praying to God to reveal himself....](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/praying-to-god-to-reveal-himself/658910)
**Author:** [@JohnClay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JohnClay)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2013, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/praying-to-god-to-reveal-himself/658910 "2013-05-23T19:18:01Z")
Jesus’s disciple Thomas said: I want to be like Thomas… I am unable to believe without sufficient evidence so it seems I won’t be blessed. My relatives all believe. My sisters are fundamentalist Pentecostals. My si… --- ## [Is it legal for the IRS to politically single out associations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-for-the-irs-to-politically-single-out-associations/658130)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2013, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-legal-for-the-irs-to-politically-single-out-associations/658130 "2013-05-23T12:55:10Z")
Currently the IRS has “apologied” for what the NYTimes genteely headlined as “over zealous” behavior–singling out and heavily querying tax-exempt requests for any organizations with Tea Part" or “patriot” in their name. … --- ## [What happens the day after Palestinian Independence?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-the-day-after-palestinian-independence/659008)
**Author:** [@Ryan\_Liam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ryan_Liam)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2013, 4:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-happens-the-day-after-palestinian-independence/659008 "2013-05-23T04:17:50Z")
There will have to be an eventual process in which there is a two state solution (with removal of settlements clearly defined borders) However, this lead me wondering, how do the Israelis and Palestinians or the Arab wor… --- ## [Sow the Wind, Reap the Worldwind: Okla. Senators Oppose Disaster Relief for OTHER States](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sow-the-wind-reap-the-worldwind-okla-senators-oppose-disaster-relief-for-other-states/659027)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [May 23, 2013, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sow-the-wind-reap-the-worldwind-okla-senators-oppose-disaster-relief-for-other-states/659027 "2013-05-23T02:23:24Z")
In the wake of the tragic Moore, Oklahoma tornado comes another story of stupid Republican hypocrisy: the state’s two senators, Jim Imhofe and Tom Coburn. Says the Huffington Post in an article on the topic: They voted… --- ## [Would financial regulations at the state or city level do anything](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-financial-regulations-at-the-state-or-city-level-do-anything/659063)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2013, 10:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-financial-regulations-at-the-state-or-city-level-do-anything/659063 "2013-05-22T22:32:51Z")
If federal level financial regulations are not effective enough, and the banks are now more fragile than they were before the crisis it is probable we will have another collapse. Can anything be done at the state level … --- ## [At what point will the Global Warming Debate be resolved?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-will-the-global-warming-debate-be-resolved/653473)
**Author:** [@desertmonk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/desertmonk)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2013, 2:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-point-will-the-global-warming-debate-be-resolved/653473 "2013-05-22T02:46:21Z")
I assume (perhaps wrongly) that at some point in the future there will not be a debate about Global Warming. One side will have won. What will it take for that to happen? --- ## [Saint Paul Never Quotes The Gospels?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saint-paul-never-quotes-the-gospels/211600)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2013, 12:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/saint-paul-never-quotes-the-gospels/211600 "2013-05-22T00:44:56Z")
In my (informal) NT Bible study, I am struck by the fact that Paul (author of over half of the NT) never appears to quote from the Gospels! I may be wrong (please correct me!), but it seems to me that he (Paul) should ha… --- ## [Why doesn't the US Negotiate with Terrorists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-the-us-negotiate-with-terrorists/658720)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [May 22, 2013, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-doesnt-the-us-negotiate-with-terrorists/658720 "2013-05-22T00:28:35Z")
Why doesn’t the US? --- ## [What effect does Belief in Free Will have on Human Society?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-effect-does-belief-in-free-will-have-on-human-society/658877)
**Author:** [@Pjen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pjen)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2013, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-effect-does-belief-in-free-will-have-on-human-society/658877 "2013-05-21T23:22:35Z")
What would life be like if we accepted the scientific argument that all actions are mere results of determined or random brain functions and no non-physical causes exist? --- ## [12-year old kid pwns a Las Vegas cop](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-year-old-kid-pwns-a-las-vegas-cop/657705)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2013, 9:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/12-year-old-kid-pwns-a-las-vegas-cop/657705 "2013-05-21T21:31:53Z")
This may be the first recorded instance of a cop being a punk and a kid being a righteous authority figure: Video here. The cop is a dick and should be reprimanded if not fired outright. I know I don’t want him walkin… --- ## [Was everything I believed about energy wrong?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-everything-i-believed-about-energy-wrong/658865)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2013, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-everything-i-believed-about-energy-wrong/658865 "2013-05-21T17:25:51Z")
During my college years–I started in 2000–I believed a lot of things about the energy industry. Generally speaking, my beliefs could be summarized as fossil fuels=bad, renewable energy sources=good. When I look back fr… --- ## [Free speech limits on bumper stickers and t-shirts](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-limits-on-bumper-stickers-and-t-shirts/658809)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2013, 6:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/free-speech-limits-on-bumper-stickers-and-t-shirts/658809 "2013-05-21T06:38:29Z")
I think I know the answer to this, but was interested in hearing other folks’ thoughts. Driving yesterday I passed a jeep which had a decal saying “Only on a jeep” accompanied by an stick-figure image of guy having sex … --- ## [Cats: Natures Most Perfect Living Thing](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-natures-most-perfect-living-thing/658767)
**Author:** [@madsircool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/madsircool)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2013, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cats-natures-most-perfect-living-thing/658767 "2013-05-21T04:10:13Z")
Felines are natures most perfect creation. How, you ask? 1)They are physically superior. They can jump many times their own height. They can fall from multi story buildings and survive. They are lightening quick and agi… --- ## [KURSK: Worst German Military Disaster?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kursk-worst-german-military-disaster/417438)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 169\ **Last updated:** [May 21, 2013, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kursk-worst-german-military-disaster/417438 "2013-05-21T02:20:19Z")
I was reading about the June, 1943, battle of Kursk, in the Russian Campaign. It was a disaster for the German Panzer Armies-they ost thousands of tanks, including many of the new Tigers and Leopards. As well, they took … --- ## [We've learned these last few days that the government is too big](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weve-learned-these-last-few-days-that-the-government-is-too-big/658491)
**Author:** [@adaher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/adaher)\ **Replies:** 130\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2013, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/weve-learned-these-last-few-days-that-the-government-is-too-big/658491 "2013-05-20T16:39:16Z")
http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/299829-axelrod-government-too-big-for-obama-to-have-known-about-irs-targeting David Axelrod: Part of being president is there’s so much beneath you that you can’t know be… --- ## [Robbery gone very wrong - defensive gun use](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robbery-gone-very-wrong-defensive-gun-use/658615)
**Author:** [@yellowjacketcoder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/yellowjacketcoder)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2013, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/robbery-gone-very-wrong-defensive-gun-use/658615 "2013-05-20T14:15:33Z")
There’s a video involved that shows a man using a gun in self-defense against a robbery, killing the robber. Video spoilered since it show someone being killed I’m putting this in GD because I figure it will spawn a d… --- ## ["The Rapidly Shrinking Federal Deficit"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rapidly-shrinking-federal-deficit/655454)
**Author:** [@NotfooledbyW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotfooledbyW)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [May 20, 2013, 3:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-rapidly-shrinking-federal-deficit/655454 "2013-05-20T03:52:38Z")
Will Republicans/Tea Partiers/their pundits and pols and all anti-big bovt goofballs everywhere be forced to quit the constant lie that Obama and Democrats are big government spenders that are solely responsible for the … --- ## [Did Minnesota come up with the great compromise re: Gay Marriage?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-minnesota-come-up-with-the-great-compromise-re-gay-marriage/657990)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2013, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-minnesota-come-up-with-the-great-compromise-re-gay-marriage/657990 "2013-05-19T22:23:53Z")
Next week, Minnesota is set to legalize gay marriage by redefining how the government recognizes ALL marriages. HF 1054 was passed yesterday by the House and it has the Senate and Governor’s backing. The text of the bill … --- ## [Legal hypothetical about the Cleveland kidnapping](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-hypothetical-about-the-cleveland-kidnapping/658544)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [May 19, 2013, 3:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/legal-hypothetical-about-the-cleveland-kidnapping/658544 "2013-05-19T03:17:45Z")
This is a hypothetical question about the infamous Ariel Castro case: Suppose some random concerned citizen had walked past the house at some point, and seen (presumably through a window) or heard something that seemed t… --- ## [decentralize government and conservative anarchist or libertarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decentralize-government-and-conservative-anarchist-or-libertarian/654712)
**Author:** [@sweat209](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweat209)\ **Replies:** 341\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2013, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/decentralize-government-and-conservative-anarchist-or-libertarian/654712 "2013-05-18T22:15:28Z")
I read this all the time on message boards of libertarian movement of talk of big government today:o :o but I don’t mean in sense of oh we don’t believe in big government but way the US was in past. Is the US most decen… --- ## [Is nonviolent activism still effective in the Age of Infinite Crises?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-nonviolent-activism-still-effective-in-the-age-of-infinite-crises/658459)
**Author:** [@Reply](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Reply)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2013, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-nonviolent-activism-still-effective-in-the-age-of-infinite-crises/658459 "2013-05-18T20:39:40Z")
We now live in a world of a thousand woes and ten thousand protests. A new crisis arises seemingly every other month: The wars. The climate. GMO foods. Gay rights. Banks. Tuition. Gun rights. And so forth. Topic 1: Ever… --- ## [Has the media "turned" on Obama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-media-turned-on-obama/658323)
**Author:** [@Diceman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diceman)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2013, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-the-media-turned-on-obama/658323 "2013-05-18T16:11:24Z")
For years, it seemed like the media was in love with Obama. They reported his every move and constantly fawned over him. In the last couple of months (since a couple weeks after he was re-elected, basically) the media … --- ## [Did Rand Paul say political involvement of parents of gunned down kids is inappropriate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-rand-paul-say-political-involvement-of-parents-of-gunned-down-kids-is-inappropriate/656003)
**Author:** [@NotfooledbyW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotfooledbyW)\ **Replies:** 234\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2013, 3:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-rand-paul-say-political-involvement-of-parents-of-gunned-down-kids-is-inappropriate/656003 "2013-05-18T15:03:43Z")
Isn’t calling the families who have lost precious loved one’s to random senseless gun violence - ‘props’ - a declaration that they are wrong and improperly involved in the gun violence debate on Capital Hill and on TV? … --- ## [Aye or Nay on a "Reform Negotiator"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aye-or-nay-on-a-reform-negotiator/658639)
**Author:** [@itsharkley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/itsharkley)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [May 18, 2013, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/aye-or-nay-on-a-reform-negotiator/658639 "2013-05-18T02:55:14Z")
“Company Intervener” “Production influencer” Whatever. Do you, like me, believe that there should be an occupation that speaks for the majority by vote, that goes around negotiating with current companies on changing … --- ## [Ex-West EMT moved to undisclosed location](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ex-west-emt-moved-to-undisclosed-location/658507)
**Author:** [@Habakkuk3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Habakkuk3)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [May 17, 2013, 11:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ex-west-emt-moved-to-undisclosed-location/658507 "2013-05-17T23:53:34Z")
This may not be pit-worthy, it probably is not, but everyone hates my guts here and no doubt any responses would belong in the Pit. The link gives some background - but the latest is that this former EMT in West, Texas … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=276) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=278)