# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=283 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 284 --- ## [If the current U.S. - North Korea tension comes to war, what would a U.S. or SK occupation look like](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-current-u-s-north-korea-tension-comes-to-war-what-would-a-u-s-or-sk-occupation-look-like/654814)
**Author:** [@tabrisangel19](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tabrisangel19)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2013, 9:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-current-u-s-north-korea-tension-comes-to-war-what-would-a-u-s-or-sk-occupation-look-like/654814 "2013-04-04T21:57:46Z")
I’ve read a lot of articles on what a war with North Korea or regime collapse might look like. Seoul ravaged by artillery fire. Lots of starving North Koreans heading towards China and the DMZ. Now fast forward, what kin… --- ## [Obama signs "Monsanto Protection Act" into law despite protests](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-signs-monsanto-protection-act-into-law-despite-protests/654224)
**Author:** [@lavenderviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lavenderviolet)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2013, 8:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-signs-monsanto-protection-act-into-law-despite-protests/654224 "2013-04-04T08:35:51Z")
If anyone was starting to doubt that big corporations essentially own the US government… --- ## [If the Founding Fathers were told about Sandy Hooks, would the 2nd Amendment end up the same?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-founding-fathers-were-told-about-sandy-hooks-would-the-2nd-amendment-end-up-the-same/654710)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2013, 4:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-the-founding-fathers-were-told-about-sandy-hooks-would-the-2nd-amendment-end-up-the-same/654710 "2013-04-04T04:21:23Z")
Time for that old GD favourite, guns! Apologies if the topic is somewhat stale. The United States Constitution is a fascinating document, but the Founders would probably be horrified by the amount of reverence it gets, … --- ## [Corporal Punishment should not be reintroduced in School?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corporal-punishment-should-not-be-reintroduced-in-school/654086)
**Author:** [@hardikgoyals](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hardikgoyals)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2013, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corporal-punishment-should-not-be-reintroduced-in-school/654086 "2013-04-04T03:46:55Z")
Why do you think the Corporal Punishment should not be reintroduced in Schools?:wink: --- ## [US General uses "V" word in Afghan War - Only 4 US Combat Deaths since Jan 1.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-general-uses-v-word-in-afghan-war-only-4-us-combat-deaths-since-jan-1/652554)
**Author:** [@NotfooledbyW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NotfooledbyW)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2013, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/us-general-uses-v-word-in-afghan-war-only-4-us-combat-deaths-since-jan-1/652554 "2013-04-04T01:08:26Z")
How many readers are aware that only four Americans have been killed in combat in Afghanistan for the past 2 months and 10 days. That is a huge decrease in casualties not seen that low since 2007. We have the outgoing U… --- ## [What Wins Wictory When Waging Wars](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wins-wictory-when-waging-wars/653871)
**Author:** [@smiling\_bandit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smiling_bandit)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 4, 2013, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-wins-wictory-when-waging-wars/653871 "2013-04-04T00:58:45Z")
This is a takeoff of the general hostility to Wesley Clark’s position http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=685739&page=2 Specifically, the comment: “No, nations win because of how technologically advance… --- ## [What is the psychology behind the right wing fear of disenfranchisement](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-psychology-behind-the-right-wing-fear-of-disenfranchisement/653111)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2013, 8:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-psychology-behind-the-right-wing-fear-of-disenfranchisement/653111 "2013-04-03T08:04:11Z")
Yeah I know, this is a liberal board and various kinds of conservatives don’t feel this way, etc. One thing I’ve seen from various conservatives is a very non-ironic fear of them being disenfranchised and persecuted, ev… --- ## [Do Some Regimes Not Have The Moral Right to Exist?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-regimes-not-have-the-moral-right-to-exist/654405)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 3, 2013, 6:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-some-regimes-not-have-the-moral-right-to-exist/654405 "2013-04-03T06:47:19Z")
This past month having been the 10th annivesary of the war in Iraq, there was naturally was some talk of how the Iraq War was not just mistaken or had horrible consequences but that it was immoral and a war crime (not ju… --- ## [Why Are We Getting Gay Marriage, But Not Universal Health Care?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-getting-gay-marriage-but-not-universal-health-care/654581)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 41\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2013, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-are-we-getting-gay-marriage-but-not-universal-health-care/654581 "2013-04-02T18:42:56Z")
In case it gets lost in what follows, I am for gay marriage. But I would be dishonest if I didn’t admit to having been a homophobe most of my life, and I think most of my peers (I’m a male American in his 50’s) would ha… --- ## [Gay Marriage and federal spending controls](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-marriage-and-federal-spending-controls/654520)
**Author:** [@Laudenum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Laudenum)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2013, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gay-marriage-and-federal-spending-controls/654520 "2013-04-02T15:00:22Z")
Hi all, The first thing to remember, is that I’m Irish. Not American, but Irish. So there may be a very simple, very obvious explanation for this question, that those of you born under a federal system would see insta… --- ## [Anyplace in the U.S.A. where Veterans are Actively Disliked?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyplace-in-the-u-s-a-where-veterans-are-actively-disliked/653792)
**Author:** [@Goosie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Goosie)\ **Replies:** 42\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2013, 12:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anyplace-in-the-u-s-a-where-veterans-are-actively-disliked/653792 "2013-04-02T12:05:40Z")
Are there any places in the U.S.A. where it’s better not to admit you’re a Veteran? (Even WW2 Veterans or Veterans who never actually participated in a war?) --- ## [A North Korean Freaky Friday - what do you do as Supreme Leader?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-north-korean-freaky-friday-what-do-you-do-as-supreme-leader/654223)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 2, 2013, 8:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-north-korean-freaky-friday-what-do-you-do-as-supreme-leader/654223 "2013-04-02T08:23:41Z")
I know there’s a load of threads about NK, but I want to look at it from a different angle - namely, what if Kim Jong-un had a Heel Face Turn and turned from the path of tyranny and wanted to genuinely improve the lives … --- ## [If God Communicated with Humans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-god-communicated-with-humans/654006)
**Author:** [@AnthonyElite](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AnthonyElite)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2013, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-god-communicated-with-humans/654006 "2013-04-01T22:12:59Z")
This is somewhat inspired by the similar thread about god presenting himself in the modern day. My main reason for not believing in organized religion is that I am supposed to believe the second-hand accounts of observa… --- ## [Did Teddy Kennedy doom universal health care multiple times](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-teddy-kennedy-doom-universal-health-care-multiple-times/654300)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2013, 3:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-teddy-kennedy-doom-universal-health-care-multiple-times/654300 "2013-04-01T03:05:08Z")
So I have heard that Ted Kennedy didn’t want Nixon’s health care plan to get passed because he felt that would be giving the republicans a victory that Kennedy felt should go to the democrats. So he blocked it. Anyone kn… --- ## [Levy barred from Libya for being Jewish, should Sarkozy have refused to go?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/levy-barred-from-libya-for-being-jewish-should-sarkozy-have-refused-to-go/653983)
**Author:** [@Ibn\_Warraq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibn_Warraq)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 1, 2013, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/levy-barred-from-libya-for-being-jewish-should-sarkozy-have-refused-to-go/653983 "2013-04-01T00:50:27Z")
http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/author-barred-from-libya-for-being-jewish-8546522.html If this story is true, it is quite extraordinary. Bernard Henri Levy was one of the vocal supporters of NATO suppo… --- ## [Psychics fail scientific test.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychics-fail-scientific-test/639448)
**Author:** [@Indian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indian)\ **Replies:** 194\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2013, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/psychics-fail-scientific-test/639448 "2013-03-31T16:28:31Z")
The test by researchers at Goldsmiths, University of London, tried to establish whether mediums could use psychic abilities to identify something about five unseen volunteers. The results, carried out under test conditi… --- ## [What sort of pope will Pope Francis be?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sort-of-pope-will-pope-francis-be/652845)
**Author:** [@Saint\_Cad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Saint_Cad)\ **Replies:** 179\ **Last updated:** [March 31, 2013, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-sort-of-pope-will-pope-francis-be/652845 "2013-03-31T03:32:27Z")
Clearly not a GQ. Interesting that he is from the America and took a regnal name that had never been used before but I don’t think this indicates a reform pope. He seems very conservative and especially anti-homosexual… --- ## [Books about Jesus and The Passion that are more "accessible "](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-about-jesus-and-the-passion-that-are-more-accessible/654317)
**Author:** [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2013, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/books-about-jesus-and-the-passion-that-are-more-accessible/654317 "2013-03-30T20:24:15Z")
Before I start my OP, I would ask that this thread not become mired in Witnessing. This is a threat asking questions about and discussing modern literature written with a very specific point in mind. Last year I read Th… --- ## [Bank deposits get the "haircut" treatment in Cyprus. What happens next?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bank-deposits-get-the-haircut-treatment-in-cyprus-what-happens-next/653089)
**Author:** [@Dog80](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dog80)\ **Replies:** 163\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2013, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/bank-deposits-get-the-haircut-treatment-in-cyprus-what-happens-next/653089 "2013-03-30T14:53:10Z")
Cypriot bank deposits hit in €10bn bailout Savers bear brunt of unprecedented Cyprus bailout TL;DR version: Bank accounts with over 100K euro got a 10% haircur, while accounts with under 100K euro ~6% haircut. A 50% of… --- ## [Could we convict major bank and Wall Street figures?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-convict-major-bank-and-wall-street-figures/653463)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 207\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2013, 2:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-we-convict-major-bank-and-wall-street-figures/653463 "2013-03-30T14:01:28Z")
With all the shenanigans going on in the banking industry and financial institutions, there’s a real feeling out there (at least on the liberal side) that we could put many/most/all of the people they feel responsible (t… --- ## [Family fights back when 3 gunmen storm their home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-fights-back-when-3-gunmen-storm-their-home/651203)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 161\ **Last updated:** [March 30, 2013, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/family-fights-back-when-3-gunmen-storm-their-home/651203 "2013-03-30T11:31:16Z")
This family got lucky. Their son may have saved all their lives that night. http://www.khou.com/news/local/21-year-old-protects-family-kills-suspect-during-home-invasion-in-NW-Harris-County-192475271.html --- ## [International politics of the Cyprus situation](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-politics-of-the-cyprus-situation/654228)
**Author:** [@Lubricious\_Integument](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lubricious_Integument)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2013, 8:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-politics-of-the-cyprus-situation/654228 "2013-03-29T20:31:33Z")
Today I heard Mark Steyn state that Cyprus is to Russia as the Caymans are to Mitt Romney. a) Is that true? b) If Cyprus is a tax haven for Russia what is the effect of the haircut and the economic situation in general… --- ## [Would Obama have been elected if like FDR he used a wheelchair?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-obama-have-been-elected-if-like-fdr-he-used-a-wheelchair/653453)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2013, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-obama-have-been-elected-if-like-fdr-he-used-a-wheelchair/653453 "2013-03-29T20:18:01Z")
Reading up about the life and times of FDR, came across the lengths he went to conceal his paralysis from the public - very few photographs of FDR in his wheelchair exist, he taught himself to laboriously walk with brace… --- ## [Is AG Eric Holder a 'Crypto-Conservative'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ag-eric-holder-a-crypto-conservative/654077)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [March 29, 2013, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-ag-eric-holder-a-crypto-conservative/654077 "2013-03-29T19:28:23Z")
Is US Attorney General a “crypto-conservative”? (I think the usu. term is “crypto-fascist”. But that term seems a little strong. So I will use a less strong term.) I have suspected this for some time. I will give you th… --- ## [Should the UK Government help Hong Kong](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-uk-government-help-hong-kong/652291)
**Author:** [@AndyAu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AndyAu)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [March 28, 2013, 7:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-uk-government-help-hong-kong/652291 "2013-03-28T07:42:47Z")
Hong Kong people are not asked to vote yes or no by the UK and Chinese government. They WERE SOLD DOWN THE RIVER. THEY WERE SOLD LIKE CARGO \*\*\* The Three points to be done by the UK government : The British Government… --- ## [Any evidence that caste systems produced genetically selected personality traits?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-evidence-that-caste-systems-produced-genetically-selected-personality-traits/653704)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2013, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/any-evidence-that-caste-systems-produced-genetically-selected-personality-traits/653704 "2013-03-27T23:27:53Z")
If a division between the rulers and the ruled persists long enough and exclusively enough, can it produce populations of naturally domineering and naturally submissive people? When being aggressive and defiant is a succ… --- ## [Who really killed Montezuma? Hernando Cortez' army or the Aztecs?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-really-killed-montezuma-hernando-cortez-army-or-the-aztecs/652968)
**Author:** [@davidmich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidmich)\ **Replies:** 35\ **Last updated:** [March 27, 2013, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-really-killed-montezuma-hernando-cortez-army-or-the-aztecs/652968 "2013-03-27T15:02:07Z")
Hi My questiojn is this. Who really killed Montezuma? Hernando Cortez’ army or the Aztecs?I’ve read both versions and I would likle to know where the most recent studies stand on this issue. What do most scholarly histo… --- ## [Are morals entirely arbitrary...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-morals-entirely-arbitrary/653934)
**Author:** [@Qwertol](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qwertol)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2013, 9:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-morals-entirely-arbitrary/653934 "2013-03-26T21:44:40Z")
and simply creation of a culture? In other worlds can you meaningfully argue that one moral system is better than another or do you have to make completely arbitrary choice of one moral system and you are only capable o… --- ## [Could Colin Powell have stopped the Iraq war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-colin-powell-have-stopped-the-iraq-war/653535)
**Author:** [@pseudotriton\_ruber\_ruber](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pseudotriton_ruber_ruber)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2013, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-colin-powell-have-stopped-the-iraq-war/653535 "2013-03-26T08:16:05Z")
Using your 20/20 hindsight, speculate on whether Colin Powell, if he had come to his senses/grown some balls/been a diffferent person, etc., might have realized “Holy shit! Everything the adminsitration is claiming is we… --- ## [Settlement in lieu of a suit, how is this not extortion?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settlement-in-lieu-of-a-suit-how-is-this-not-extortion/653763)
**Author:** [@grude](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/grude)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [March 26, 2013, 5:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/settlement-in-lieu-of-a-suit-how-is-this-not-extortion/653763 "2013-03-26T05:39:19Z")
Short story is that state laws around the USA allow retailers to pursue civil restitution against \ shoplifters, even in cases where no legal case was brought. As a random example lets say you buy a soda at … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=282) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=284)