# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=295 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 296 --- ## [Mystic Daniel Douglas Home](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystic-daniel-douglas-home/646556)
**Author:** [@Hottius\_Maximus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hottius_Maximus)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2013, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mystic-daniel-douglas-home/646556 "2013-01-10T15:32:34Z")
At the height of the spiritualism craze way back when, there was a man who levitated in front of people by walking out a window and around the house to enter into another window that had no ledges. This man’s name was D… --- ## ["Scientific" vetting of miracles is incompatible with Christian faith](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-vetting-of-miracles-is-incompatible-with-christian-faith/646511)
**Author:** [@Human\_Action](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Human_Action)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [January 10, 2013, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scientific-vetting-of-miracles-is-incompatible-with-christian-faith/646511 "2013-01-10T01:00:31Z")
Inspired by this thread. There is a persistent tendency in some Christian to attempt to use science to bolster claims of the literal truth of the bible. Creation science and Baraminology are examples of this. Another a… --- ## [Gun control, Tyranny and Genocide...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-control-tyranny-and-genocide/645800)
**Author:** [@Kable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kable)\ **Replies:** 312\ **Last updated:** [January 9, 2013, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-control-tyranny-and-genocide/645800 "2013-01-09T03:57:45Z")
Except for the “satanic” comment I thought this was really well written, and reasonably well referenced, though I’m no historian. http://lawreview.wustl.edu/inprint/75-3/753-4.html I’d be interested to hear any specifi… --- ## [Transgendered person kicked out of a gender divided bathhouse/spa](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transgendered-person-kicked-out-of-a-gender-divided-bathhouse-spa/645777)
**Author:** [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Replies:** 387\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2013, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/transgendered-person-kicked-out-of-a-gender-divided-bathhouse-spa/645777 "2013-01-08T19:10:48Z")
I’m having something of a quandry, and was hoping to get some thoughts from some of the smartest people on the internet (as well as a few dipsticks) before I come to any conclusions myself. So there’s this Korean bathho… --- ## [What would have happened to the Manhattan Project if the Japanese had surrendered on July 15?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-have-happened-to-the-manhattan-project-if-the-japanese-had-surrendered-on-july-15/646352)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2013, 3:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-have-happened-to-the-manhattan-project-if-the-japanese-had-surrendered-on-july-15/646352 "2013-01-08T03:37:28Z")
What would have happened if the Japanese had chosen to surrender on the eve of the Trinity test? I presume that the test would have been conducted anyway. Would we have just committed Fat Man and Little Boy to plain ol… --- ## [Dems Dumb For Making Repubs SecDef](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dems-dumb-for-making-repubs-secdef/646265)
**Author:** [@2sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2sense)\ **Replies:** 68\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2013, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dems-dumb-for-making-repubs-secdef/646265 "2013-01-08T03:20:13Z")
The Hagel nomination is dumb. Democratic presidents shouldn’t nominate Republicans as Secretary of Defense. The perception is that their party is soft. The more prominent Democrats with solid security credentials the bet… --- ## [Is DeLay going down?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-delay-going-down/298028)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 251\ **Last updated:** [January 8, 2013, 12:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-delay-going-down/298028 "2013-01-08T00:30:10Z")
Alternate title: “Has The Hammer met a harder anvil?” We should all know by now that House Majority Leader and Representative from Texas (22nd District) has been taking it hard on the ol’ ethics front lately. Fundrais… --- ## [It's Absurd to Have the Right To Start a Pre-emptive War.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-absurd-to-have-the-right-to-start-a-pre-emptive-war/646169)
**Author:** [@pchaos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pchaos)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/its-absurd-to-have-the-right-to-start-a-pre-emptive-war/646169 "2013-01-07T20:26:38Z")
I wish that the U.S. had decided against the pre-emptive war in Iraq. These type of wars have been fought in the past but it is clearly bad precedent. If the right to a pre-emptive war became an established rule of pub… --- ## [Scott Peterson: Innocent or guilty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-peterson-innocent-or-guilty/565194)
**Author:** [@Annie-Xmas](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Annie-Xmas)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 6:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scott-peterson-innocent-or-guilty/565194 "2013-01-07T18:58:36Z")
Simply moving the train wreck that started in this thread, courtesy of Voice of Sanity. --- ## [Is "niggardly" an acceptable word for a 4th grade teacher to use?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-niggardly-an-acceptable-word-for-a-4th-grade-teacher-to-use/126968)
**Author:** [@astro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/astro)\ **Replies:** 385\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-niggardly-an-acceptable-word-for-a-4th-grade-teacher-to-use/126968 "2013-01-07T18:05:51Z")
Teacher reprimanded for word choice Per this story I was all set to be outraged at the oppressive school administrator and ignorant, hypersensitive parent, but in thinking about it further… Niggardly is, in and of its… --- ## [what does the word 'liberal' really mean?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-word-liberal-really-mean/645054)
**Author:** [@wildorchid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wildorchid)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 9:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-does-the-word-liberal-really-mean/645054 "2013-01-07T09:46:19Z")
What does the word ‘liberal’ really mean? …not necessarily in a political context… who is a real liberal? how would you describe a true liberal? who are some historical examples of true liberals? --- ## [Determining The Proper Age of Consent](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/determining-the-proper-age-of-consent/646240)
**Author:** [@DevilMayhem666](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DevilMayhem666)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 5:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/determining-the-proper-age-of-consent/646240 "2013-01-07T05:44:33Z")
The definition of consent in the legal dictionary. The age of sexual consent is usually set at 14 to 16 worldwide, rarely below the former and rarely above the latter. But what is the appropriate age to say one is trul… --- ## [Assault Weapons Ban debate is a counter productive waste of time](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assault-weapons-ban-debate-is-a-counter-productive-waste-of-time/645690)
**Author:** [@China\_Guy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/China_Guy)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/assault-weapons-ban-debate-is-a-counter-productive-waste-of-time/645690 "2013-01-07T01:40:34Z")
The current debate on assault weapons limitations and Brady Bill part 2 is counter productive. With a homicide rateand homicide by firearmsrate at least 2x greater than any other developed country in the world, the US h… --- ## [A modest gun control proposal: First, confiscate all guns.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-modest-gun-control-proposal-first-confiscate-all-guns/645614)
**Author:** [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Replies:** 100\ **Last updated:** [January 7, 2013, 1:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-modest-gun-control-proposal-first-confiscate-all-guns/645614 "2013-01-07T01:25:28Z")
Well, just the ones that load cartridges and use smokeless powder. But as it’s un-American to just take stuff, I propose an exchange program. Not the usual WalMart gift card, but like for like except with black powder … --- ## [Why do we want the apocalypse?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-want-the-apocalypse/631021)
**Author:** [@armedmonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/armedmonkey)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2013, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-we-want-the-apocalypse/631021 "2013-01-06T23:21:22Z")
I have no debatable proposition, but I do have a debatable question: Why do we want the apocalypse? We, regardless of if we are religious or not, seem to be fascinated by the idea of the “End of the World!”. Think abo… --- ## [Critique this execution method](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-execution-method/645470)
**Author:** [@Critical1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Critical1)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2013, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-execution-method/645470 "2013-01-06T22:01:22Z")
yeah this is a bit of a response to another thread. no I am not really here to debate the death penalty just the method of execution. going for the most humane for all parties involved I post the following method. 1 cre… --- ## [What if Maddeo Ricci converted the Chinese emperor.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-maddeo-ricci-converted-the-chinese-emperor/646033)
**Author:** [@Namkcalb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Namkcalb)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2013, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-maddeo-ricci-converted-the-chinese-emperor/646033 "2013-01-06T16:43:00Z")
During the 16th century, The Jesuits had missionaries in the Chinese court. They were not successful in converting the emperor or his family. What would have happened if they were successful? Lets assume the pope does… --- ## [Hoo boy. The Supremes are taking on DOMA and Prop 8.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoo-boy-the-supremes-are-taking-on-doma-and-prop-8/643363)
**Author:** [@LawMonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LawMonkey)\ **Replies:** 102\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2013, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hoo-boy-the-supremes-are-taking-on-doma-and-prop-8/643363 "2013-01-06T11:40:53Z")
Story here. That they took both makes me nervous–the DOMA case is a fairly modest, incremental step, but as I recall the Prop 8 ruling was broad enough that it might make even Justice Kennedy uncomfortable. --- ## [Suicide, homicide, guns, and society.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suicide-homicide-guns-and-society/645346)
**Author:** [@DSeid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSeid)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2013, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suicide-homicide-guns-and-society/645346 "2013-01-06T01:14:24Z")
Some background: It may be true that the United States still has a high homicide rate compared to other industrialized countries but our homicide rate has, since peaking in the early 90s, been dropping dramatically eve… --- ## [If cold fusion achieved, could the oil companies squash it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-cold-fusion-achieved-could-the-oil-companies-squash-it/646105)
**Author:** [@Endopotential](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Endopotential)\ **Replies:** 29\ **Last updated:** [January 6, 2013, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-cold-fusion-achieved-could-the-oil-companies-squash-it/646105 "2013-01-06T00:39:34Z")
For all you conspiracy theorists out there… Fusion as a clean energy source potentially offers much to help our ailing planet. Let’s say some scientist was on the verge of actually achieving safe and sustainable fusion… --- ## [Is Boehner toast as Speaker?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-boehner-toast-as-speaker/645844)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2013, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-boehner-toast-as-speaker/645844 "2013-01-05T16:58:24Z")
How can a speaker who can only get about 33% of his party on board for one of the most important votes in this term retain his speakership? I understand that there will be many “but the GOP is so radical” responses, but… --- ## [Was "The Hurricane" Guilty?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-hurricane-guilty/644399)
**Author:** [@Hottius\_Maximus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hottius_Maximus)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2013, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/was-the-hurricane-guilty/644399 "2013-01-05T08:17:18Z")
I saw the Denzel Washington movie several years ago, and of course it made it look like the boxer was framed by a racist society. While I know many an African American has suffered the consequences of simply “being blac… --- ## [Why do a lot, if not almost all, of mens' rights type folk seem to be anti woman?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-a-lot-if-not-almost-all-of-mens-rights-type-folk-seem-to-be-anti-woman/644989)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 110\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2013, 7:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-a-lot-if-not-almost-all-of-mens-rights-type-folk-seem-to-be-anti-woman/644989 "2013-01-05T07:57:43Z")
As a man, in principle I’m a huge supporter of mens’ rights. But almost all the stuff I look at w.r.t. men rights seems to not so much be pro-men, as anti-women. No rational man, and remember the whole “reason” for men… --- ## [Should a ten day waiting period be instituted for abortions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-ten-day-waiting-period-be-instituted-for-abortions/645356)
**Author:** [@gunchris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gunchris)\ **Replies:** 97\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2013, 7:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-a-ten-day-waiting-period-be-instituted-for-abortions/645356 "2013-01-05T07:32:02Z")
Currently, their is a ten day waiting period for your right to own a gun in CA, if rights are subject to these kinds of laws, why cant the state implement them across the board? Waiting periods for abortions, its for th… --- ## [Who is going to pay for health insurance for those individuals who cannot afford it?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-going-to-pay-for-health-insurance-for-those-individuals-who-cannot-afford-it/645593)
**Author:** [@Alzarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alzarian)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [January 5, 2013, 6:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-is-going-to-pay-for-health-insurance-for-those-individuals-who-cannot-afford-it/645593 "2013-01-05T06:15:09Z")
I could use some assistance on this one. I’m in the midst of having a discussion with someone who is rather upset about the upcoming changes coming about because of the Affordable Healthcare Act. Her main complaint see… --- ## [If You're Not Paying For The Product, You Are The Product](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-paying-for-the-product-you-are-the-product/645950)
**Author:** [@Jas09](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jas09)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2013, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youre-not-paying-for-the-product-you-are-the-product/645950 "2013-01-04T21:28:54Z")
So, yesterday Andrew Sullivan announced that his blog is going independent on a subscription + “pay what you want” + no ads + freemium + hit meter basis. Josh Marshall at Talking Points Memo did something similar awhile… --- ## [How important are motivations when judging the morality of an action?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-are-motivations-when-judging-the-morality-of-an-action/645715)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2013, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-important-are-motivations-when-judging-the-morality-of-an-action/645715 "2013-01-04T16:22:39Z")
I didn’t want to hijack this thread, so I thought I’d start a new one. In it one poster said that he thought the motivation of the actor is an important part of judging the action’s morality- and I disagreed. I use the… --- ## [Hate speech laws.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-speech-laws/644881)
**Author:** [@CCitizen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CCitizen)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2013, 3:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-speech-laws/644881 "2013-01-04T15:30:37Z")
In USA any hate speech short of threats of violence and provable slander is legal. According to SNYDER v. PHELPS ET AL. Even the group which has publicly stated that all Americans deserve to die has won the First Amand… --- ## [Don't we have an obligation as a society to look at ways to ban violent computer shooter games?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-we-have-an-obligation-as-a-society-to-look-at-ways-to-ban-violent-computer-shooter-games/644210)
**Author:** [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Replies:** 208\ **Last updated:** [January 4, 2013, 3:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dont-we-have-an-obligation-as-a-society-to-look-at-ways-to-ban-violent-computer-shooter-games/644210 "2013-01-04T03:09:21Z")
I guess we need to discuss the elephant in the debate room. :slight\_smile: Violent shooter games have been a glaring problem ever since Columbine. It seems like nearly every mass shooter since has also been a heavy game… --- ## [Are quorums an archaic relic of the past?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-quorums-an-archaic-relic-of-the-past/645852)
**Author:** [@YogSothoth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/YogSothoth)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [January 3, 2013, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-quorums-an-archaic-relic-of-the-past/645852 "2013-01-03T23:17:45Z")
I have an idea to reform the way governmental bodies in the US work but I’m not sure if its a good idea or bad. I can see both sides. I remember when Democrats fled the Texas statehouse (and I think in Wisconsin too) t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=294) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=296)