# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=30 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 31 --- ## [European 'dopers...US military engagement with Europe](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-dopers-us-military-engagement-with-europe/959563)
**Author:** [@XT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/XT)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [March 1, 2022, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/european-dopers-us-military-engagement-with-europe/959563 "2022-03-01T03:50:17Z")
I was watching some videos earlier on several European countries that are talking about deepening ties with the US with respect to military engagements or new basing. This was not exactly universally supported, as there… --- ## [Fermi's Paradox and the 'Prime Directive'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fermis-paradox-and-the-prime-directive/930582)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [February 28, 2022, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fermis-paradox-and-the-prime-directive/930582 "2022-02-28T16:42:42Z")
I have to tell you, I often do wonder about things like Fermi’s Paradox and its possible solutions. I know in the fictional Star Trek universe, they have this thing called the Prime Directive. That they will not interfe… --- ## [Ukraine - UN Art 51 (collective self-defense)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-un-art-51-collective-self-defense/960167)
**Author:** [@CoolHandCox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CoolHandCox)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [February 27, 2022, 8:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ukraine-un-art-51-collective-self-defense/960167 "2022-02-27T08:24:50Z")
I haven’t seen this, not just here, but anywhere. Maybe I’m not looking all that well. I’m just seeing NATO stuff, but nothing re: United Nations. Two questions, one factual, one debatable. (1) Can a country come to … --- ## [Side issues to Gun Owner Liability threads](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/side-issues-to-gun-owner-liability-threads/940111)
**Author:** [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [February 24, 2022, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/side-issues-to-gun-owner-liability-threads/940111 "2022-02-24T19:11:01Z")
Then you are concerned about 17 yos being killed in gang wars? Teens killing themselves? Those are the major causes of child gun deaths. Accidentally being killed with the parents gun is not. None of those have anythi… --- ## [Cancel Culture and Virtue Signaling -- What’s the case against them?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-culture-and-virtue-signaling-what-s-the-case-against-them/959459)
**Author:** [@Roger\_That](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Roger_That)\ **Replies:** 270\ **Last updated:** [February 23, 2022, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cancel-culture-and-virtue-signaling-what-s-the-case-against-them/959459 "2022-02-23T22:18:43Z")
Far as I can tell, I’m all for them both. I don’t even understand what someone is telling me when they find anything wrong with either, but maybe I’m not seeing what I’m doing wrong. For example, I don’t watch much spo… --- ## [What will happen if the ACA is overturned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-if-the-aca-is-overturned/938444)
**Author:** [@Hari\_Seldon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hari_Seldon)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [February 22, 2022, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-will-happen-if-the-aca-is-overturned/938444 "2022-02-22T04:11:36Z")
SCOTUS is still considering the ACA and, with RGB replaced by ACB, I figure it is much higher than 50% that it will be overturned. What is likely to happen then? --- ## [Should New York Times v Sullivan be overturned?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-new-york-times-v-sullivan-be-overturned/959639)
**Author:** [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [February 20, 2022, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-new-york-times-v-sullivan-be-overturned/959639 "2022-02-20T02:36:36Z")
Currently in FQ there is a discussion going on about Palin v New York Times. It is mentioned several times that is an attempt to get the Court to reconsider Sullivan. What if they did? Really lowered the bar for libel/s… --- ## [Fermi Paradox and A 'Prime Directive'?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fermi-paradox-and-a-prime-directive/959804)
**Author:** [@Jim\_B](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jim_B)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [February 19, 2022, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fermi-paradox-and-a-prime-directive/959804 "2022-02-19T22:25:26Z")
Now, I know the Fermi’s Paradox has been done to death, on these, and just about every other board. So I want to make clear that this is not just an average one of those, all over again. It’s just I’ve noticed that here… --- ## ["A White person would never be able to publicly use the n-word again and not pay a price"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-white-person-would-never-be-able-to-publicly-use-the-n-word-again-and-not-pay-a-price/959424)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 73\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2022, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-white-person-would-never-be-able-to-publicly-use-the-n-word-again-and-not-pay-a-price/959424 "2022-02-18T22:04:27Z")
There’s a CNN article making the rounds that’s claiming The podcaster Joe Rogan did not join a mob that forced lawmakers to flee for their lives. He never carried a Confederate flag inside the US Capitol rotunda. No on… --- ## [Lack of Freewill doesn't mean lack of choice](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lack-of-freewill-doesnt-mean-lack-of-choice/954128)
**Author:** [@LeftforDead](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LeftforDead)\ **Replies:** 332\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2022, 1:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lack-of-freewill-doesnt-mean-lack-of-choice/954128 "2022-02-18T13:15:21Z")
The truth of the lack of free will is not in conflict with the concept, the necessity of choice. Rather, it is because of this absence of free will that we are bound by this necessity. --- ## [Should the Federal Reserve raise interest rates in 2022?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-federal-reserve-raise-interest-rates-in-2022/957402)
**Author:** [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [February 18, 2022, 1:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-federal-reserve-raise-interest-rates-in-2022/957402 "2022-02-18T01:42:33Z")
I am on team transitory in regards to inflation and think the USA should maintain a very loose monetary policy keeping interact rates basically zero. The supply chain issue will ease but there will be hiccups throughout… --- ## [Judge prevents at-will hospital employees from quitting and working new jobs \[resolved: they may quit/start new jobs\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judge-prevents-at-will-hospital-employees-from-quitting-and-working-new-jobs-resolved-they-may-quit-start-new-jobs/958223)
**Author:** [@BeepKillBeep](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BeepKillBeep)\ **Replies:** 499\ **Last updated:** [February 17, 2022, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judge-prevents-at-will-hospital-employees-from-quitting-and-working-new-jobs-resolved-they-may-quit-start-new-jobs/958223 "2022-02-17T21:06:48Z")
So a judge has ordered 7 employees at a hospital from quitting and working their new jobs. The employees were at-will, so they could have been fired without notice and they can quit without notice. Interestingly, some … --- ## [Black History Month is taught the wrong way](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-history-month-is-taught-the-wrong-way/959182)
**Author:** [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/black-history-month-is-taught-the-wrong-way/959182 "2022-02-15T18:56:48Z")
Did you know that the first black certified public accountant in America was black? Well, yes, you did know that. And if I were to go on the PA after the morning announcements and tell you that person’s name, date of b… --- ## [What are the largest, most recent Russia/Ukraine-type invasions?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-largest-most-recent-russia-ukraine-type-invasions/959401)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-are-the-largest-most-recent-russia-ukraine-type-invasions/959401 "2022-02-15T02:05:47Z")
Basically what the title asks. Russia recently annexed Crimea, and looks poised to potentially annex more of Ukraine. What were the largest/most significant similar forceful annexations in the last 20-50 years? I’m th… --- ## [What did the anti-war left want us to to in regards with Japan prior to World War 2?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-anti-war-left-want-us-to-to-in-regards-with-japan-prior-to-world-war-2/958884)
**Author:** [@Asuka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Asuka)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [February 15, 2022, 12:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-did-the-anti-war-left-want-us-to-to-in-regards-with-japan-prior-to-world-war-2/958884 "2022-02-15T00:50:14Z")
A very common anti-war sentiment seen in both left and right wing circles, but lately I’ve read examples stemming from left leaning media that are summarized as such. From the book The Fighting Sullivans: How Hollywood … --- ## [How can an organization balance the scales in the eyes of the public?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-an-organization-balance-the-scales-in-the-eyes-of-the-public/959047)
**Author:** [@Love\_Rhombus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Love_Rhombus)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [February 14, 2022, 4:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-can-an-organization-balance-the-scales-in-the-eyes-of-the-public/959047 "2022-02-14T04:44:28Z")
Had a discussion with my students re: Chik-fil-A. They’ve given money to anti-LGBTQ causes, but they’ve also contributed to charities and community organizations. The kids were (mostly) of the firm belief that the one do… --- ## [If Tobacco were Banned, would the Ban Fail like Prohibition did?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-tobacco-were-banned-would-the-ban-fail-like-prohibition-did/958310)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-tobacco-were-banned-would-the-ban-fail-like-prohibition-did/958310 "2022-02-12T22:49:39Z")
Inspired by the modern discovery of alcohol thread, these are a couple of questions that have been rattling around in my head. Would a modern day prohibition on tobacco fail like the 18th amendment? Would marijuana leg… --- ## [Under what circumstances should a cop shooting someone be justified?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-circumstances-should-a-cop-shooting-someone-be-justified/919153)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 324\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/under-what-circumstances-should-a-cop-shooting-someone-be-justified/919153 "2022-02-12T22:49:32Z")
There would probably be broad agreement on the Dope that if a cop has already been shot, and his assailant is firing more shots at him, that the cop is justified in shooting back to prevent further harm. Or, if someone i… --- ## [Texas Abortion Case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-abortion-case/709281)
**Author:** [@RitterSport](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RitterSport)\ **Replies:** 253\ **Last updated:** [February 12, 2022, 5:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/texas-abortion-case/709281 "2022-02-12T05:27:11Z")
Here’s the NY Times article: Texas Abortion Clinic Rules Tested in Appeals Court - The New York Times The case is about a Texas law that requires abortion clinics to meet equipment and safety standards of ambulatory su… --- ## [Why has Kidnapping for Cash Ransom Practically Disappeared in the USA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-kidnapping-for-cash-ransom-practically-disappeared-in-the-usa/958517)
**Author:** [@Two\_Many\_Cats2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Two_Many_Cats2)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [February 11, 2022, 11:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-has-kidnapping-for-cash-ransom-practically-disappeared-in-the-usa/958517 "2022-02-11T11:13:24Z")
I read a very interesting book a while back entitled The Kidnap Years by David Stout. It was about a spate of kidnappings for cash back in the Twenties and Thirties. It covered the Lindbergh kidnapping, of course. But… --- ## [If alcohol (for consumption) were discovered only recently, wouldn't it be classified an illegal drug?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-alcohol-for-consumption-were-discovered-only-recently-wouldnt-it-be-classified-an-illegal-drug/958215)
**Author:** [@Velocity](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velocity)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [February 10, 2022, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-alcohol-for-consumption-were-discovered-only-recently-wouldnt-it-be-classified-an-illegal-drug/958215 "2022-02-10T15:19:06Z")
Alcohol leads to a lot more violent behavior and breakdown in families, violent crimes, dangerous driving, etc. than marijuana, for instance - and can certainly be addictive - yet it’s the latter, marijuana, that is most… --- ## [Another mass shooting in the US (Texas)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-mass-shooting-in-the-us-texas/800811)
**Author:** [@kambuckta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kambuckta)\ **Replies:** 274\ **Last updated:** [February 8, 2022, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-mass-shooting-in-the-us-texas/800811 "2022-02-08T14:53:08Z")
A gunman has fired on churchgoers in Texas Early reports are up to 24 dead. :frowning: --- ## [Where does your or my success come from?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-your-or-my-success-come-from/957946)
**Author:** [@Napier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Napier)\ **Replies:** 74\ **Last updated:** [February 4, 2022, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-does-your-or-my-success-come-from/957946 "2022-02-04T03:46:27Z")
It’d be great to hear that there’s a name for this concept. I’d like to learn more about what others have figured out. The question: what’s the reason each of us is as successful as we are, whether very or not very? Ac… --- ## [Split the US into 3](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-the-us-into-3/924652)
**Author:** [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [February 3, 2022, 5:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/split-the-us-into-3/924652 "2022-02-03T05:24:06Z")
The last couple of days, I’ve been thinking that if Trump wins another term, perhaps we should just admit that the “continental” US is a failed experiment, and divide the country to better represent the very different so… --- ## [Kevin Byrd v. Ray Lamb (Absolute immunity case, eh)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kevin-byrd-v-ray-lamb-absolute-immunity-case-eh/956198)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [January 29, 2022, 5:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/kevin-byrd-v-ray-lamb-absolute-immunity-case-eh/956198 "2022-01-29T17:21:29Z")
The basics: Kevin Byrd received notice that his ex-GF, the mother of this son, had been in a very bad car accident. He drove to the hospital to see her and then drove to the bar where she and her current BF has been th… --- ## [Mark Rober, glitter bombs, and booby trapping](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-rober-glitter-bombs-and-booby-trapping/956190)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 118\ **Last updated:** [January 28, 2022, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/mark-rober-glitter-bombs-and-booby-trapping/956190 "2022-01-28T16:58:48Z")
For those that don’t know him, Mark Rober has a large following on YouTube as he engineers “Glitter bombs” to try to deter porch thieves. He’s been at it for years and his latest video can be found here. I 100% support… --- ## [Gun owner’s liability insurance](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-owner-s-liability-insurance/958412)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [January 26, 2022, 12:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gun-owner-s-liability-insurance/958412 "2022-01-26T12:12:21Z")
San Jose, California will require gun owners to carry liability insurance: This is sure to be challenged in court; will it stand? Should it stand? --- ## [Is Hoda Muthana a US citizen & should she be allowed back in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hoda-muthana-a-us-citizen-should-she-be-allowed-back-in-the-us/829942)
**Author:** [@Snowboarder\_Bo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snowboarder_Bo)\ **Replies:** 192\ **Last updated:** [January 22, 2022, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-hoda-muthana-a-us-citizen-should-she-be-allowed-back-in-the-us/829942 "2022-01-22T15:52:26Z")
AP story here. Basically, Hoda Muthana is a lady who left the US to join the Islamic State. She married twice; both husbands were killed while fighting. She had a son with one of the two men. She now says she regrets… --- ## [5G, Telecom vs Aviation: who is right?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5g-telecom-vs-aviation-who-is-right/958077)
**Author:** [@SpacemanSpiff\_II](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SpacemanSpiff_II)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [January 21, 2022, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/5g-telecom-vs-aviation-who-is-right/958077 "2022-01-21T22:53:14Z")
Not sure this belongs in GD, but it sounds like a hotly debated topic elsewhere, at least, and there might be opinions on both sides of the issue here as well. Emirates president: The 5G snafu is the biggest screwup I’v… --- ## [ATVs & Dirt Bikes Running Wild - Can anything be Done?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atvs-dirt-bikes-running-wild-can-anything-be-done/956789)
**Author:** [@MikeF](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MikeF)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [January 15, 2022, 12:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atvs-dirt-bikes-running-wild-can-anything-be-done/956789 "2022-01-15T12:08:29Z")
I don’t know if Great Debates is the proper place for this so feel free to move, Mods. Unlicensed quads and dirt bikes tearing up and down city street has become the norm in many areas. Locally, I watched a pack of 15-2… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=29) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=31)