# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=312 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 313 --- ## [Resolved: We need a longer school year](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-we-need-a-longer-school-year/633740)
**Author:** [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Replies:** 112\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2012, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-we-need-a-longer-school-year/633740 "2012-09-11T13:05:49Z")
Should we retain the 3-month summer vacation traditional in the US? This CNN columnist says no. Born of agricultural needs, summer vacations are something many of us look fondly upon. My own family, for several genera… --- ## [Conflicting Deontological Duties](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conflicting-deontological-duties/634147)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 11, 2012, 11:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conflicting-deontological-duties/634147 "2012-09-11T11:50:33Z")
\[QUOTE=about.com\] A common criticism of deontological moral systems is that they provide no clear way to resolve conflicts between moral duties. a deontological moral system should include both a moral duty not to lie a… --- ## [Adaher Supports French UHC, What Country Do you Want To Emulate?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adaher-supports-french-uhc-what-country-do-you-want-to-emulate/632278)
**Author:** [@fumster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fumster)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [September 10, 2012, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/adaher-supports-french-uhc-what-country-do-you-want-to-emulate/632278 "2012-09-10T15:06:14Z")
Adaher thinks the US should adopt the French model of UHC. What country’s system do you think the US should copy? --- ## [Colonialism vs Federalism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonialism-vs-federalism/634205)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2012, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colonialism-vs-federalism/634205 "2012-09-09T20:51:48Z")
When one discusses the merits of colonialism, cannot their arguments address federalism as well? I often see Americans rail against their federal government, pejoratively refer to government agents as feds and demand mo… --- ## [Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965: Good idea or bad?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-and-nationality-act-of-1965-good-idea-or-bad/633933)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [September 9, 2012, 1:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/immigration-and-nationality-act-of-1965-good-idea-or-bad/633933 "2012-09-09T01:44:30Z")
Spinoff from this thread on the Ted Kennedy video at the DNC – particularly, this exchange: And then everybody called LonesomPolecat out on that (he has not yet responded that I can see). But, it raises an interesti… --- ## [American History: Is this the way parties switch?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-history-is-this-the-way-parties-switch/634047)
**Author:** [@wonky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wonky)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2012, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-history-is-this-the-way-parties-switch/634047 "2012-09-08T19:56:15Z")
Note: I don’t believe (or want) that the Republican and Democratic parties are really going to switch on this issue. It is merely for illustration so I can get some sense of it. Historically, Republicans and Democrats… --- ## [Why SPECIFICALLY do Republicans hate Obama?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-specifically-do-republicans-hate-obama/553181)
**Author:** [@Meeko](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Meeko)\ **Replies:** 157\ **Last updated:** [September 8, 2012, 1:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-specifically-do-republicans-hate-obama/553181 "2012-09-08T01:51:27Z")
I hear a lot of people claiming that the past “two years” have been the worst ever. \*\* I just don’t see it. \*\* What are Republicans complaining about, exactly? --- ## [In a free and modern society, all people should have the right to every amenity convicted felons get](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-free-and-modern-society-all-people-should-have-the-right-to-every-amenity-convicted-felons-get/633884)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2012, 4:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/in-a-free-and-modern-society-all-people-should-have-the-right-to-every-amenity-convicted-felons-get/633884 "2012-09-07T16:41:47Z")
I’m thinking through the title statement- I’m not sure if I believe it, but I find it compelling to think about. For the sake of this thread, I’m talking about free and modern societies in general- not any specific free… --- ## [At what age does one become "knowledgeable"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-does-one-become-knowledgeable/633892)
**Author:** [@Zapp\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zapp_S)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2012, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/at-what-age-does-one-become-knowledgeable/633892 "2012-09-07T14:29:18Z")
You all know the type of guy – either in real life or here on the board – can give exhaustive and to-the-point answer to pretty much any topic. I wonder whether it is only more experienced (i.e. older) people who had had… --- ## [Did Obama really raise the deficit that much?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-obama-really-raise-the-deficit-that-much/633153)
**Author:** [@Learjeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Learjeff)\ **Replies:** 77\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2012, 11:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-obama-really-raise-the-deficit-that-much/633153 "2012-09-07T11:07:16Z")
Did Obama really raise the debt or deficit as much as my father (who has an IV to Fox News) tells me, compared with Bush? Or did the swelling of the budget in his first term reflect things that were set in motion alread… --- ## [Suppose the Catholic Church made amends for the scandals. What would you like see them do?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-the-catholic-church-made-amends-for-the-scandals-what-would-you-like-see-them-do/633239)
**Author:** [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Replies:** 93\ **Last updated:** [September 7, 2012, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/suppose-the-catholic-church-made-amends-for-the-scandals-what-would-you-like-see-them-do/633239 "2012-09-07T02:21:31Z")
Suppose the CC really regretted any or all of the major scandals and wanted to make amends/reorganize/solve problems. How, exactly, could they do that? Usually, churches in disregard have a more viable branch split off… --- ## [Iraq casus belli was Saddam wanting oil to be traded in euros](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-casus-belli-was-saddam-wanting-oil-to-be-traded-in-euros/633639)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2012, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/iraq-casus-belli-was-saddam-wanting-oil-to-be-traded-in-euros/633639 "2012-09-06T23:49:19Z")
I was speaking to a guy on Sunday who stated that the real reason for the Iraq War was that Saddam was agitating to get oil to be traded in euros. I was thinking about it and I am not sure I agree with him on that. Fir… --- ## [Ancient nuclear war](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-nuclear-war/633190)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2012, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ancient-nuclear-war/633190 "2012-09-06T19:10:13Z")
One of the woo-woo ideas out there is that a nuclear war took place in the ancient past, perhaps circa 2500 bca, inspiring accounts in the Hindu vedas and other ancient myths. I doubt this is true; my question is, is thi… --- ## [Ninth Circuit Upholds Injunction Against AZ Immigration Law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ninth-circuit-upholds-injunction-against-az-immigration-law/577982)
**Author:** [@Richard\_Parker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Parker)\ **Replies:** 104\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2012, 1:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ninth-circuit-upholds-injunction-against-az-immigration-law/577982 "2012-09-06T13:16:45Z")
Hot off the docket: http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/datastore/general/2011/04/11/10-16645\_opinion.pdf So this panel at least thinks that key parts of the law are likely preempted. Are they right? I think they are, as this… --- ## [How did other countries pass their (high) gas taxes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-other-countries-pass-their-high-gas-taxes/580969)
**Author:** [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [September 6, 2012, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-other-countries-pass-their-high-gas-taxes/580969 "2012-09-06T12:53:11Z")
I’m in the camp that thinks the gas taxes in the US are way too low. CAFE is a joke, and the current crop of cars that are popular here are way too big. I decided years ago that the best way to “reduce our dependence o… --- ## [volunteering in africa (aka philanthropic tourism).](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volunteering-in-africa-aka-philanthropic-tourism/632591)
**Author:** [@Dr.Colossus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Colossus)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2012, 8:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/volunteering-in-africa-aka-philanthropic-tourism/632591 "2012-09-05T20:53:17Z")
i dunno if i am just a bad human, so misanthropic and cynical i can’t see the value, or if my logic is sound. so, resolve: what is the point of suburban white college kids volunteering to go to africa to “help them?” m… --- ## [Evolution of intelligence in other habitable planets?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-of-intelligence-in-other-habitable-planets/633138)
**Author:** [@ryanl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ryanl)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2012, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/evolution-of-intelligence-in-other-habitable-planets/633138 "2012-09-05T16:52:13Z")
Inspired by the ET strong AI thread: what is the likelihood intelligent life evolved outside of Earth? For that matter, what is the likelihood that human-like intelligence could evolve again after humans are hypothetical… --- ## [Is there any religious explanation to the origins of Native Americans?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-religious-explanation-to-the-origins-of-native-americans/633463)
**Author:** [@Standarduser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Standarduser)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2012, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-any-religious-explanation-to-the-origins-of-native-americans/633463 "2012-09-05T15:59:49Z")
Even if that “tower of babel” story is true, people had to leave the towers vicinity and go to america. By foot. Is there any explanation that tells us how middle eastern nomads traveled thousands of kilometers, filling … --- ## [Socialized Medicine and Single Payer Systems](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/socialized-medicine-and-single-payer-systems/630644)
**Author:** [@drewtwo99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drewtwo99)\ **Replies:** 216\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2012, 9:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/socialized-medicine-and-single-payer-systems/630644 "2012-09-05T09:02:49Z")
I have a few questions about countries that have instituted socialized medicine and single payer healthcare systems. I’m looking for factual information and logical discussion as well. My friend and coworker is very lib… --- ## [Do animals experience qualia?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-animals-experience-qualia/633540)
**Author:** [@Zapp\_S](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zapp_S)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2012, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-animals-experience-qualia/633540 "2012-09-05T05:16:20Z")
Do (most) animals experience qualia as we humans do, or are they more like sophisticated machines that operate on input – output principle, with a little randomness thrown in. For example when an animal experiences pain,… --- ## [Who are the biggest islamophobes?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-biggest-islamophobes/633548)
**Author:** [@stevenova](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stevenova)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [September 5, 2012, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/who-are-the-biggest-islamophobes/633548 "2012-09-05T01:40:31Z")
Often hear about islamophobia in the news, but only in the context of being in the west. Some guy with a NASCAR shirt looks at a muslim woman funny, so ever non muslim in the west needs to become more understanding and t… --- ## [(Very) Ancient Civilizations](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-ancient-civilizations/633231)
**Author:** [@Babale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Babale)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 11:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/very-ancient-civilizations/633231 "2012-09-04T23:30:24Z")
Inspired by the thread on ancient nuclear wars. So, we often say that human-level intelligence has evolved only once in the history of our world. My question is, how do we know that? Let’s say that velociraptors (or woo… --- ## ["Revolt Of The Rich" Article In The New American Conservative...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revolt-of-the-rich-article-in-the-new-american-conservative/633491)
**Author:** [@FoieGrasIsEvil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FoieGrasIsEvil)\ **Replies:** 95\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/revolt-of-the-rich-article-in-the-new-american-conservative/633491 "2012-09-04T21:41:36Z")
OK. I want to discuss the merits of this article, which means you have to actually read it to participate. This guy’s thoughts represent the “Republican Party That I Used To Know”. I align myself along somewhat conservat… --- ## [Should drunk driving be a crime?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-drunk-driving-be-a-crime/501503)
**Author:** [@SmashTheState](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SmashTheState)\ **Replies:** 204\ **Last updated:** [September 4, 2012, 10:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-drunk-driving-be-a-crime/501503 "2012-09-04T10:27:51Z")
I’ve been having an argument about this in the flame section, and I’d like to move it here, where – I hope – people can be a little more logical and a lot less likely to dismiss my argument out of hand with an insult. I… --- ## [Why conservatives should be for polygamy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-conservatives-should-be-for-polygamy/633489)
**Author:** [@Voyager](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Voyager)\ **Replies:** 23\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2012, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-conservatives-should-be-for-polygamy/633489 "2012-09-03T23:38:53Z")
Discussions of SSM often tend to include discussions of polygamy, with the anti-SSM factions, often conservative (but not libertarian) viewing polygamy with alarm. Now, I think there are good secular reasons to ban poly… --- ## [American Academy of Pediatrics Now Says Circumcision's Benefits Outweigh Risks](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-academy-of-pediatrics-now-says-circumcisions-benefits-outweigh-risks/632857)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 172\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2012, 8:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-academy-of-pediatrics-now-says-circumcisions-benefits-outweigh-risks/632857 "2012-09-03T20:09:22Z")
Does this mean we need to get to hacking? --- ## [Should anti-abortion protest in front of clinics be outlawed as harassment?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-anti-abortion-protest-in-front-of-clinics-be-outlawed-as-harassment/632791)
**Author:** [@Maastricht](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maastricht)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2012, 7:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-anti-abortion-protest-in-front-of-clinics-be-outlawed-as-harassment/632791 "2012-09-03T19:02:04Z")
In another thread, this discussion happened: Poster 1 People are so saddened by the idea of abortions as to want to try to persuade as many women as possible not to have abortions as a personal choice. (by protesting ou… --- ## [The future of New York](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-of-new-york/633248)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2012, 6:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-future-of-new-york/633248 "2012-09-03T18:12:03Z")
I come to this forum to learn, which is why I tend to ask stupid questions and spend 99% of the time reading rather than posting. The level of intelligence and knowledge on this board is very impressive, so I rarely feel… --- ## [Left-wing hypocrisy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-wing-hypocrisy/632871)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 122\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2012, 4:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/left-wing-hypocrisy/632871 "2012-09-03T16:42:23Z")
As a certifiable librul, it is easy for me to see the contradictions in conservative ideology\*. The main one is this whole resurgence in the call for worship at the altar of life. Life is apparently so sacred that unbo… --- ## [Which political gridlock is preferable? Dem POTUS/GOP Congress or the opposite?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-political-gridlock-is-preferable-dem-potus-gop-congress-or-the-opposite/633500)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-political-gridlock-is-preferable-dem-potus-gop-congress-or-the-opposite/633500 "2012-09-03T16:37:17Z")
The opposite would be GOP POTUS/Dem Congress, of course. There are other types of gridlock involving the House and Senate, no doubt. This question is worth considering since gridlock is almost inevitable these days (si… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=311) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=313)