# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=313 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 314 --- ## [Hate speech/hate crimes, and same sex marriage and gay rights](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-speech-hate-crimes-and-same-sex-marriage-and-gay-rights/633464)
**Author:** [@stevenova](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stevenova)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2012, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-speech-hate-crimes-and-same-sex-marriage-and-gay-rights/633464 "2012-09-03T03:58:02Z")
A couple of instances have happened in the past several weeks. That made me think of how it could be impact gay rights debates. First, on Staten Island there was an incident where raw bacon was found in a public park wh… --- ## [Non women-hating reasons for incest/rape exception to abortion rules?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-women-hating-reasons-for-incest-rape-exception-to-abortion-rules/632983)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 144\ **Last updated:** [September 3, 2012, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/non-women-hating-reasons-for-incest-rape-exception-to-abortion-rules/632983 "2012-09-03T03:08:57Z")
Please do not turn this into a debate about abortion. What are the non women-hating, that is to say reasons that aren’t about giving a “just result” to the woman, reasons for having a different view on abortion in cases… --- ## [Dec. 21, 2012 is the beginning of the Age of Aquarius](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dec-21-2012-is-the-beginning-of-the-age-of-aquarius/632923)
**Author:** [@Brad\_Watson\_Miami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brad_Watson_Miami)\ **Replies:** 79\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2012, 6:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dec-21-2012-is-the-beginning-of-the-age-of-aquarius/632923 "2012-09-02T18:48:02Z")
In Matthew 24:3, Jesus’(74) disciples asked him, “What will be the sign of your return and of the closing of the age?” Some Bible versions wrongly use “end of the world” (KJV) or “end of time”. It’s very important to cor… --- ## [Did Progressive do something bad by being adverse to it's insured?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-progressive-do-something-bad-by-being-adverse-to-its-insured/631772)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [September 2, 2012, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-progressive-do-something-bad-by-being-adverse-to-its-insured/631772 "2012-09-02T03:14:57Z")
http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/progressive-insurance-defense-court-case-17022186#.UC4\_Mt1lRtA Here’s a summary of the story. Young woman killed by drunk driver. The drunk only has $25k worth of insurance, obviousl… --- ## [Dan Savage vs. Brian Brown: The Dinner Table Debate](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dan-savage-vs-brian-brown-the-dinner-table-debate/632908)
**Author:** [@B.Serum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/B.Serum)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2012, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dan-savage-vs-brian-brown-the-dinner-table-debate/632908 "2012-09-01T22:55:35Z")
Some time ago, Dan Savage told a student journalism convention that there is bullshit in the Bible, after which a group of students walked out and got name-called by Savage (which he soon apologized for). Afterwards, Nat… --- ## [When will we be able to transplant a fetus? And what then? (re: abortion)](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-we-be-able-to-transplant-a-fetus-and-what-then-re-abortion/633075)
**Author:** [@Rucksinator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rucksinator)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [September 1, 2012, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-will-we-be-able-to-transplant-a-fetus-and-what-then-re-abortion/633075 "2012-09-01T01:38:09Z")
One of the abortion threads got me wondering this. 1.) How feasible is it to transplant a fetus? At any stage of the pregnancy. 2.) How far are we from being able to do this? In the future will someone wanting an a… --- ## [Global warming v weather shift](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-v-weather-shift/632050)
**Author:** [@henryw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/henryw)\ **Replies:** 120\ **Last updated:** [August 31, 2012, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/global-warming-v-weather-shift/632050 "2012-08-31T01:27:57Z")
I’m convinced of global warming. But recently I read a letter to the editor in our local paper wherein a “science educator” claimed that there is a “weather shift” occurring. He wrote “The northern hemisphere is slowly… --- ## [Unleash the Mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unleash-the-mind/632579)
**Author:** [@Sam\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sam_Stone)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 8:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/unleash-the-mind/632579 "2012-08-30T20:03:33Z")
Unleash the Mind is a new essay by George Gilder that is a must-read for anyone who supports capitalism and markets. Gilder does a magnificent job of describing capitalism as a system that creates wealth through benevol… --- ## [cecil \[Existence of God\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-existence-of-god/632661)
**Author:** [@sjs8710](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sjs8710)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 2:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cecil-existence-of-god/632661 "2012-08-30T02:01:25Z")
i would have to say that i am very impressed with the objectiveness that you use in your answers on the site. I was hoping that i could give something for you to ponder. you said in conclusion in the “does God exist fol… --- ## [Google Tablets / Google Search](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-tablets-google-search/633019)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 30, 2012, 1:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/google-tablets-google-search/633019 "2012-08-30T01:40:18Z")
I noticed today that Google is using their search page to advertise their new tablet. The basis for Microsoft’s Internet Explorer hearings was that they were using their monopoly in one realm to squeeze out competition … --- ## [An Abortion Issue with/and a Royal Twist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-abortion-issue-with-and-a-royal-twist/632445)
**Author:** [@The\_Flying\_Dutchman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Flying_Dutchman)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 7:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-abortion-issue-with-and-a-royal-twist/632445 "2012-08-29T19:26:46Z")
Scenario. Charles III is dead. King William V dies in a helicopter crash. Case I Prince Harry is coronated Three weeks later it is revealed the Kate was pregnant during the coronation . Is her fetus destined to bump… --- ## [A Royal Charter for the NHS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-royal-charter-for-the-nhs/632197)
**Author:** [@Malden\_Capell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malden_Capell)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2012, 10:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-royal-charter-for-the-nhs/632197 "2012-08-25T10:09:53Z")
Mods, does this fit here? Apologies if not. Okay, well, firstly for non-UKers, the NHS is pretty much universally popular in the UK as an institution and the thought of privatising it is tantamount to political suicide … --- ## [My apology... \[and another effort to use a video to promote CT beliefs regarding the WTC collapse\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-apology-and-another-effort-to-use-a-video-to-promote-ct-beliefs-regarding-the-wtc-collapse/632982)
**Author:** [@chappy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappy)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 4:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-apology-and-another-effort-to-use-a-video-to-promote-ct-beliefs-regarding-the-wtc-collapse/632982 "2012-08-29T16:43:21Z")
I do apologize for not following the rules on my earlier post. I will pose to the board that this documentary contains indisputable evidence of governmental complicity in 9/11 and that by such involvement portions of ou… --- ## [Reception of Puerto Rico Delegate at RNC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reception-of-puerto-rico-delegate-at-rnc/632979)
**Author:** [@OldOlds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldOlds)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [August 29, 2012, 1:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/reception-of-puerto-rico-delegate-at-rnc/632979 "2012-08-29T01:26:21Z")
I just stumbled across this video of the introduction of the Puerto Rico delegate to the RNC: OK, so I am not even sure if this is a “Great Debate” or not, but it is sure to start one. I am happy to admit to being a l… --- ## [The fundamental answer to most Straight Dope questions...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fundamental-answer-to-most-straight-dope-questions/632963)
**Author:** [@chappy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappy)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fundamental-answer-to-most-straight-dope-questions/632963 "2012-08-28T20:56:52Z")
Challenge me on this but first try to challenge your own sense of normalcy. Honest participation will require you to watch a new documentary. It’s the legitimacy and sources of the information in the film that is the po… --- ## [$66 Billion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/66-billion/632753)
**Author:** [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/66-billion/632753 "2012-08-28T18:44:05Z")
NY Times reports about 2011 record US sales of weapons, mostly to Gulf states, especially Saudi Arabia. That’s a quite an increase from a previous year $24 billion in weapons sales. And all of that b/c of Iran “threat”. … --- ## [Absolutes](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absolutes/632732)
**Author:** [@HoneyBadgerDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HoneyBadgerDC)\ **Replies:** 30\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 5:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/absolutes/632732 "2012-08-28T17:25:40Z")
How does science view absolutes such as infinity, eternity, perfection. My logic tells me absolutes cannot exist. --- ## [Tropical Storms become hurricanes at 74 mph, why? GOD=7\_4](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropical-storms-become-hurricanes-at-74-mph-why-god-7_4/632875)
**Author:** [@Brad\_Watson\_Miami](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Brad_Watson_Miami)\ **Replies:** 138\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tropical-storms-become-hurricanes-at-74-mph-why-god-7_4/632875 "2012-08-28T16:11:31Z")
Tropical storms become hurricanes when they reach 74 mph sustained winds. Why 74? GOD=7\_4, whereas, G is the 7th letter, a circle can be 15 or zerO and D=4. 7/4=July 4th or 7 April 30 AD: Good(7\_\_4) Friday when J10+E5+S1… --- ## [Pro-lifers: What would you do if you were in charge?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-lifers-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-in-charge/174396)
**Author:** [@Blalron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Blalron)\ **Replies:** 250\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 1:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pro-lifers-what-would-you-do-if-you-were-in-charge/174396 "2012-08-28T13:06:35Z")
Pretend that a constitutional amendment allows abortion to be outlawed. A pro-life congress and president are fully in charge. You are on the commitee to draft the new rules. What kind of penalties would you put into pl… --- ## [Why wont the US resolve issues?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-the-us-resolve-issues/631267)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 217\ **Last updated:** [August 28, 2012, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-wont-the-us-resolve-issues/631267 "2012-08-28T00:46:28Z")
From an outside perspective it seems strange that a developed nation such as the US still hasn’t resolved some issues that pretty much the rest of the western world finished decades ago. Some examples: Death penalty - (… --- ## [Is Algebra Necessary?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-algebra-necessary/629767)
**Author:** [@Ruken](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruken)\ **Replies:** 199\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-algebra-necessary/629767 "2012-08-27T23:25:42Z")
Andrew Hacker thinks that it is not (nytimes). We’ve had this conversation before, but I don’t recall any cogent external links, so why not have it again? In essence, “Making mathematics mandatory prevents us from discov… --- ## [Where are the lines drawn on what is rational and what isn't?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-lines-drawn-on-what-is-rational-and-what-isnt/632164)
**Author:** [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Replies:** 158\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 5:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/where-are-the-lines-drawn-on-what-is-rational-and-what-isnt/632164 "2012-08-27T05:33:53Z")
In another thread the subject came up {again}m of whether religious beliefs are rational. I’d like to address this in a more general way about the human condition. Personally I conclude that all people have a belief sys… --- ## [Screw weed, legalise crack and smack](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screw-weed-legalise-crack-and-smack/631203)
**Author:** [@Stoneburg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stoneburg)\ **Replies:** 83\ **Last updated:** [August 27, 2012, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/screw-weed-legalise-crack-and-smack/631203 "2012-08-27T04:39:30Z")
Much of the debate regarding the legalisation of certain narcotics argues from a point that drug X (most commonly cannabis) is less dangerous than drug Y (usually alcohol) that is legal, so it would make sense to allow i… --- ## [Why should you be president?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-you-be-president/632629)
**Author:** [@eschereal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eschereal)\ **Replies:** 16\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 12:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-should-you-be-president/632629 "2012-08-26T12:54:18Z")
Make your case. Present the policy and initiative platform you would effect and pursue as president of the United States. Boilerplate talking-points will probably get you nowhere on this board, please explain what you w… --- ## [Climate Change Editorial](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-change-editorial/631840)
**Author:** [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Replies:** 92\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 7:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/climate-change-editorial/631840 "2012-08-26T07:21:08Z")
The Chicago Tribune, for those not familiar, is a conservative newspaper. In general, of course. Their endorsement of Obama for President was the first time in their history that a Democrat was endorsed. I am inclined t… --- ## [What's with the hatred some have for the US Postal Service?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-hatred-some-have-for-the-us-postal-service/631391)
**Author:** [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Replies:** 228\ **Last updated:** [August 26, 2012, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-with-the-hatred-some-have-for-the-us-postal-service/631391 "2012-08-26T00:22:39Z")
Apparently the USPS is having budgetary woes right now. Looks like a $5.2 billion quarterly loss… and so, once again, we’re seeing calls to just completely dismantle it. But as I understand it, the USPS is totally self… --- ## [Odds vs. Guilt](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odds-vs-guilt/631614)
**Author:** [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2012, 4:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/odds-vs-guilt/631614 "2012-08-25T16:30:23Z")
In the current day US, the jury for a criminal trial is asked to deliberate and vote on their decision of “guilty” or “not guilty”. How they accomplish this is really up to them. There is no particular guard against a go… --- ## [Paranoia in the year 2200](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paranoia-in-the-year-2200/632257)
**Author:** [@alterego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alterego)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2012, 3:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/paranoia-in-the-year-2200/632257 "2012-08-25T15:36:32Z")
The year is 2200. There is no longer death due to natural causes, including heart disease, infection, parasites, cancer, stroke, old age, etc. With the exception of death due to accidents, the death penalty, and maliciou… --- ## [Privacy Groups' "Chicken Little" warnings](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privacy-groups-chicken-little-warnings/632398)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 28\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2012, 2:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/privacy-groups-chicken-little-warnings/632398 "2012-08-25T14:15:54Z")
Dear Friend, The e-mail above was recommended by EPIC, the Electronic Privacy Information Center, in response to Google’s launch of GMail. They urged pewople to rise up and send that e-mail to GMail subscribers. They … --- ## [God](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god/631643)
**Author:** [@Demilade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Demilade)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [August 25, 2012, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/god/631643 "2012-08-25T12:24:34Z")
i am a believer but i have two questions Firstly, Before Jesus christ came to the world where did people like Abraham, Moses, and Elisha go because technically they were not born again. Secondly, When a person hears … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=312) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=314)