# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=315 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 316 --- ## [Russia could have beaten Germany without the Western Allies](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-could-have-beaten-germany-without-the-western-allies/630894)
**Author:** [@CheeseDonkey](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheeseDonkey)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2012, 7:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/russia-could-have-beaten-germany-without-the-western-allies/630894 "2012-08-16T19:00:45Z")
Let’s get historical. I was discussing World War II with a chum, who holds the opinion that the Soviet Union would have been able to beat Germany without the aid of the Western Allies–except, instead of being a six-year… --- ## [Of course grammar is prescriptive.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-course-grammar-is-prescriptive/630222)
**Author:** [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Replies:** 152\ **Last updated:** [August 16, 2012, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/of-course-grammar-is-prescriptive/630222 "2012-08-16T14:17:31Z")
No. We learn to use grammar so we can understand things interrelating and acting. With that psychological muscle, we can learn to use math. Logical language gives us the skills to understand science, to program compute… --- ## [Critique this: Why blacks run faster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-why-blacks-run-faster/627414)
**Author:** [@PrettyVacant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PrettyVacant)\ **Replies:** 834\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2012, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-why-blacks-run-faster/627414 "2012-08-15T23:44:41Z")
I saw a fascinating documentary narrated by Michael Johnson last night; I found it so interesting I jotted down notes in order to remember the thrust, plus a few thoughts of my own. It started by pointing out the eight … --- ## [Does a US citizen enjoy Constitutional protection in a foreign country?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-us-citizen-enjoy-constitutional-protection-in-a-foreign-country/631613)
**Author:** [@Linden\_Arden](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linden_Arden)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2012, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-us-citizen-enjoy-constitutional-protection-in-a-foreign-country/631613 "2012-08-15T23:42:28Z")
I am purposely being vague on the details to engage debate. And by Constitutional I am referring to the US Constitution, of course. --- ## [What's so bad about Cameroon?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-bad-about-cameroon/630739)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2012, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-so-bad-about-cameroon/630739 "2012-08-15T21:38:16Z")
I see that so far SEVEN atheletes from Cameroon have disappeared in London. See The Sun for example. Is there something about Cameroon that makes it much worse than other impoverished African states? Or is there somethi… --- ## [How do you know God's voice?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-gods-voice/630393)
**Author:** [@Mosier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mosier)\ **Replies:** 70\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2012, 9:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-you-know-gods-voice/630393 "2012-08-15T21:07:08Z")
If you are a believer, who thinks that God might literally talk to people, how would you know that the voice telling you to kill your son isn’t God? There’s a precedent that such a voice could indeed be God, right? So ho… --- ## [Conservatives: Do you believe people with money should run things?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-do-you-believe-people-with-money-should-run-things/630319)
**Author:** [@Beware\_of\_Doug](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Beware_of_Doug)\ **Replies:** 81\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2012, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/conservatives-do-you-believe-people-with-money-should-run-things/630319 "2012-08-15T20:34:37Z")
If not, who should? Either way, why? Difficulty: Please don’t argue to inevitability or wishful natural laws, ie “people with money will always run things.” Let’s see your ethical skin in the game. Should they or should… --- ## [Convince me it's possible to prohibit drugs.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-its-possible-to-prohibit-drugs/630598)
**Author:** [@Derleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Derleth)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2012, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/convince-me-its-possible-to-prohibit-drugs/630598 "2012-08-15T20:05:06Z")
\[right\]“If potheads elude you, what will junkies do?” — Not Estus Pirkle, \[via\]\[/right\] This thread is for a completely pragmatic discussion of mechanisms, not the morality of any proposed mechanisms. If you want to dis… --- ## [What would be the consequences of balancing the federal budget NEXT year?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-consequences-of-balancing-the-federal-budget-next-year/631450)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2012, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-consequences-of-balancing-the-federal-budget-next-year/631450 "2012-08-15T19:11:55Z")
Let’s assume for the purposes of this thread that politicians get on board with a plan to balance the budget in the year 2013. Let’s also assume that the public might piss and moan about the cuts, but won’t do anything … --- ## [Select only smart people for a colony. Do their descendants remain smart?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/select-only-smart-people-for-a-colony-do-their-descendants-remain-smart/631341)
**Author:** [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Replies:** 67\ **Last updated:** [August 15, 2012, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/select-only-smart-people-for-a-colony-do-their-descendants-remain-smart/631341 "2012-08-15T02:32:10Z")
Another crazy idea that occurred as I was watching the closing ceremonies of the Olympics this evening. I was looking at all those young healthy faces, and had in the back of my mind the news reports of the Olympic Vill… --- ## ["Corporation"="consummate evil"; how can a corporation be a person?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corporation-consummate-evil-how-can-a-corporation-be-a-person/630987)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 154\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2012, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/corporation-consummate-evil-how-can-a-corporation-be-a-person/630987 "2012-08-14T19:13:28Z")
I’ve seen it here and elsewhere: “corporation” has become an inherently pejorative term, like, for instance, “bastard.” Corporations rob the public. Corporations wreck the environment. Corporations don’t pay their pair s… --- ## [FOX Spanish language TV and its political potential](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-spanish-language-tv-and-its-political-potential/631419)
**Author:** [@TV\_time](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TV_time)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2012, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/fox-spanish-language-tv-and-its-political-potential/631419 "2012-08-14T17:03:03Z")
A friend suggested (actually he said) that the whole reason for FOX starting a Spanish language network was to so influence Hyspanics that the “Fair and Balanced” dogma would once again win elections for the GOP. I told … --- ## [Surveillance cameras: threat or menace?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surveillance-cameras-threat-or-menace/631200)
**Author:** [@Hershele\_Ostropoler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hershele_Ostropoler)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2012, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/surveillance-cameras-threat-or-menace/631200 "2012-08-14T15:21:02Z")
What, if anything, would be the philosophical objections to police surveillance cameras in public places? I’m not talking about the practical objections or slippery-slope arguments (fallacious or otherwise). But let’s a… --- ## [Should this double-amputee be permitted to compete with "normal, natural-two-legged" sprinters?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-this-double-amputee-be-permitted-to-compete-with-normal-natural-two-legged-sprinters/630457)
**Author:** [@KarlGauss](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KarlGauss)\ **Replies:** 191\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2012, 10:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-this-double-amputee-be-permitted-to-compete-with-normal-natural-two-legged-sprinters/630457 "2012-08-14T10:45:05Z")
Here is one link. I’m sure there are more. Indeed. In brief, Oscar Pistorius has been a double-amputee since shortly after birth. He uses specially designed prostheses (according to Wikpedia, they are Cheetah Flex-Foot … --- ## [Which is the real Universal Life Church?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-the-real-universal-life-church/630350)
**Author:** [@Arnold\_Winkelried](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arnold_Winkelried)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [August 14, 2012, 3:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/which-is-the-real-universal-life-church/630350 "2012-08-14T03:57:44Z")
What’s the difference between ulc.org and ulc.net? Which one is the Universal Life Church that was existent in the 1960s and mentioned by counterculture personalities like Abbie Hoffman in Steal this Book? I’ve been to b… --- ## [How Would the Ryan-Wyden Plan Work Out?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-ryan-wyden-plan-work-out/631325)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 5\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2012, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-the-ryan-wyden-plan-work-out/631325 "2012-08-13T13:51:55Z")
Since Paul Ryan’s nomination as VP, his proposals to reform Medicare have come under increased scrutiny and criticism. However his current proposal does offer traditional Medicare as an option and worked out with Senator… --- ## [Private equity profiting from failure](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-equity-profiting-from-failure/631274)
**Author:** [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2012, 5:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/private-equity-profiting-from-failure/631274 "2012-08-13T05:41:08Z")
Why are private equity firms allowed to extract dividends from companies that are failing and going into debt largely just to pay investors while employees are left high and dry? --- ## [Noted Climate Change Skeptic Reverses Stance.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noted-climate-change-skeptic-reverses-stance/629940)
**Author:** [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [August 13, 2012, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/noted-climate-change-skeptic-reverses-stance/629940 "2012-08-13T02:29:52Z")
So, noted skeptic Richard Muller has come around.BBC Article - my emphasis Does this change anything for any of our local deniers? --- ## [Should Olympic medals be subject to tax?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-olympic-medals-be-subject-to-tax/630148)
**Author:** [@Llama\_Llogophile](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Llama_Llogophile)\ **Replies:** 57\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2012, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-olympic-medals-be-subject-to-tax/630148 "2012-08-12T17:50:39Z")
Saw this on a friends Facebook page: Go for the Gold! (Pay the IRS) And here’s a another opinion on the issue Basically, if you win an Olympic medal you get a monetary award: $25k for a gold, $15k for silver and $10k … --- ## [Does Hezbollah have cells ready to launch terror-strikes in the U.S. if we attack Iran?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-hezbollah-have-cells-ready-to-launch-terror-strikes-in-the-u-s-if-we-attack-iran/630881)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2012, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-hezbollah-have-cells-ready-to-launch-terror-strikes-in-the-u-s-if-we-attack-iran/630881 "2012-08-12T14:52:07Z")
This thread on Obama supporting the Syrian rebels got kinda hijacked – see this post – by a theory that Hezbollah (which supports Assad) has cells in the U.S. poised to strike if we piss them off, or if the U.S. or Israe… --- ## [How did healthcare work in America 50-75 years ago?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-healthcare-work-in-america-50-75-years-ago/631198)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2012, 8:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-did-healthcare-work-in-america-50-75-years-ago/631198 "2012-08-12T08:19:07Z")
Everyone knows that healthcare in the U.S. right now is really convoluted and almost no one appears to be happy with the system, except perhaps for the few with truly amazing plans (a group I have little to no contact wi… --- ## [What If Stalin attacked Hitler First?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-stalin-attacked-hitler-first/630612)
**Author:** [@ralph124c](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ralph124c)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [August 12, 2012, 1:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-stalin-attacked-hitler-first/630612 "2012-08-12T01:14:21Z")
Stalin and Hitler both hated and distrusted each other. From what I read, the Stalin-Hitler Non-Aggression pact was seen (by Stalin) as a way to buy time-Stalin needed 2-3 years to rebuilt the Red Army officer corps, e… --- ## [Critique This \[re: Gospels\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-re-gospels/630795)
**Author:** [@chappy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappy)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2012, 8:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/critique-this-re-gospels/630795 "2012-08-11T20:15:30Z")
I know several people in my home town who are spending all of their time looking for Jesus to come save the planet. This indicates a poor understanding of the Gospels. Jesus demonstrated generosity when he was here but h… --- ## [The Nude as Art](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nude-as-art/631171)
**Author:** [@FigureArtist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FigureArtist)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2012, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-nude-as-art/631171 "2012-08-11T07:39:23Z")
I do drawings and paintings, but I have made a separate site for nude photography. I am writing an Artist’s Statement for that website (\[noparse\] http://www.figureartist.com\[/noparse\]), which is basically to say why I do… --- ## [Voter fraud in the U.S. – primary perpetrated by left-leaning organizations?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voter-fraud-in-the-u-s-primary-perpetrated-by-left-leaning-organizations/630749)
**Author:** [@Crafter\_Man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crafter_Man)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2012, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/voter-fraud-in-the-u-s-primary-perpetrated-by-left-leaning-organizations/630749 "2012-08-11T04:35:55Z")
Read this local news article today, and it got me thinking. Whenever there’s an investigation into voter fraud, it seems the fraud is always perpetrated by Democrats or left-leaning organizations. Are there any stats tha… --- ## [Wisconsin Sikh Temple Shooting \[and gun control\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wisconsin-sikh-temple-shooting-and-gun-control/630556)
**Author:** [@IceQube](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IceQube)\ **Replies:** 231\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2012, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/wisconsin-sikh-temple-shooting-and-gun-control/630556 "2012-08-11T02:31:10Z")
Another tragedy. Perhaps with another dozen massacres, gun laws will start making headway in Washington? --- ## [The FBI](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fbi/631140)
**Author:** [@DWMarch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DWMarch)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [August 11, 2012, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-fbi/631140 "2012-08-11T01:48:05Z")
Hello everyone. Or should I say, what up ninjas? The FBI has labeled fans of the Insane Clown Posse as a gang. That is to say a gang on the same level as MS-13 or the Aryan Brotherhood. If a person with an ICP tattoo or… --- ## [How good are the military discipline and tactics of the Taliban? A guerilla war (?) like US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-the-military-discipline-and-tactics-of-the-taliban-a-guerilla-war-like-us/629643)
**Author:** [@Leo\_Bloom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leo_Bloom)\ **Replies:** 13\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2012, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-good-are-the-military-discipline-and-tactics-of-the-taliban-a-guerilla-war-like-us/629643 "2012-08-10T23:23:13Z")
See subject. I mean, it’s obviously not a walkover. My query would include the discipline and tactics of a full guerilla war. (If describing it as such is correct at all…) Is the American Revolution comparable? Or other… --- ## [How would a "wealth tax" work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-wealth-tax-work/630880)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 31\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2012, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-would-a-wealth-tax-work/630880 "2012-08-10T15:49:27Z")
I believe I read about this in Spin-Free Economics by the chief economist at IHS Global. The basic idea was to incentivize investing as opposed to sitting on a pile of money. How would something like this work? Could … --- ## [Another JFK Conspiracy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-jfk-conspiracy/629690)
**Author:** [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [August 10, 2012, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-jfk-conspiracy/629690 "2012-08-10T14:55:16Z")
OK, Not exactly. But every JFK conspiracy theory program run nowadays (usually by the History Channel or A&E) is now bent on proving that the Warren Commission was correct, that LHO acted alone, etc. I seem to remember… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=314) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=316)