# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=318 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 319 --- ## [Esperanto? Why not sign language as a universal language?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/esperanto-why-not-sign-language-as-a-universal-language/339608)
**Author:** [@duffer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/duffer)\ **Replies:** 126\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 2:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/esperanto-why-not-sign-language-as-a-universal-language/339608 "2012-07-26T14:08:28Z")
With the obvious exceptions of conditions like Parkinson’s, paralysis and double hand amputation, I’ve been trying to figure out why American sign language isn’t promoted as a legitimate universal language. Let me get a… --- ## [Torture & confession](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/torture-confession/629034)
**Author:** [@s0meguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/s0meguy)\ **Replies:** 64\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/torture-confession/629034 "2012-07-26T13:42:06Z")
Historically, torture seems to have been used in many judicial systems to get confessions from suspected criminals. I wonder why this is? Sure, many in a position of power might have just done it because they are sadisti… --- ## [Pleistocene Megafauna Rewilding](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleistocene-megafauna-rewilding/626005)
**Author:** [@supery00n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/supery00n)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 12:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/pleistocene-megafauna-rewilding/626005 "2012-07-26T12:43:09Z")
Would you be for, against, or indifferent either way or the other of reintroducing the extinct Pleistocene Megafauna into the wild in North America? Some background information: Prior to around 10,000 BC, North America … --- ## [Is there anyone who actually likes war?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-who-actually-likes-war/628281)
**Author:** [@supery00n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/supery00n)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 3:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-anyone-who-actually-likes-war/628281 "2012-07-26T03:28:53Z")
Today, most people see war as a necessary evil, and as a last resort. I was wondering if anyone actually sees front-line combat as a type of sport, something that they positively enjoy, and would be fighting not as a du… --- ## [Small business owners and changes to the personal income tax rates](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-business-owners-and-changes-to-the-personal-income-tax-rates/629400)
**Author:** [@Spectre\_of\_Pithecanthropus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spectre_of_Pithecanthropus)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 26, 2012, 1:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/small-business-owners-and-changes-to-the-personal-income-tax-rates/629400 "2012-07-26T01:49:36Z")
What I have here is a question that seems reasonably straightforward to me, but one which I know has a strong potential for generating some discussion and debate. That’s the main reason I’ve put it here, although for my… --- ## [Is there a difference between bank loans and bonds?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-bank-loans-and-bonds/628888)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 10\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2012, 9:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-difference-between-bank-loans-and-bonds/628888 "2012-07-25T09:55:29Z")
I realize this may be a bit of a contentious question, but what I want to get at is the proposition made by Warren Buffett in this article He basically says that stocks and other productive assets beat currency or commo… --- ## [Why did Penn State officials conceal Sandusky at all?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-penn-state-officials-conceal-sandusky-at-all/628351)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 54\ **Last updated:** [July 25, 2012, 3:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-did-penn-state-officials-conceal-sandusky-at-all/628351 "2012-07-25T03:21:10Z")
Penn State is in hot water now because they endeavored at several levels to conceal Sandusky’s molestation of children. Question: Why did they do it? What did they think would happen if they quickly fired Sandusky and … --- ## [Jefferson & Hamilton: Who's the Conservative?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jefferson-hamilton-whos-the-conservative/628510)
**Author:** [@Bpelta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bpelta)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2012, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jefferson-hamilton-whos-the-conservative/628510 "2012-07-24T18:04:30Z")
I’ve always thought of Jefferson as America’s founding conservative. Of course, the meanings of words like “liberal” and “conservative” are ever-shifting, but I do see a tradition of states’ rights, skeptical-of-empowere… --- ## [9/11](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11/628099)
**Author:** [@politicstahl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/politicstahl)\ **Replies:** 384\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2012, 4:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/9-11/628099 "2012-07-24T16:12:55Z")
Why do people and governments around the world pretend to believe that the Twin Towers disappeared solely because of gravity when anyone can see them turning into large and small pieces which go up and out before coming … --- ## [Colorado Massacre: Are we in for a mental health crackdown?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colorado-massacre-are-we-in-for-a-mental-health-crackdown/629232)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2012, 4:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/colorado-massacre-are-we-in-for-a-mental-health-crackdown/629232 "2012-07-24T16:07:23Z")
In the aftermath of the Columbine and Virginia Tech shootings, there was a backlash related to helping the “system” identify potentially disturbed individuals and either get them “help” or otherwise preventing them from … --- ## [Should the media help mass murderers get famous?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-media-help-mass-murderers-get-famous/628885)
**Author:** [@Victor\_Charlie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victor_Charlie)\ **Replies:** 76\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2012, 12:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-media-help-mass-murderers-get-famous/628885 "2012-07-24T12:00:44Z")
Considering the fact that many mass shooters go on their rampages in part for the grotesque infamy, are news outlets immoral for abetting this motive by publishing/airing the killers’ names, likenesses and grisly deeds i… --- ## [Doctor confidentiality, HIV, and what feels right](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-confidentiality-hiv-and-what-feels-right/628959)
**Author:** [@Bricker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bricker)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 24, 2012, 11:44am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/doctor-confidentiality-hiv-and-what-feels-right/628959 "2012-07-24T11:44:59Z")
I don’t have a fully formed opinion on the following issue, because I can see both sides of the argument. But as sometimes happens, vigorous debate amongst good debaters may help me reach a more solid conclusion. An op… --- ## [If you were raised to believe disease was caused by curses, would you still believe it today?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-were-raised-to-believe-disease-was-caused-by-curses-would-you-still-believe-it-today/626376)
**Author:** [@Victor\_Charlie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Victor_Charlie)\ **Replies:** 111\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2012, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-you-were-raised-to-believe-disease-was-caused-by-curses-would-you-still-believe-it-today/626376 "2012-07-23T21:09:29Z")
It’s a fairly logical assertion that most people practice their particular form of religion because they were raised to. But, we could dream up countless examples of how virtually no degree of indoctrination could convin… --- ## [Are There Moderate Libertarians?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-moderate-libertarians/628810)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2012, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-moderate-libertarians/628810 "2012-07-23T18:59:07Z")
Are there any moderate Libertarians (as in active in the Libertarian movement rather than just socially liberal Republicans or whatnot) in the sense of supporting some but minimal regulations on the economy and/or involv… --- ## [April 1775, You are in command of all British forces, devise a winning strategy vs the Colonials!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/april-1775-you-are-in-command-of-all-british-forces-devise-a-winning-strategy-vs-the-colonials/619304)
**Author:** [@Kinthalis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kinthalis)\ **Replies:** 78\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2012, 4:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/april-1775-you-are-in-command-of-all-british-forces-devise-a-winning-strategy-vs-the-colonials/619304 "2012-07-23T16:50:25Z")
Based on a question I posited in this thread: http://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=648499&page=2 On the merit of George Washington as one of Britain’s most formidable foe. It is April of the year of our … --- ## [Has Bill Gates contributed to humanity in proportion to his monetary net worth? And does it matter?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-bill-gates-contributed-to-humanity-in-proportion-to-his-monetary-net-worth-and-does-it-matter/628930)
**Author:** [@Koxinga](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Koxinga)\ **Replies:** 40\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2012, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/has-bill-gates-contributed-to-humanity-in-proportion-to-his-monetary-net-worth-and-does-it-matter/628930 "2012-07-23T14:36:54Z")
From another ongoing thread: Wikipedia tells me that Bill Gates has a net worth of around $61 billion. Two questions: (1) Has his net contribution to humanity been in proportion to that? And (2) does the answer to qu… --- ## [The retirbutive justification for punishment is invalid if there is no free will](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-retirbutive-justification-for-punishment-is-invalid-if-there-is-no-free-will/628891)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 46\ **Last updated:** [July 23, 2012, 5:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-retirbutive-justification-for-punishment-is-invalid-if-there-is-no-free-will/628891 "2012-07-23T05:55:58Z")
Can you justify the punitive element of judicial punishment if there is no free will? It seems to me that if, in the purest sense, no one “can help” committing crimes then it is not fair to punish for retribution. Absen… --- ## [Is God real?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-god-real/625675)
**Author:** [@Invictus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Invictus)\ **Replies:** 59\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2012, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-god-real/625675 "2012-07-22T23:49:39Z")
Let us say there is a difference between real and existent mental objects - for example the Unicorn which has existence as a mental object, but is not real (ie does not correspond to physical reality). Now God, in vario… --- ## [What do we do when Iran drops the big one on...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-we-do-when-iran-drops-the-big-one-on/627485)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 275\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2012, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-do-we-do-when-iran-drops-the-big-one-on/627485 "2012-07-22T20:28:41Z")
Let’s assume for the sake of argument that Iran is indeed developing nuclear weapons (not a stretch) and that they possess the technology and resources to at least make a few Hiroshima-sized bombs (not a stretch). Let’s… --- ## [How much would the U.S. spend on "defense" if it was ONLY for defense](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-the-u-s-spend-on-defense-if-it-was-only-for-defense/626720)
**Author:** [@rogerbox](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rogerbox)\ **Replies:** 109\ **Last updated:** [July 22, 2012, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-would-the-u-s-spend-on-defense-if-it-was-only-for-defense/626720 "2012-07-22T17:22:04Z")
(awkward title, I know) Well, the department of war got changed to the Department of Defense. The country obviously cannot support paying for endless global warfare. It’s a joke to talk about cutting social security, … --- ## [Did anything good come out of the Vietnam War?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anything-good-come-out-of-the-vietnam-war/628437)
**Author:** [@Mr.Kobayashi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Kobayashi)\ **Replies:** 133\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2012, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-anything-good-come-out-of-the-vietnam-war/628437 "2012-07-21T14:36:22Z")
From an outsider’s perspective, it seems that U.S. involvement in south east Asia accomplished pretty much nothing aside from a colossal waste of lives, money and lasting damage to U.S. prestige. After all, the commies s… --- ## [Do angels have free will?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-angels-have-free-will/191785)
**Author:** [@kimera](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kimera)\ **Replies:** 139\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2012, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-angels-have-free-will/191785 "2012-07-21T13:44:54Z")
I didn’t want to hijack this thread. I, being raised a Catholic, was always told that angels had no free will. However, a quick search on google reveals the argument to have a lot of supports on either side. From what… --- ## [Is There A Problem With Canadian Human Rights?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-problem-with-canadian-human-rights/597540)
**Author:** [@Zeke\_N.Destroi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zeke_N.Destroi)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2012, 1:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-problem-with-canadian-human-rights/597540 "2012-07-21T13:04:16Z")
This thread brought to mind a problem that I’ve wrestled with for years - is human rights legislation written in such a way that it is too broad and open to abuse? Here’s a tiny bit o’ background on yours truly for cont… --- ## [What if the Soviet Union took steps to reform its economy exactly along the lines of China but...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-soviet-union-took-steps-to-reform-its-economy-exactly-along-the-lines-of-china-but/628602)
**Author:** [@supery00n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/supery00n)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2012, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-if-the-soviet-union-took-steps-to-reform-its-economy-exactly-along-the-lines-of-china-but/628602 "2012-07-21T05:05:31Z")
What would have happened if the Soviet Union 1) never invaded Afghanistan in December 1979, 2) Starting in 1980, enacted precisely the same economic reforms that China did, 3) harshly cracked down on any protests or othe… --- ## [Battleship versus Aircraft carrier: Out of ammo edition](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battleship-versus-aircraft-carrier-out-of-ammo-edition/628562)
**Author:** [@Mr.Slant](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Slant)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2012, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/battleship-versus-aircraft-carrier-out-of-ammo-edition/628562 "2012-07-21T03:53:37Z")
Credit for inspiration for this post, as well as for some of the text of this post, goes to bucketybuck for : Battleship versus Aircraft carrier - Great Debates - Straight Dope Message Board Who would be the likely winn… --- ## [THE ANNUNAKI, ANCIENT GODS, NIBIRU and Humans](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-annunaki-ancient-gods-nibiru-and-humans/628639)
**Author:** [@JMH125](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JMH125)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2012, 2:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-annunaki-ancient-gods-nibiru-and-humans/628639 "2012-07-21T02:17:42Z")
ok, discuss. http://www.zetatalk.com/index/blog0926.htm --- ## [Why I suspect it's unlikely we have free will, but the religious would not call me an atheist](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-suspect-its-unlikely-we-have-free-will-but-the-religious-would-not-call-me-an-atheist/628917)
**Author:** [@Simple\_Linctus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Linctus)\ **Replies:** 1\ **Last updated:** [July 21, 2012, 1:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-i-suspect-its-unlikely-we-have-free-will-but-the-religious-would-not-call-me-an-atheist/628917 "2012-07-21T01:12:41Z")
The other debate I started looks doomed without making a few things clear. I find it very unlikely that we have free will. Just like you, I feel as though I have it. But there are excellent reasons to think otherwise, a… --- ## [George Washington was Englands greatest military foe. I don't get it](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-washington-was-englands-greatest-military-foe-i-dont-get-it/618899)
**Author:** [@Wesley\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wesley_Clark)\ **Replies:** 82\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2012, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/george-washington-was-englands-greatest-military-foe-i-dont-get-it/618899 "2012-07-20T17:47:58Z")
According to about 70 historians in England, Washington was Englands greatest military foe. How was Washington a greater foe than Napoleon? Napoleon doubled the size of the US just by selling Louisiana. That doesn’t e… --- ## [Policy Proposal: 20% Discretionary Tax for Feedback](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/policy-proposal-20-discretionary-tax-for-feedback/628836)
**Author:** [@supery00n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/supery00n)\ **Replies:** 8\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2012, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/policy-proposal-20-discretionary-tax-for-feedback/628836 "2012-07-20T15:46:41Z")
Situation: We all want to reduce the deficit. Republicans don’t want to raise taxes, but maybe they will if we give them something… Proposal: Republicans are big on government accountability and fiscal responsibility, … --- ## [lawyer dopers, can a reasonable speed defense actually work?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawyer-dopers-can-a-reasonable-speed-defense-actually-work/627969)
**Author:** [@notsoheavyd3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/notsoheavyd3)\ **Replies:** 37\ **Last updated:** [July 20, 2012, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/lawyer-dopers-can-a-reasonable-speed-defense-actually-work/627969 "2012-07-20T03:20:36Z")
Not sure if this would be considered a “great debate” question or a general question. Anyway you could file this under “So you got a speeding ticket” under MPSIMS. So yes I got a speeding ticket recently. I was reading t… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=317) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=319)