# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=320 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 321 --- ## [Should the Justice Dept fight California's "Anti-Arizona" bill?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-justice-dept-fight-californias-anti-arizona-bill/627931)
**Author:** [@Nars\_Glinley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nars_Glinley)\ **Replies:** 21\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2012, 8:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-the-justice-dept-fight-californias-anti-arizona-bill/627931 "2012-07-14T20:04:45Z")
In partial response to Arizona’s stance on immigration, a bill has been introduced in the California state legislature that, among other things, would limit local law enforcement’s participation in the Secure Communities… --- ## [Judaism - Christianity - Islam](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judaism-christianity-islam/628045)
**Author:** [@RabbitRun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RabbitRun)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2012, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judaism-christianity-islam/628045 "2012-07-14T10:38:01Z")
These three religions, in the vast majority of their official doctrines, are mutually contradictory. For example, Christians of all denominations believe that belief in Jesus as savior is required for salvation. Judaism … --- ## [Racism: A bit too obvious??](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racism-a-bit-too-obvious/626905)
**Author:** [@L.mo5rg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/L.mo5rg)\ **Replies:** 34\ **Last updated:** [July 14, 2012, 8:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/racism-a-bit-too-obvious/626905 "2012-07-14T08:16:12Z")
So me and my friends were going to this theme-park, and it was a speciall halowwen themed night. They had a “random” search at the door. I was the only non-white person among my friends and I got randomly searched, every… --- ## [Is it worth it to try and remove monuments and names honoring white supremacists?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-worth-it-to-try-and-remove-monuments-and-names-honoring-white-supremacists/626258)
**Author:** [@iiandyiiii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iiandyiiii)\ **Replies:** 142\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2012, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-worth-it-to-try-and-remove-monuments-and-names-honoring-white-supremacists/626258 "2012-07-13T19:36:24Z")
Former South Carolina senator and governor Benjamin Tillmanhas a statue outside the South Carolina state house and buildings named after him at some SC universities. He said this, never repenting (from what I’ve been ab… --- ## [My Racist Rant On Universalism!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-racist-rant-on-universalism/628121)
**Author:** [@EnlightenedOne](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EnlightenedOne)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [July 13, 2012, 6:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/my-racist-rant-on-universalism/628121 "2012-07-13T18:07:15Z")
The reason racism exists because of our Universalist mindset, we should all obey nature’s highest law, which is the preservation of one’s own kind just like other mammals and not to mix together because each race is gene… --- ## [Hilaire Belloc's The Servile State](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilaire-bellocs-the-servile-state/627819)
**Author:** [@Lumpy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lumpy)\ **Replies:** 19\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2012, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hilaire-bellocs-the-servile-state/627819 "2012-07-12T22:54:12Z")
I’ve recently found this book and was so impressed by it that after mentioning it a few times in the libertarian threads, I decided it was high time to have a discussion thread devoted to it. For starters, read or downlo… --- ## [ethanol-truth](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethanol-truth/627634)
**Author:** [@stosh](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stosh)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2012, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/ethanol-truth/627634 "2012-07-12T16:40:52Z")
HI there, Does anyone out there know the truth about ethanol ? one side says it will save america and the other side says it takes more energy to produce than you get out of it. --- ## [SCOTUS's decision on The Health Care Law 6/28/12](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotuss-decision-on-the-health-care-law-6-28-12/626499)
**Author:** [@John\_Mace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Mace)\ **Replies:** 590\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2012, 4:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/scotuss-decision-on-the-health-care-law-6-28-12/626499 "2012-07-12T16:38:33Z")
OK, it’s not until tomorrow, but we might as well jump in now. Any thoughts in anticipation? I think this is a tough one. I can’t imagine they will throw out the entire law, but the mandate? I can see them upholding … --- ## [Libertarian system for money](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-system-for-money/591593)
**Author:** [@Mighty\_Mouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mighty_Mouse)\ **Replies:** 71\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2012, 3:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/libertarian-system-for-money/591593 "2012-07-12T15:49:52Z")
I suppose I could have started this in General Questions, but since by post #5 it would have to be moved anyway, I figure I will save the mods a step. Rather than hijack this thread I’ll start this new one. How do libe… --- ## [Have conservatives historically most often been on the wrong side of history?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-conservatives-historically-most-often-been-on-the-wrong-side-of-history/627507)
**Author:** [@Polerius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Polerius)\ **Replies:** 200\ **Last updated:** [July 12, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-conservatives-historically-most-often-been-on-the-wrong-side-of-history/627507 "2012-07-12T00:25:15Z")
Abolishment of slavery, women’s right to vote, women’s rights in general, minority rights, interracial marriages, etc, were all things that, if you were a social conservative of the day, you would not have liked to see h… --- ## [Does Anyone Believe Sexual Preference is 100% Genetic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-believe-sexual-preference-is-100-genetic/627100)
**Author:** [@NojNoj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NojNoj)\ **Replies:** 167\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2012, 1:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-anyone-believe-sexual-preference-is-100-genetic/627100 "2012-07-11T13:18:23Z")
This idea became a talking point of gay rights groups, and quickly become a widespread talking point of “enlightened” liberals everywhere. As far as I know there’s no real scientific basis for (a few studies with very s… --- ## [How much is "Any amount less than $100" worth?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-any-amount-less-than-100-worth/627556)
**Author:** [@Indistinguishable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indistinguishable)\ **Replies:** 45\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2012, 2:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-much-is-any-amount-less-than-100-worth/627556 "2012-07-11T02:43:50Z")
Just a silly philosophical riddle/paradox, but people seem to like to discuss these sometimes. Suppose there were a kind of ticket which could be redeemed once for any amount the owner likes up to, but not including, $1… --- ## [Medical Advances weighed against Equality of Medical Care](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-advances-weighed-against-equality-of-medical-care/627211)
**Author:** [@Frylock](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Frylock)\ **Replies:** 17\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2012, 12:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/medical-advances-weighed-against-equality-of-medical-care/627211 "2012-07-11T00:39:46Z")
Medical knowledge advances at a certain rate. Is it reasonable to allow that rate to slow, in exchange for making sure that quality of medical care is distributed more evenly between people at different socioeconomic lev… --- ## [Should free Public Libraries remain free?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-free-public-libraries-remain-free/627654)
**Author:** [@flatlined](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flatlined)\ **Replies:** 62\ **Last updated:** [July 11, 2012, 12:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-free-public-libraries-remain-free/627654 "2012-07-11T00:18:54Z")
I’m not sure if I should have put this here or IMHO. If this is the wrong place, would a Mod please move it? One of the local council members wants to make our wonderful Public Library into a paying concern. He has di… --- ## [Will the LIBOR banking scandal manage to finally force banking reform in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-libor-banking-scandal-manage-to-finally-force-banking-reform-in-the-us/627270)
**Author:** [@Whack-a-Mole](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Whack-a-Mole)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2012, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/will-the-libor-banking-scandal-manage-to-finally-force-banking-reform-in-the-us/627270 "2012-07-10T15:42:49Z")
I know this is not getting much attention in the US media (some but so far, as some pundits have noted, headline news seems more concerned about Tom and Katie getting divorced). However, this distinctly qualifies as a B… --- ## [Muni bonds scandal. Same scale as the LIBOR scandal?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muni-bonds-scandal-same-scale-as-the-libor-scandal/627780)
**Author:** [@davidm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/davidm)\ **Replies:** 4\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2012, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/muni-bonds-scandal-same-scale-as-the-libor-scandal/627780 "2012-07-10T15:42:22Z")
I don’t see another thread on this and it definitely seems to be worth discussing. It seems to be getting even less press than the LIBOR thing. What the hell can you trust anymore? --- ## [What is the motivation of China's manned space program?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-motivation-of-chinas-manned-space-program/589329)
**Author:** [@coremelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/coremelt)\ **Replies:** 166\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2012, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-motivation-of-chinas-manned-space-program/589329 "2012-07-10T02:36:45Z")
Now that the US has called it quits, China seems to have the most interesting space program. Russia doesn’t seem to be developing beyond their current capabilities. And that’s not likely to change anytime soon, EU and … --- ## [Liberals: defend the mandate!](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-defend-the-mandate/626661)
**Author:** [@jackdavinci](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jackdavinci)\ **Replies:** 145\ **Last updated:** [July 10, 2012, 12:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/liberals-defend-the-mandate/626661 "2012-07-10T00:04:35Z")
I’m usually open to giving the benefit of the doubt, and am loathe to accept that lofty Supreme Court justices will actually render verdicts solely based on party lines, but it’s not looking good. Not at all! I’m a gene… --- ## [The filibuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-filibuster/626633)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2012, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-filibuster/626633 "2012-07-09T23:19:42Z")
In this post, Bricker rather snidely, and with an implied but deniable dash of come-see-the-liberal-hypocrisy, asks what people think about the filibuster. And it’s an interesting topic. I have two questions: (a) It’s… --- ## [Universal Healthcare](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-healthcare/627517)
**Author:** [@sweeteviljesus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sweeteviljesus)\ **Replies:** 50\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2012, 10:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/universal-healthcare/627517 "2012-07-09T22:04:07Z")
I am often irked at liberals who couch their arguments in favor of universal healthcare in terms of morals. I don’t know that I believe it’s a basic human right (although I definitely don’t support letting people bleed … --- ## [What would be the negative effects of banning pornography?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-negative-effects-of-banning-pornography/626013)
**Author:** [@supery00n](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/supery00n)\ **Replies:** 113\ **Last updated:** [July 9, 2012, 3:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-negative-effects-of-banning-pornography/626013 "2012-07-09T15:28:56Z")
It is my opinion that pornography in all its forms should be made illegal. It’s simply unnatural, and it’s not good for our culture and a healthy mind. I love freedom of speech and expression, but the first amendment i… --- ## [Healthcare: reducing the question to the nitty-gritty](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/healthcare-reducing-the-question-to-the-nitty-gritty/627617)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [July 8, 2012, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/healthcare-reducing-the-question-to-the-nitty-gritty/627617 "2012-07-08T19:38:59Z")
Fact (NO CITATION, neener neener neener): In the US, a given number of people die because they are unable to afford the healthcare that would keep them alive. How large or small the number is a matter for debate, and unl… --- ## [Turkey and Syria Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkey-and-syria-questions/626610)
**Author:** [@Darth\_Ayebaw](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Darth_Ayebaw)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 6:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/turkey-and-syria-questions/626610 "2012-07-07T18:04:31Z")
According to this article (Turkey PM Erdogan issues Syria border warning - BBC News), Turkey has invoked Article 4 of NATOs founding treaty. Turkey is also moving troops and equipment to further secure their border. W… --- ## [Productivity Increases Not Tracked By Leisure Increases](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/productivity-increases-not-tracked-by-leisure-increases/627262)
**Author:** [@Indistinguishable](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Indistinguishable)\ **Replies:** 88\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 5:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/productivity-increases-not-tracked-by-leisure-increases/627262 "2012-07-07T17:36:47Z")
There’s a NY Times article by Tim Kreider currently making the rounds about “The Busy Trap”, in which reference is made to a column by Ted Rall on a basic income guarantee, in which a quotation is taken from Erik Rauch’s… --- ## [A radical idea: put down the rotten fruit, please \[Universal safety net proposal\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-radical-idea-put-down-the-rotten-fruit-please-universal-safety-net-proposal/627191)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 60\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 3:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-radical-idea-put-down-the-rotten-fruit-please-universal-safety-net-proposal/627191 "2012-07-07T15:21:37Z")
I’ve been met with a firestorm of rabid criticism by everyone that I have ever suggested this idea to: it apparently deeply offends the psyche of many, or possibly wounds them at the DNA level. To wit: Premise: That bei… --- ## [Gas prices: to what extent...](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gas-prices-to-what-extent/627471)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 33\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 1:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gas-prices-to-what-extent/627471 "2012-07-07T13:48:13Z")
In your opinion, to what extent are gas prices influenced by: a) The costs of exploration, extraction, refining, transportation, and marketing–in other words, the costs that we “classically” think should drive the price… --- ## [Is America the greatest country on Earth, and why?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-america-the-greatest-country-on-earth-and-why/626836)
**Author:** [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Replies:** 210\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 10:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-america-the-greatest-country-on-earth-and-why/626836 "2012-07-07T10:25:06Z")
There is a clip from Aaron Sorkin’s new series The Newsroom that is going viral. Here’s a link, but please know that not safe for work due to language. Not having seen the show I don’t know who the character’s are, but… --- ## [So we've achieved immortality -- control breeding?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-weve-achieved-immortality-control-breeding/626984)
**Author:** [@Jragon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jragon)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 8:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/so-weve-achieved-immortality-control-breeding/626984 "2012-07-07T08:30:10Z")
So our alien benefactors have seen fit to give us immortality. I mean, you can die by getting shot, drowning, etc still, but natural every-day wear and tear (be that of the DNA or organs) won’t kill you. For hypothetical… --- ## [Guaranteed safety net and a regressive tax](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guaranteed-safety-net-and-a-regressive-tax/627427)
**Author:** [@greenslime1951](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/greenslime1951)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 7:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/guaranteed-safety-net-and-a-regressive-tax/627427 "2012-07-07T07:28:07Z")
In another thread, I put forth the idea of a guaranteed safety net for all Americans, in the form of government-issued food, clothing, shelter, and medical care for everyone. (Period.) I postulated that this could be pai… --- ## [Why do GOP Presidents do a poor job of picking justices?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gop-presidents-do-a-poor-job-of-picking-justices/626618)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [July 7, 2012, 2:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-do-gop-presidents-do-a-poor-job-of-picking-justices/626618 "2012-07-07T02:42:25Z")
But Dem Presidents are solid? By “poor job” I mean ideologically inconsistent. In recent years, GOP Presidents have picked O’Connor, Kennedy, Souter, and now Roberts against Scalia, Thomas, and Alito. 3/7 In contrast … [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=319) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=321)