# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=324 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 325 --- ## [How do we put more power in the hands of the US people? \[ed. title\]](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-put-more-power-in-the-hands-of-the-us-people-ed-title/624832)
**Author:** [@Nunzio\_Tavulari](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nunzio_Tavulari)\ **Replies:** 25\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2012, 2:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-we-put-more-power-in-the-hands-of-the-us-people-ed-title/624832 "2012-06-19T14:31:47Z")
Twenty-five years from now, networked computers will be as ubiquitous as toasters. I imagine that will make the Electoral College obsolete and give the people the ability to control their Congressmen rather than the lo… --- ## [Is there a disconnect between Republican politics and financial/business interests?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-disconnect-between-republican-politics-and-financial-business-interests/624961)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 19, 2012, 1:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-a-disconnect-between-republican-politics-and-financial-business-interests/624961 "2012-06-19T01:16:11Z")
I was reading this LA Times article, and something struck me: it seems to be saying that Wall Street thinks government stimulus is good. Yet Republicans, who are stereotyped as being in the pocket of said Wall Street, f… --- ## [Romney's voucher system for schools](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romneys-voucher-system-for-schools/624919)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 193\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2012, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/romneys-voucher-system-for-schools/624919 "2012-06-18T23:08:26Z")
Do you think this is just another way to keep the rich rich and the poor poor? What do you think is good/bad about this plan? What is a better solution? --- ## [Would Christians Who Are Against Birth Control Be Okay With This?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-christians-who-are-against-birth-control-be-okay-with-this/625183)
**Author:** [@Gestalt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gestalt)\ **Replies:** 38\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2012, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-christians-who-are-against-birth-control-be-okay-with-this/625183 "2012-06-18T22:38:10Z")
Scenario: 75-year-old man is recently widowed, and takes a young 30-year-old never-married woman as his second wife. So far all of this is kosher (no pun intended) with all major denominations of Christianity, right? Let… --- ## [Could a modern society exist with only the traditional judge-made British Common Law?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-modern-society-exist-with-only-the-traditional-judge-made-british-common-law/624036)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2012, 10:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/could-a-modern-society-exist-with-only-the-traditional-judge-made-british-common-law/624036 "2012-06-18T22:30:01Z")
Here’s a question especially for you law gurus. British Common Law as established by judges in the Middle Ages is the underpinning for the legal systems of most of the English speaking world, including the UK, Ireland, … --- ## [Boxing and Christianity - are they compatible?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxing-and-christianity-are-they-compatible/625449)
**Author:** [@SomeBodyUK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SomeBodyUK)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2012, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/boxing-and-christianity-are-they-compatible/625449 "2012-06-18T15:16:04Z")
I’ve often heard boxers talk about their faith - e.g. Manny Pacquiao He claims to be a devout Christian. For a living, he beats up other men for money…is this compatible with the teachings of Christ? --- ## [Sex Selective Abortions - What's the scoop?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-selective-abortions-whats-the-scoop/624043)
**Author:** [@Jonathan\_Chance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jonathan_Chance)\ **Replies:** 75\ **Last updated:** [June 18, 2012, 11:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/sex-selective-abortions-whats-the-scoop/624043 "2012-06-18T11:37:42Z")
So my old nemesis, Obama=Hitler Guy is back. This time it’s about Sex Selective Abortion. Clearly, I was off doing something else when this issue cropped up. Did I miss something and girls are being aborted at a highe… --- ## [Does Romney want to cut spending for teaches, police, and first responders?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-romney-want-to-cut-spending-for-teaches-police-and-first-responders/624827)
**Author:** [@PaulEdwardWagemann](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PaulEdwardWagemann)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2012, 3:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-romney-want-to-cut-spending-for-teaches-police-and-first-responders/624827 "2012-06-17T15:13:23Z")
Has he denied that he would do this? He talks about cutting government spending, but exactly WHAT goverment spending is he saying he will cut??? He supports Scott Walker so does that mean he supports cutting funding fo… --- ## [How long would slavery have lasted in the Confederacy?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-slavery-have-lasted-in-the-confederacy/368496)
**Author:** [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Replies:** 105\ **Last updated:** [June 17, 2012, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-long-would-slavery-have-lasted-in-the-confederacy/368496 "2012-06-17T00:13:14Z")
If the south won the Civil War how long would slavery have really lasted? Slavery was already a dying institution and condemed by international opinion. I can’t see it surviving past 1900. Would the CSA compenstate slav… --- ## [Why isn't the WI recall result being considered a big win for teachers?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-wi-recall-result-being-considered-a-big-win-for-teachers/624272)
**Author:** [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Replies:** 148\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2012, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-isnt-the-wi-recall-result-being-considered-a-big-win-for-teachers/624272 "2012-06-16T13:22:39Z")
As I understand it, the most controversial aspect of the WI legislation that Walker pushed through was the ban on automatic union dues and PAC contributions being deducted from teacher’s salaries. This doesn’t eliminate… --- ## [House Dems propose raising minimum wage from $7.25/hr to $10](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-dems-propose-raising-minimum-wage-from-7-25-hr-to-10/624401)
**Author:** [@BrainGlutton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrainGlutton)\ **Replies:** 208\ **Last updated:** [June 16, 2012, 12:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/house-dems-propose-raising-minimum-wage-from-7-25-hr-to-10/624401 "2012-06-16T12:45:29Z")
And indexing future increases to the Consumer Price Index. More in The Nation. (Meanwhile, in NY, Gov. Cuomo despairs of getting the state minimum waged hiked even from $7.50 to $8.50, despite polls showing 78% suppor… --- ## ["Dead Newspapers Kill Democracy Dead"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-newspapers-kill-democracy-dead/625055)
**Author:** [@Leaper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Leaper)\ **Replies:** 15\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2012, 5:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/dead-newspapers-kill-democracy-dead/625055 "2012-06-15T17:39:14Z")
So says this Salon op-ed. Certainly having one less large media source makes echo chamber-ism more likely. But is it really as bad as the editor (and the columnist he quotes) thinks? --- ## [Is the Middle Class really disappearing?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-middle-class-really-disappearing/625177)
**Author:** [@msmith537](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msmith537)\ **Replies:** 14\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2012, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-middle-class-really-disappearing/625177 "2012-06-15T16:59:41Z")
It seems to have become an accepted political “fact” that the American Middle Class is disappearing. People act like this is a new thing, but I have been hearing this since the 70s. Is it actually true? For one thing,… --- ## [Obama and the Trans-Pacific Trade Agreement: Should I be outraged?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-the-trans-pacific-trade-agreement-should-i-be-outraged/625234)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 3\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2012, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/obama-and-the-trans-pacific-trade-agreement-should-i-be-outraged/625234 "2012-06-15T14:24:32Z")
First of all, the story which has gained traction in the Blogosphere: This is pretty serious accusations. Taken on face value, it claims that Obama - supposedly the best hope the middle class has - is just as in bed wi… --- ## [Being "Born Again" Linked to Brain Atrophy](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-born-again-linked-to-brain-atrophy/625048)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2012, 9:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/being-born-again-linked-to-brain-atrophy/625048 "2012-06-15T09:52:45Z")
Assuming these findings are true, the debate would be the cause and effect - does a decreased brain size make one more susceptible to religious indoctrination or once indoctrinated does the brain waste away from disuse? … --- ## [Is it time to reevaluate our approach to "human rights?"](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-to-reevaluate-our-approach-to-human-rights/624559)
**Author:** [@Inigo\_Montoya](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inigo_Montoya)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2012, 6:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-to-reevaluate-our-approach-to-human-rights/624559 "2012-06-15T06:45:06Z")
Disclaimer: this is not a bizarre Inigo thread. It will be safe to assume I’m not joking at any point in this thread. Conversation starter. Now, assuming the science is correct and that humans are in fact responsible … --- ## [Zimmerman's charged with perjury](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zimmermans-charged-with-perjury/624975)
**Author:** [@rat\_avatar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rat_avatar)\ **Replies:** 117\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2012, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zimmermans-charged-with-perjury/624975 "2012-06-15T02:54:56Z")
Shellie Zimmerman that is. I don’t want this thread to be about the Martin/Zimmerman case as it is only tangentially related but I don’t quite understand why someone would commit perjury for their spouse. Sure support … --- ## [A brilliant tax move by Facebook co-founder](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-brilliant-tax-move-by-facebook-co-founder/621658)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 141\ **Last updated:** [June 15, 2012, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/a-brilliant-tax-move-by-facebook-co-founder/621658 "2012-06-15T02:07:29Z")
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-05-11/facebook-co-founder-saverin-gives-up-u-s-citizenship-before-ipo.html Will save him a few hundred mil. --- ## [If You've Ever Sold a Used iPod, You May Have Violated Copyright Law](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youve-ever-sold-a-used-ipod-you-may-have-violated-copyright-law/625050)
**Author:** [@John\_Stamos\_Left\_Ear](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Stamos_Left_Ear)\ **Replies:** 18\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2012, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-youve-ever-sold-a-used-ipod-you-may-have-violated-copyright-law/625050 "2012-06-14T19:05:06Z")
The article goes onto explain that “Three courts came out three different ways because the language of the law is confusing and it appears to lead to “absurd” results (in the Ninth Circuit’s words).” This seems… well, … --- ## [When is a Catholic no longer a Catholic?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-a-catholic-no-longer-a-catholic/614846)
**Author:** [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Replies:** 190\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2012, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/when-is-a-catholic-no-longer-a-catholic/614846 "2012-06-14T18:09:52Z")
This is an off-shoot of another thread, in which various posters discussed what part of their religion’s dogma they do not personally follow/believe in. A few posters called themselves Catholic, but said they didn’t bel… --- ## [What would be the economic impact of a major meteor strike?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-economic-impact-of-a-major-meteor-strike/625031)
**Author:** [@Quartz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quartz)\ **Replies:** 11\ **Last updated:** [June 14, 2012, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-would-be-the-economic-impact-of-a-major-meteor-strike/625031 "2012-06-14T17:55:59Z")
Imagine that a disintegrated asteroid runs into the Earth. It’s high summer in the northern hemisphere. A huge swathe from Sakhalin through India to Gabon gets bombarded. There are multiple impacts in the 100 MT range. C… --- ## [Growth of Pro-Life Movement?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growth-of-pro-life-movement/622920)
**Author:** [@Qin\_Shi\_Huangdi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qin_Shi_Huangdi)\ **Replies:** 162\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2012, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/growth-of-pro-life-movement/622920 "2012-06-12T20:41:26Z")
According to some polls, “pro-choice” beliefs are at an alltime low: http://news.yahoo.com/pro-choice-americans-record-low-poll-finds-162145636–abc-news-politics.html So without getting into a debate on the ethics of ab… --- ## [Do the flaws in electronic voting machines render American elections unreliable?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-flaws-in-electronic-voting-machines-render-american-elections-unreliable/624558)
**Author:** [@blindboyard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blindboyard)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2012, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/do-the-flaws-in-electronic-voting-machines-render-american-elections-unreliable/624558 "2012-06-12T14:50:27Z")
So this thread on slashdot about a supposedly overheating voting machine deciding to cast a load of votes for one of the candidates of it’s own bat. Following stories like this about technical faults remaining unpatched … --- ## [If an omnimax god had created us, we would be born with the knowledge of its existence](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-an-omnimax-god-had-created-us-we-would-be-born-with-the-knowledge-of-its-existence/624499)
**Author:** [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Replies:** 24\ **Last updated:** [June 12, 2012, 5:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/if-an-omnimax-god-had-created-us-we-would-be-born-with-the-knowledge-of-its-existence/624499 "2012-06-12T05:05:18Z")
I’ve thrown this out before in venues less conducive to debate, so I’d like to hear opinions of this: If an omnimax (omnipotent, omniscient, omnibenevolent) deity had created us, we would be born with knowledge of its e… --- ## [Did Obama snub Walesa?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-obama-snub-walesa/624722)
**Author:** [@sciurophobic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sciurophobic)\ **Replies:** 7\ **Last updated:** [June 11, 2012, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-obama-snub-walesa/624722 "2012-06-11T15:58:31Z")
Apparently the White House refused to let Lech Walesa accept the Presidential Medal of Freedom on behalf of Jan Karski, a leader of the Polish underground during World War II, claiming that Walesa was “too political”. M… --- ## [What is the 'proper' outcome of an election?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-outcome-of-an-election/623409)
**Author:** [@MaxTheVool](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MaxTheVool)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2012, 10:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-the-proper-outcome-of-an-election/623409 "2012-06-09T22:25:16Z")
This is a kind of a weird topic, so please read what I’m actually asking before you start responding. In particular, I’m NOT talking about any actual real world election, past or present. And while some examples in this … --- ## [Nah, CBS news division is not in Obama's pocket](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nah-cbs-news-division-is-not-in-obamas-pocket/624465)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 53\ **Last updated:** [June 9, 2012, 2:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nah-cbs-news-division-is-not-in-obamas-pocket/624465 "2012-06-09T14:24:26Z")
Before the event began, a long line of partygoers waited on the sidewalk outside the hotel to check in. CBS chief Les Moonves and his wife, Julie Chen, waited patiently for their wristbands. Obama, Moonves said, “has s… --- ## [Resolved: Market-based solutions aren't enough to ensure non-discrimination](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-market-based-solutions-arent-enough-to-ensure-non-discrimination/624368)
**Author:** [@Bpelta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bpelta)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2012, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/resolved-market-based-solutions-arent-enough-to-ensure-non-discrimination/624368 "2012-06-08T22:46:51Z")
This article from Reason Magazine is getting some traction. The author discusses a recent court case lost by a wedding photo company where they were sued for not doing gay marriages. The author argues that companies whic… --- ## [Is Big Government or Big Banks the problem? Both? Neither? A skew?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-big-government-or-big-banks-the-problem-both-neither-a-skew/624318)
**Author:** [@FixMyIgnorance](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FixMyIgnorance)\ **Replies:** 6\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2012, 2:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-big-government-or-big-banks-the-problem-both-neither-a-skew/624318 "2012-06-08T14:42:42Z")
I always tend to see the news (and politics) polarize around this issue as if this is the primary, core, dual-prong dialectic. However, is it really a false dialectic? Both Sides - SMBC Theater - YouTube (SMBC video mak… --- ## [Atheist Dopers who've attended AA/NA/OA/&c.: What's your higher power?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dopers-whove-attended-aa-na-oa-c-whats-your-higher-power/623318)
**Author:** [@BomTek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BomTek)\ **Replies:** 49\ **Last updated:** [June 8, 2012, 4:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/atheist-dopers-whove-attended-aa-na-oa-c-whats-your-higher-power/623318 "2012-06-08T04:04:08Z")
I think the question is fairly self-explanatory, but I suppose a little background is in order… I recently had a shitload of stress pile up on me, at which point I started formulating a suicide plan. My wife knew somethi… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=323) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=325)