# Great Debates **URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=332 [Latest](https://boards.straightdope.com/latest.md) · [Categories](https://boards.straightdope.com/categories.md) · [Tags](https://boards.straightdope.com/tags.md) **Page:** 333 --- ## [Should Charles Manson be released?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-charles-manson-be-released/617920)
**Author:** [@Mr.Excellent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Excellent)\ **Replies:** 177\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2012, 11:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-charles-manson-be-released/617920 "2012-04-20T23:16:01Z")
Evidently, he is once again eligible for parole. Archive blogs I don’t see a terribly compelling argument against parole, myself. I mean, what’s he going to do? Manson’s an old man who’ll probably live the rest of his l… --- ## [Should citizenship be based on biological parentage in cases of sperm/egg donation?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-citizenship-be-based-on-biological-parentage-in-cases-of-sperm-egg-donation/619188)
**Author:** [@psychobunny](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychobunny)\ **Replies:** 9\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2012, 8:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-citizenship-be-based-on-biological-parentage-in-cases-of-sperm-egg-donation/619188 "2012-04-20T08:18:55Z")
This question relates to this case. In brief, an American woman living in Israel uses egg and sperm donors for IVF. She has twins. When she applies for US citizenship for her children, she is informed that the childre… --- ## [Is the USA in decline?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-usa-in-decline/619367)
**Author:** [@Eric\_the\_Green](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eric_the_Green)\ **Replies:** 2\ **Last updated:** [April 20, 2012, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-the-usa-in-decline/619367 "2012-04-20T04:11:51Z")
Time to Start Thinking is a book destined to spark debate among liberals and conservatives alike. Drawing on his decades of exceptional journalism and his connections within Washington and around the world, Luce advances… --- ## [Helicopter parenting has been around for a while.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-parenting-has-been-around-for-a-while/617850)
**Author:** [@blueslipper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blueslipper)\ **Replies:** 63\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2012, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/helicopter-parenting-has-been-around-for-a-while/617850 "2012-04-19T20:16:50Z")
There must now be adults who have been overparented. What is the result of all that overparenting? Are all those adults screwed up? Are they successful in life? --- ## [Zimmerman/Martin case...is this why the founding fathers wanted a grand jury?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zimmerman-martin-case-is-this-why-the-founding-fathers-wanted-a-grand-jury/618725)
**Author:** [@UltraVires](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/UltraVires)\ **Replies:** 39\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2012, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/zimmerman-martin-case-is-this-why-the-founding-fathers-wanted-a-grand-jury/618725 "2012-04-19T16:37:58Z")
Subject says it all. Could it be that the prosecutor with political motivations wanted to charge Zimmerman for fear that Al Sharpton would torch the community when members of the community wouldn’t, left to their own g… --- ## [Circumcision Lawsuit](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-lawsuit/150443)
**Author:** [@IzzyR](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/IzzyR)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 19, 2012, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/circumcision-lawsuit/150443 "2012-04-19T14:36:16Z")
Circumcision Opponents Use the Legal System and Legislatures I find this to be more of a legal issue than a circumcision issue. Can a person sue someone for failing to change their mind, for failing to tell them “eno… --- ## [Martin Luther King was conservative](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-luther-king-was-conservative/618839)
**Author:** [@monstro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/monstro)\ **Replies:** 56\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2012, 11:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/martin-luther-king-was-conservative/618839 "2012-04-18T23:05:45Z")
I have always heard this line trotted out, and I decided to dive into the internet to find something that articulates this view: From http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/2006/01/martin-luther-kings-conservative-leg… --- ## [What typified the decades of the 1980's and 1990's?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-typified-the-decades-of-the-1980s-and-1990s/617696)
**Author:** [@robert\_columbia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/robert_columbia)\ **Replies:** 85\ **Last updated:** [April 18, 2012, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-typified-the-decades-of-the-1980s-and-1990s/617696 "2012-04-18T02:21:22Z")
Other decades have their stereotypes. The 1920’s (Roaring Twenties) is associated with partay-time, loosening of social rules, and widespread lawlessness. The 1930’s is associated with frugality and economic trauma. I… --- ## [Eating Meat is Ethical/Unethical](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-meat-is-ethical-unethical/617064)
**Author:** [@Trust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Trust)\ **Replies:** 409\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2012, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/eating-meat-is-ethical-unethical/617064 "2012-04-17T20:54:31Z")
To me this seems an open and shut case. I evaluate this based on three ethical principles. The Golden Rule. To treat others how we would want to be treated if we were them. There are some pretty crazy people out the… --- ## [No law should ever have a religious exemption.](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-law-should-ever-have-a-religious-exemption/618643)
**Author:** [@Grumman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grumman)\ **Replies:** 61\ **Last updated:** [April 17, 2012, 6:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/no-law-should-ever-have-a-religious-exemption/618643 "2012-04-17T18:05:31Z")
Something I just mentioned in another thread, and a belief I’ve held for a long time, is that all laws that provide exceptions for specific religions are inherently unjust. In short, if you’re willing to make an excepti… --- ## [Should we abolish the EPA?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-abolish-the-epa/592888)
**Author:** [@Machine\_Elf](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Machine_Elf)\ **Replies:** 125\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2012, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/should-we-abolish-the-epa/592888 "2012-04-16T20:28:26Z")
Michelle Bachmann and other conservative candidates like this one have been railing against the EPA for some time, proposing that it has outlived its usefulness (or is even wrecking the economy by excessive regulation th… --- ## [Another proposed constitutional amendment](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-proposed-constitutional-amendment/618746)
**Author:** [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Replies:** 72\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2012, 6:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/another-proposed-constitutional-amendment/618746 "2012-04-16T18:34:19Z")
The rights enumerated in this Constitution, shall not be construed to extend to the spending of moneys by persons campaigning for office under the United States or the several states, or spending of moneys by third par… --- ## [What really defines greed?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-defines-greed/618582)
**Author:** [@tullsterx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tullsterx)\ **Replies:** 32\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2012, 12:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-really-defines-greed/618582 "2012-04-16T12:53:40Z")
So, what is greed anyway? When does a person who is driven to succeed, or who is just interested in taking care of #1 (and who isn’t to some extent), become a greedy-sneed? A friend and I were discussing this, and his o… --- ## [How do Obama voters feel about his record on foreign policy and civil liberties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-obama-voters-feel-about-his-record-on-foreign-policy-and-civil-liberties/618068)
**Author:** [@ITR\_champion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ITR_champion)\ **Replies:** 58\ **Last updated:** [April 16, 2012, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/how-do-obama-voters-feel-about-his-record-on-foreign-policy-and-civil-liberties/618068 "2012-04-16T10:32:16Z")
As I said in this post, I voted for Obama in 2008, but will not be doing so in 2012 because of his dismal record on war, the Middle East, and civil liberties. Throughout his administration, national attention has focuse… --- ## [CDC says autism up 25% - what's up?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cdc-says-autism-up-25-whats-up/617213)
**Author:** [@Palo\_Verde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Palo_Verde)\ **Replies:** 20\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2012, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/cdc-says-autism-up-25-whats-up/617213 "2012-04-15T18:55:07Z")
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204\_162-57406450/cdc-sees-autism-rate-rise-25/?tag=cbsContent;cbsCarousel The last survey was 3 years ago, so according to this, the rate is up 25% in 3 years! What the heck is going on? I… --- ## [Did Bush W, make a gaffe towards SCOTUS?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-bush-w-make-a-gaffe-towards-scotus/618225)
**Author:** [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Replies:** 22\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2012, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/did-bush-w-make-a-gaffe-towards-scotus/618225 "2012-04-15T00:25:26Z")
With regards to Presient Obama’s gaffe towards the SCOTUS? I keep reading the comments on CNN. I know these folks aren’t exactly the smartest people in the world but I’ve read more than once: “The GOP never cried foul w… --- ## [Can Israel Determine the Next US President?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-israel-determine-the-next-us-president/618412)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 26\ **Last updated:** [April 15, 2012, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-israel-determine-the-next-us-president/618412 "2012-04-15T00:05:17Z")
I realize it will be impossible for some to see this as anything but anti-Semitic, but IMO this is a straightforward question about a unique set of circumstances in current politics: My premises: Obama wants to get re… --- ## [Are Marijuana users better drivers than non-users?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-marijuana-users-better-drivers-than-non-users/618558)
**Author:** [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Replies:** 27\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 9:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-marijuana-users-better-drivers-than-non-users/618558 "2012-04-14T21:29:18Z")
This study suggests that is the case. \[QUOTE= article\] In fact, a recent study shows that use of medical marijuana has caused traffic related fatalities to drop by up to nine percent in states that have legalized its u… --- ## [UK PM hopes to censor internet in the name of safety](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-pm-hopes-to-censor-internet-in-the-name-of-safety/618727)
**Author:** [@lavenderviolet](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lavenderviolet)\ **Replies:** 12\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 7:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/uk-pm-hopes-to-censor-internet-in-the-name-of-safety/618727 "2012-04-14T19:23:08Z")
An EFF activist discusses The UK government’s war on internet freedom: It is appalling to me how so often in the last few years individual freedoms have been threatened all in the name of “safety” (both in the US and … --- ## [Judicial Activism](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judicial-activism/617808)
**Author:** [@Fotheringay-Phipps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fotheringay-Phipps)\ **Replies:** 47\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/judicial-activism/617808 "2012-04-14T16:47:15Z")
President Obama ISTM that there’s a fundamental difference between 2 types of “judicial activism”, and it’s a mistake to lump them together. One type is where the courts deal with longstanding laws and practices. Noth… --- ## [I want privacy, so I shred and... then they go through my garbage anyway](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-privacy-so-i-shred-and-then-they-go-through-my-garbage-anyway/617760)
**Author:** [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\ **Replies:** 98\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-want-privacy-so-i-shred-and-then-they-go-through-my-garbage-anyway/617760 "2012-04-14T15:00:38Z")
Suppose I wish to be a private individual. So private, that I try to take care to shred all personal documents and avoid disposing of anything identifying in the thrash. This has its limits when it comes to DNA. The cop… --- ## [Study Shows Rich People Are Greedy and Lack Compassion](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-shows-rich-people-are-greedy-and-lack-compassion/618417)
**Author:** [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 5:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/study-shows-rich-people-are-greedy-and-lack-compassion/618417 "2012-04-14T05:14:10Z")
In one more iteration of the relentless meme that reality has a strong liberal bias,a study published in Scientific American demonstrates that wealthy people are more likely to be greedy, lack compassion and steal from o… --- ## [Is it Time to Require Unanimous Opinions to Overturn Laws?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-to-require-unanimous-opinions-to-overturn-laws/617937)
**Author:** [@2sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2sense)\ **Replies:** 43\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 2:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-it-time-to-require-unanimous-opinions-to-overturn-laws/617937 "2012-04-14T02:40:39Z")
Given the power of unelected judges and the bluntness with which those of both liberal and conservative persuasion have been swinging away with it is it time to require a unanimous opinion from all justices hearing the c… --- ## [Democracy dying in Michigan?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democracy-dying-in-michigan/618224)
**Author:** [@Inner\_Stickler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Inner_Stickler)\ **Replies:** 51\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/democracy-dying-in-michigan/618224 "2012-04-14T02:30:30Z")
I was on Reddit this morning and someone linked to this clip from Rachel Maddow. It’s 15 minutes long, plus a second clip that’s about a minute and a half long so I’ll try to write a short summation for those without th… --- ## [The Zimmerman/Martin case. Why so cleanly divided between the parties?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-zimmerman-martin-case-why-so-cleanly-divided-between-the-parties/617036)
**Author:** [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Replies:** 384\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-zimmerman-martin-case-why-so-cleanly-divided-between-the-parties/617036 "2012-04-14T02:22:33Z")
In following the “Neighborhood Shooter” story, one thing has really stood out for me- liberals are more likely to believe that Zimmerman shot Martin without provocation, while conservatives are more likely to believe tha… --- ## [Would You Suppress A Perfect Truth Serum?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-suppress-a-perfect-truth-serum/618405)
**Author:** [@TonySinclair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TonySinclair)\ **Replies:** 52\ **Last updated:** [April 14, 2012, 2:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/would-you-suppress-a-perfect-truth-serum/618405 "2012-04-14T02:07:28Z")
Suppose someone developed a perfect truth serum. Anyone taking it would be compelled to answer any question put to him as honestly as possible, i.e. not only would his statement be technically correct, but it would be h… --- ## [Appeals court fires back at Obama's comments on health care case](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appeals-court-fires-back-at-obamas-comments-on-health-care-case/617739)
**Author:** [@Terr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terr)\ **Replies:** 96\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2012, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/appeals-court-fires-back-at-obamas-comments-on-health-care-case/617739 "2012-04-13T21:49:58Z")
This is getting more and more fun. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504564\_162-57408827-504564/appeals-court-fires-back-at-obamas-comments-on-health-care-case/ CBS News) In the escalating battle between the administration a… --- ## [Does a meritocracy inevitably create enclaves of "idiocracy"?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-meritocracy-inevitably-create-enclaves-of-idiocracy/618451)
**Author:** [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Replies:** 55\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2012, 5:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-a-meritocracy-inevitably-create-enclaves-of-idiocracy/618451 "2012-04-13T05:02:54Z")
I recently read a TIME magazine article about a new book by Charles Murray, who co-authored the infamous book The Bell Curve, which had a chapter about race and IQ. His new book is called Coming Apart: The State of Whit… --- ## [Promote critical thinking? Or introduce religion into science class?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/promote-critical-thinking-or-introduce-religion-into-science-class/618443)
**Author:** [@Bemused](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bemused)\ **Replies:** 69\ **Last updated:** [April 13, 2012, 12:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/promote-critical-thinking-or-introduce-religion-into-science-class/618443 "2012-04-13T00:46:32Z")
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/mar/27/tennessee-evolution-bill-goes-to-bill-haslam/ Sooooo… The sponsors say this bill will “promote critical thinking” by allowing students to critique “scientific weaknesses”… --- ## [Is there more to the story on Matthew 27:50-53?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-more-to-the-story-on-matthew-27-50-53/617167)
**Author:** [@stpauler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/stpauler)\ **Replies:** 115\ **Last updated:** [April 12, 2012, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-there-more-to-the-story-on-matthew-27-50-53/617167 "2012-04-12T17:01:18Z")
Since Easter is coming up, I’ve been reading those parts of the Bible. Out of the four Gospels, only one mentions something really different: Matthew 27:50-53 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=331) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/c/great-debates/13.md?page=333)